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Public Interest Paralegal Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal (Finance)

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Obtain business entity documents from public offices, including certified charters, good standing ... Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and ...

Paralegal (Finance)

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Obtain business entity documents from public offices, including certified charters, good standing ... Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and ...

Opens new files, checks conflicts of interest, maintains client and general files. Conducts ... Maintains good public relations and customer service with clients. Maintains confidentiality of ...

Litigation Secretary

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Opens new files, checks conflicts of interest, maintains client and general files. Conducts ... Maintains good public relations and customer service with clients. Maintains confidentiality of ...

Litigation Secretary

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Opens new files, checks conflicts of interest, maintains client and general files. Conducts ... Maintains good public relations and customer service with clients. Maintains confidentiality of ...

Public Interest Paralegal information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34K

$61.5K

$91.7K

How much do public interest paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for public interest paralegal in Chicago, IL is $61,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $70,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Interest Paralegal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Interest Paralegal, you need a strong understanding of legal research, case preparation, and document drafting, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or relevant undergraduate degree. Familiarity with legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management software, is commonly required. Excellent communication, organizational skills, and a passion for advocacy help you build rapport with clients and support attorneys in serving underserved populations. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering effective legal assistance and advancing social justice in nonprofit or community-focused legal settings.

What are some common challenges faced by public interest paralegals, and how can they be navigated?

Public interest paralegals often work with limited resources and high caseloads, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. They may also encounter emotionally demanding situations when assisting underserved or vulnerable clients. To navigate these challenges, paralegals benefit from strong organizational skills, support from a collaborative legal team, and consistent self-care practices. Open communication with supervising attorneys and participating in professional development opportunities can also help manage workload and maintain job satisfaction.

What are public interest paralegals?

Public interest paralegals are legal professionals who assist attorneys and organizations in providing legal services to underserved or marginalized communities. They typically work for nonprofit organizations, legal aid societies, or government agencies focused on social justice issues like housing, immigration, or civil rights. Their duties include conducting legal research, preparing documents, interviewing clients, and supporting cases that aim to benefit the public good. Public interest paralegals play a vital role in increasing access to legal representation and promoting fairness in the legal system.

What is the difference between Public Interest Paralegal vs Corporate Paralegal?

AspectPublic Interest ParalegalCorporate Paralegal
CredentialsAssociate's degree or paralegal certificateAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, government agenciesCorporate legal departments, law firms
Employer & IndustryPublic sector, advocacy groupsPrivate corporations, business sector
Common Search/ComparisonPublic Interest Paralegal vs Corporate Paralegal

The main difference between a Public Interest Paralegal and a Corporate Paralegal lies in their work environment and employer focus. Public Interest Paralegals typically work for nonprofits, government agencies, or advocacy groups, focusing on social justice and public policy issues. In contrast, Corporate Paralegals are employed by private corporations or law firms, supporting business operations and corporate legal matters. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different sectors and client bases.

What are popular job titles related to Public Interest Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL? For Public Interest Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Interest Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Public Interest Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Public Interest Paralegal jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Public Interest Paralegal job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Interest Paralegal job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,531 per year, or $29.6 per hour.
Paralegal (Finance)

Paralegal (Finance)

Mayer Brown LLP

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview
Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world's major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.
We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm's client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.
If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Finance department in our Chicago office, as a Paralegal (Finance).
The Paralegal (Finance) provides critical support to attorneys in high-volume, deadline-driven finance practice. This role is responsible for assisting with all phases of transactions, including document preparation, due diligence, closing coordination, and post-closing management. The position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
Document Drafting and File Maintenance
  • Review appropriate documentation in order to draft a wide range of transactional documents, including UCC financing statements, amendments and terminations, closing checklists, corporate charters, LLC and partnership formation documents, resolutions and consents, officer certificates, and other ancillary instruments
  • Prepare and submit EIN applications
  • Obtain CIK codes and CUSIP numbers for securities
  • Edit documents such as promissory notes, security agreements, and finance statements
  • Manage signature page coordination, including distributions, collection, and quality control

Due Diligence & Public Records
  • Order, analyze, and summarize lien searches
  • Obtain business entity documents from public offices, including certified charters, good standing certificates, and other corporate records
  • Coordinate with UCC Compliance Department and file UCC financing statements, amendments, and termination statements

Closing Coordination
  • Proactively participate in closings by creating and maintaining detailed closing checklists, preparing and circulating closing documents and deliverables, and coordinating effectively with all levels of the Firm, clients, and outside vendors

Post-Closing & File Management
  • Organize and assemble transaction documents, including electronic binders and post-closing deliverables
  • Ensure all transaction materials are properly archived in accordance with Firm protocols

Qualifications
Education/Training/Certifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Paralegal certificate from ABA approved paralegal program preferred

Professional Experience:
  • Prior law firm experience preferred
  • 3-5 years of related experience preferred

Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required
  • Knowledge of vendor platforms for the preparation of UCCs, preferred

Performance Traits:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner
  • Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the evolving needs of the Firm
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
  • Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
  • Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
  • Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
  • Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

The typical pay scale for this position is between $77,000 and $102,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate's education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified.
The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.
The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.
Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. 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.
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