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Associate Paralegal Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal Sr

Chicago, IL · Remote

$39.18 - $58.28/hr

Associates Other in paralegal studies or related field, paralegal certificate * Six (6) years' relevant work experience * Associates Other in paralegal studies or related field * Eight (8) years ...

Associates Other in paralegal studies or related field, paralegal certificate * Six (6) years' relevant work experience * Associates Other in paralegal studies or related field * Eight (8) years ...

Intellectual Property Paralegal Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 per year Benefits ... Coordinate foreign trademark filings with international associates Patent Support * Assist ...

Intellectual Property Paralegal Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 per year Benefits ... Coordinate foreign trademark filings with international associates Patent Support * Assist ...

Paralegal

Naperville, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

ABA-approved paralegal certification or associate degree in paralegal studies is a plus. Familiarity with statues, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency rules ...

Paralegal

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

ABA-approved paralegal certification or associate degree in paralegal studies is a plus. Familiarity with statues, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency rules ...

Paralegal

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree in paralegal studies, certification from an ABA-approved paralegal program, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Work Experience ...

Paralegal

Naperville, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Education and Experience: · Experience in collections, creditors' rights, or other legal work is a plus. · ABA-approved paralegal certification or associate degree in paralegal studies is a plus ...

Paralegal

Naperville, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Requirements Education and Experience: • Experience in collections, creditors' rights, or other legal work is a plus. • ABA-approved paralegal certification or associate degree in paralegal ...

Paralegal

Palatine, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Paralegal certificate or Associate's/Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies or a related field. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat required; experience with AIA contracts software ...

Paralegal

Palatine, IL

$80K - $90K/yr

Paralegal certificate or Associate's/Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies or a related field. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat required; experience with AIA contracts software ...

Paralegal

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Education and Experience: · Experience in collections, creditors' rights, or other legal work is a plus. · ABA-approved paralegal certification or associate degree in paralegal studies is a plus ...

Paralegal

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Requirements Education and Experience: • Experience in collections, creditors' rights, or other legal work is a plus. • ABA-approved paralegal certification or associate degree in paralegal ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Paralegal information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$73.6K

$111.9K

How much do associate paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate paralegal in Chicago, IL is $73,586.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,200.00 and $92,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate paralegal?

Associate Paralegals are entry-level legal professionals who assist lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing files, and supporting case preparation. They often work under the supervision of attorneys and may also interact with clients, gather evidence, and help with administrative tasks. This role serves as a stepping stone for gaining experience in the legal field and can lead to more advanced paralegal or legal positions over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate paralegal, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Paralegal, you need a solid understanding of legal concepts, strong research abilities, and typically an associate degree or paralegal certification. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and office software is crucial. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate legal support, efficient case management, and valuable assistance to attorneys in a fast-paced legal environment.

What are some common challenges faced by associate paralegals when working on multiple cases simultaneously?

Associate Paralegals often juggle several cases at once, which can pose challenges in prioritizing tasks and managing tight deadlines. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication with supervising attorneys and team members is crucial to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Effective time management and a keen attention to detail help paralegals handle document preparation, legal research, and client correspondence efficiently. Over time, developing these skills can lead to increased responsibility and career advancement within the legal field.

What is the difference between Associate Paralegal vs Paralegal?

AspectAssociate ParalegalParalegal
CredentialsTypically requires an associate degree or paralegal certificateUsually requires a certificate or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesSimilar settings, often working under supervision of attorneys
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in law firms and legal departmentsWidely used across legal sectors, often as entry-level or mid-level roles

The main difference is that an Associate Paralegal often has an associate degree or specialized certification, while a Paralegal may have a broader educational background. Both roles work in similar environments and serve similar functions, but the title "Associate Paralegal" may indicate a specific level of education or experience within the paralegal field.

Can I become an associate paralegal with just an associate's degree?

An associate paralegal typically needs at least an associate's degree in paralegal studies or a related field. While a degree is essential, some employers also value certification from organizations like NALA or NFPA, and relevant internship or work experience can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Associate Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Paralegal jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Paralegal job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Paralegal job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $73,586 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

$39.18 - $58.28/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 543 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

421st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Senior Paralegal, you will serve as a vital legal professional within CommonSpirit Health, providing high-level support to our System and Regional attorneys. You will play a key role in facilitating complex legal operations, ensuring that our functional areas—ranging from Labor and Employment to Transactions and Compliance—operate with precision, legal integrity, and strategic efficiency.

Every day you will manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities, including the drafting of complex legal agreements, corporate documentation, and government filings using approved templates. You will be responsible for conducting thorough legal research, maintaining comprehensive electronic filing systems, and providing timely analysis that aids in the high-stakes decision-making processes of our legal department.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate exceptional judgment and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. You will be a proactive communicator who knows when to escalate critical issues and how to collaborate effectively across departments. We are looking for a detail-oriented professional committed to continuous process improvement and the mission-driven values of CommonSpirit Health.

  • Draft and review complex physician and non-physician agreements utilizing standardized legal templates.
  • Execute expert-level legal research and analysis using electronic databases to support System-wide initiatives.
  • Maintain meticulous organization of legal files and documentation within centralized electronic systems.
  • Facilitate clear and effective communication between internal Legal Team members and departmental clients.
  • Manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while meeting strict regulatory and internal deadlines.
  • Drive operational excellence by identifying and implementing improvements to existing contract templates and filing workflows.
Job Requirements

Required 

  • Associates Other in paralegal studies or related field, paralegal certificate
  • Six (6) years’ relevant work experience
  • Associates Other in paralegal studies or related field
  • Eight (8) years’ relevant work experience

Preferred 

  • Bachelors Other in relevant field of study, paralegal certificate
  • Four (4) years’ relevant work experience
  • Bachelors Other in relevant field of study
  • Six (6) years’ relevant work experience
  • Paralegal certificate
  • Eight (8) years’ relevant work experience
Where You'll Work

Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system.


Pay Range
$39.18 - $58.28 /hour

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