Commercial Real Estate Legal Assistant – Chicago

About the Job

A growing Chicago law firm is seeking an experienced Commercial Real Estate Legal Assistant to support attorneys handling sophisticated real estate transactions and development projects in Chicago and nationwide.

The ideal candidate has substantial law firm or commercial real estate experience and is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of managing multiple transactions, deadlines, and closing requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support commercial real estate attorneys with transactions from contract through closing and post-closing.
• Manage real estate transaction files, closing checklists, critical dates, documents, and outstanding items.
• Collect, review, and organize due diligence materials, title commitments, surveys, leases, and other transaction documents.
• Prepare, revise, format, proofread, and organize legal correspondence and real estate documents.
• Coordinate signatures, execution copies, closing documents, and pre-closing and post-closing requirements.
• Communicate with clients, lenders, title companies, opposing counsel, and other transaction parties.
• Monitor deadlines and proactively follow up on outstanding documents and closing requirements.
• Maintain organized electronic files and provide day-to-day administrative support to the Real Estate practice group.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of real estate legal assistant, legal secretary, or real estate transaction experience.
• Experience supporting real estate closings and working with title, survey, due diligence, and transactional documents.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, anticipate attorneys’ needs, and follow matters through completion.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a willingness to assist colleagues when needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to quickly learn new legal technology and document-management systems.
• Commercial real estate law firm experience is strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $60,000–$80,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays