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Chicago Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal, School Law

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $66K/yr

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 ... Job Summary: Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Paralegal will support the General ...

High-Powered Litigation Paralegal Opportunity An AmLaw top 20 firm is looking to bring on a high-powered litigation paralegal for their office in downtown Chicago loop! The ideal candidate will ...

Paralegal

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/hr

Kosmos is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Paralegal to join our team in Chicago. As a Paralegal, you will play a critical role in supporting our legal team and ensuring the smooth and ...

Real Estate Paralegal

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Real Estate Paralegal Chicago, IL | Hybrid | Full-Time Are you an experienced paralegal with a background in real estate transactions and corporate legal support? Our client, a well-established law ...

Real Estate Paralegal

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Real Estate Paralegal Chicago, IL | Hybrid | Full-Time Are you an experienced paralegal with a background in real estate transactions and corporate legal support? Our client, a well-established law ...

Paralegal

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $90K/yr

A., a multi-office national firm, is currently seeking a highly skilled Paralegal with 4+ years of experience to join our Chicago office . This is a full-time position offering a competitive salary ...

Corporate Paralegal

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$110K - $120K/yr

Corporate Paralegal Chicago, IL | Hybrid Schedule $110,000-$120,000 + Bonus Opportunity LHH is partnering with a highly respected law firm in Chicago to identify an experienced Corporate Paralegal to ...

Corporate Paralegal

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$110K - $120K/yr

Corporate Paralegal Chicago, IL | Hybrid Schedule $110,000-$120,000 + Bonus Opportunity LHH is partnering with a highly respected law firm in Chicago to identify an experienced Corporate Paralegal to ...

An AmLaw top 20 firm is looking to bring on a high-powered Litigation Paralegal for their office in ... Downtown Chicago loop, hybrid schedule (2 days remote / week) Candidates must be located in ...

Growing Chicago firm in the West Loop area seeking a Personal Injury Paralegal in the litigation department. Position provides heavy client contact and the ability to hone litigation skills. Our firm ...

Paralegal

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24.03 - $25.96/hr

Erie Neighborhood House (ENH), a social service agency serving the Chicago metropolitan area and dedicated to promoting a just and inclusive society, is seeking a full-time Paralegal (40 hours per ...

Growing Chicago firm in the West Loop area seeking a Personal Injury Paralegal in the litigation department. Position provides heavy client contact and the ability to hone litigation skills. Our firm ...

Showing results 21-40

Chicago Paralegal information

See salary details

$33.5K

$71.4K

$108.5K

How much do chicago paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for chicago paralegal in the United States is $71,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Chicago paralegal?

Chicago paralegals are legal professionals who assist attorneys in law firms, corporations, government agencies, or other organizations within the city of Chicago. They perform a variety of tasks, such as conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and preparing for court proceedings. While paralegals are not licensed to practice law, they play a crucial role in supporting lawyers and improving the efficiency of legal services. In Chicago, paralegals may also specialize in areas such as litigation, real estate, corporate law, or immigration. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the size and focus of the employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chicago paralegal?

To thrive as a Chicago Paralegal, you need strong legal research, document preparation, and case management skills, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or degree. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency with case management software are commonly required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing deadlines and supporting attorneys. These abilities are essential for ensuring accuracy, compliance, and the efficient operation of legal processes in a fast-paced legal environment.

What unique challenges might a paralegal face working in a Chicago law firm?

Paralegals in Chicago often work in fast-paced legal environments, which can involve balancing multiple cases and tight deadlines due to the city's active court system. They may also encounter complex cases involving local, state, and federal laws, requiring strong research and organizational skills. Collaboration with attorneys, clients, and court staff is frequent, and adapting to diverse legal practices—ranging from corporate to criminal law—is common. The variety of cases and clients in Chicago can provide valuable experience, but it also means paralegals must be detail-oriented and adaptable.

What is the difference between Chicago Paralegal vs Chicago Legal Assistant?

AspectChicago ParalegalChicago Legal Assistant
CredentialsAssociate's degree or paralegal certificateHigh school diploma or associate's degree, less formal training
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, courtsSimilar settings, often overlapping roles
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, document preparation, case managementAdministrative support, document handling, client communication
Employer UsageLegal professionals, law firms, courtsLaw firms, legal departments, government agencies

Chicago Paralegals and Chicago Legal Assistants often perform similar tasks, but paralegals typically have more formal legal training and handle more complex legal work. Legal assistants focus more on administrative support. Both roles are vital in legal settings, but paralegals usually require specific certifications and have a broader scope of legal responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Chicago Paralegal jobs?

Cities with the most Chicago Paralegal job openings:

What states have the most Chicago Paralegal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chicago Paralegal jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Chicago Paralegal jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Chicago Paralegal jobs are:

Infographic showing various Chicago Paralegal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,376 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Paralegal, School Law

Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50K - $66K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
The School Law Unit provides legal guidance to staff on a wide range of legal and policy issues affecting schools, including student records and privacy, the student code of conduct, student enrollment and transfers, school accountability, Local School Council issues, legislative review, charter school matters, and educational initiatives.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Paralegal will support the General Counsel, Managing Deputy General Counsels, the School Law Deputy General Counsel, and the School Law Assistant Deputy General Counsel. This role is of a confidential nature and has regular access to the Law Department and other CPS Departments' confidential information, including confidential student information. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that will be paid for time worked on an hourly basis.
This position will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
  • Gather documents, including collecting and reviewing documents for relevancy, preparing document productions, including Bates-numbering, redactions, and production logs.
  • Prepare drafts of appearances, routine motions, response templates, Board Reports, and other legal documents for approval by attorneys.
  • Assist attorneys during mediations and hearings, including preparing witness folders, exhibits, subpoenas, and providing technology assistance.
  • Maintain and track the unit's docket of cases, including calendar mediation dates, hearing dates, and other deadlines.
  • Maintain and organize the unit's electronic case files.
  • Process requests for student records, including gathering records from schools and CPS databases. Review student records to ensure compliance with Federal and State law.
  • Perform legal research on Westlaw and cite-checking briefs.
  • Coordinate various aspects of case management and document delivery with outside counsel and outside agencies.
  • Process invoices and reimbursement requests.
  • Assist the Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Deputy General Counsel with special projects related to cross-functional work and new initiatives.
  • Other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, this position must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university preferred
• Paralegal certificate required
Experience Required:
• Minimum of three (3) years of paralegal experience in a litigation practice
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Ability to manage a large volume of files
• Ability to maintain confidentiality related to sensitive information and documents
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Adobe
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and detail orientation
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task and problem-solve
• Demonstrated success working in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• Demonstrated ability to excel in a team environment
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
Qualifications - External
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
  • Medical Plan Options
  • Pharmacy
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Behavioral Health & EAP
  • Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Pension Plans
  • Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
  • Paid Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • Vacation Days
  • Parental Leaves
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Religious Holidays
  • Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.