Real Estate Associate (Chicago)
DLA Piper
Chicago, IL · Posted August 27, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
See every open role at DLA Piper
More in Illinois job market · Professional Services & Consulting · Sales jobs
More roles at DLA Piper
- Legal Executive Assistant · New York, NY
- Manager, Strategic Finance & Market Analytics · Short Hills, NJ
- Attorney - Litigation (Miami) · Miami, FL
- Attorney - Litigation (Professional Track) · San Francisco, CA
- Sr. Corporate BD & Marketing Specialist · Palo Alto, CA
- Legal Executive Assistant · San Francisco, CA
Similar jobs
- PGIM Real Estate -Senior Director, Originations · PGIM Global High Yield Fund · Chicago, IL
- Commercial Real Estate Associate · Matthews International · Chicago, IL
- Real Estate & Title Operations Senior Specialist · Nexamp · Chicago, IL
- Analyst / Associate - Real Estate Investments · StepStone Group Real Estate · Chicago, IL
- Director, Global Real Estate · Littelfuse · Chicago, IL
- Junior Real Estate Associate · Atticus Recruiting · Chicago, IL
Where Chicago, IL ranks
Where Chicago, IL placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best cities for government pay after cost of living$146k · of 18
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Midwest684 jobs · of 51
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Great Lakes684 jobs · of 36
- #1Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Midwest1,140 openings · of 59
- #1Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Great Lakes1,140 openings · of 48
- #1Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the Midwest80 / 100 · of 20
Rankings about sales jobs
- Best cities for sales jobs #1 New York (2,774 openings)
- Best cities for sales pay after cost of living #1 Santa Clara ($175k)
- Most requested AI skills in sales jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (4.1%)
- AI tools named most often in sales jobs #1 Gong (0.93%)
- Employers with the most sales jobs #1 Charter Communications (389 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among real estate brokers, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for real estate brokers: 26% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.
Summary
DLA Piper's Real Estate practice is growing! We seek several Associates with 3-5 years of experience in general real estate transactions, including purchase and sale, joint venture and financing transactions. We seek candidates with immediately transferable skills and strong academic backgrounds from nationally recognized law schools as well as prior experience in a large or mid-sized law firm. This position is open to our Chicago office.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities as an Associate will vary based on level of experience and specific practice group.
Legal Research: Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
Legal Writing: Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
Case/Transaction Assistance and Management: Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while continuously demonstrating strong judgement.
Internal/External Client Interaction: Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly and with the utmost professionalism.
Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to support and develop innovative case/transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.
Attend, support, and participate in high-level legal activities including court hearings, depositions, negotiations, trials, etc.
Compliance: Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
Professional Development: Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
Firm Citizenship and Community Involvement: Engage in and contribute to; firm programs and initiatives; civic and professional organizations; pro bono work by providing legal assistance to underserved and underrepresented communities.
Desired Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail. Good business and professional judgment. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively and independently. Conceptual thinking. Persuasive communication. Management skills.
Minimum Education
JD
Certifications
Admitted to practice in the state of Illinois.
Minimum Years of Experience
3
Essential Job Expectations
While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:
Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties;
Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner;
Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product;
Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required;
Foster positive work relationships;
Comply with all firm policies and practices;
Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed;
Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment;
Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.
Physical Demands Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Work Environment-The firm's work location requirements may be modified at the firm's discretion
Hybrid - Regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home
Disclaimer
The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.
Application Process: Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact RealEstateTalent@us.dlapiper.com .
Search Firms
Per the terms of our agreement, all candidates must be submitted through the firm’s agency portal for consideration. If you have an agreement with the firm, please log in to the agency portal. If you do not have an agreement with us and would like us to consider candidates, please send a blind candidate profile to RealEstateTalent@us.dlapiper.com .
Pay Transparency
The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $260,000 - $365,000 per year depending on the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-CS1
DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center .