Real Estate Associate

About the Company

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers in more than 40 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. The firm represents more than half of the Fortune 250, offering a deep bench of expertise in areas such as real estate, corporate law, litigation, and regulatory matters. As a global partnership and not a VC-backed entity, DLA Piper operates with institutional longevity and expansive resources, offering strategic legal support on cross-border deals, major infrastructure projects, and regulatory guidance.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Draft and negotiate agreements for purchase, sale, joint ventures, and real estate financings
• Conduct legal research and write motions, contracts, and client correspondence
• Support real estate transactions from initial review to closing
• Participate in due diligence, negotiations, and transaction strategy
• Ensure legal compliance and alignment with firm standards
• Engage with internal and external clients professionally and proactively
• Contribute to firm initiatives, including training, community service, and pro bono work

Job Requirements:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted to practice in Illinois (or eligible to waive in)
• 3–5 years of real estate transactional experience at a large or mid-sized law firm
• Proficient in drafting purchase/sale agreements, JV deals, and financing docs
• Excellent written/verbal communication and analytical skills
• Strong business judgment and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple deals and deadlines independently
• Experience with national real estate portfolios – preferred
• Background in REIT or institutional real estate clients – preferred
• Exposure to zoning/land use or public-private partnerships – preferred

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $260,000.00 - $365,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• what is your visa type?

Location:

• Chicago, IL 60606 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person