ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Real Estate Associate Attorney Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Direct Counsel

Real Estate Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$240K - $420K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Associate Attorney to join a leading Am Law firm's nationally recognized Real Estate Practice Group. This opportunity is available in the following offices:

Direct Counsel

Real Estate Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$260K - $365K/yr

Direct Counsel is seeking a Real Estate Associate Attorney to join a highly regarded national firm. Location(s): Boston, Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C. About the Role We are partnering with a ...

Akerman LLP

Real Estate Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$270K - $410K/yr

... Associate with 3 to 6 years of experience in commercial real estate transactions, including ... Law Firms ( The American Lawyer ) * Among the Most Innovative Law Firms ( Financial Times

Direct Counsel

Real Estate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$160K - $210K/yr

Real Estate Attorney - Chicago, IL Direct Counsel is partnering with a nationally recognized AmLaw 200 law firm to identify a mid-level Associate Attorney with 5-8 years of experience to join its ...

CJBS Cjbs, Llc

Real Estate Senior Associate

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Senior Real Estate Associates are expected to: * Know and understand the reasons behind firm policies and procedures * Possess technical knowledge and communication skills sufficient to supervise and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsReal Estate Associate Attorney JobsReal Estate Associate Attorney Jobs in Illinois

Real Estate Associate Attorney information

See Illinois salary details

$34.4K

$130.1K

$260.2K

How much do real estate associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate associate attorney in Illinois is $130,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,300.00 and $164,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a real estate associate attorney do?

A Real Estate Associate Attorney is a lawyer who specializes in legal matters related to real estate transactions and property law. They assist clients—such as buyers, sellers, developers, landlords, and tenants—with drafting and reviewing contracts, conducting due diligence, negotiating deals, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Their work often involves handling commercial and residential property transactions, resolving disputes, and advising on leasing, financing, and land use issues. These attorneys play a crucial role in minimizing legal risks and protecting their clients' interests throughout the real estate process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a real estate associate attorney, and why are they important?

A Real Estate Associate Attorney should possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, be admitted to the state bar, and have deep knowledge of real estate law, contracts, and property transactions. Familiarity with legal research databases, real estate management software, and document drafting tools is crucial. Exceptional negotiation, analytical thinking, and communication skills distinguish successful attorneys in this field. These competencies ensure accurate legal guidance, risk mitigation, and effective representation for clients in complex real estate matters.

What are the most common challenges faced by a real estate associate attorney in their first year on the job?

New Real Estate Associate Attorneys often encounter challenges balancing a diverse workload that includes drafting documents, conducting due diligence, and managing client communications. Navigating the complexities of various real estate transactions, such as acquisitions, leases, and financings, requires meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Additionally, associates must quickly learn to interpret local and state regulations, work collaboratively with senior attorneys, and adapt to the fast-paced, deadline-driven environment of real estate law. Access to mentorship and ongoing training can help ease this transition and foster professional growth.

What is the difference between Real Estate Associate Attorney vs Real Estate Paralegal?

AspectReal Estate Associate AttorneyReal Estate Paralegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionAssociate's or Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, real estate firmsLaw firms, title companies, real estate agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting contracts, advising clients, reviewing titlesPreparing documents, conducting title searches, assisting attorneys
Industry UsageLegal professionals handling real estate transactions and disputesSupport staff assisting legal teams in real estate matters

While both roles support real estate transactions, Real Estate Associate Attorneys are licensed lawyers responsible for legal advice and complex tasks, whereas Real Estate Paralegals assist attorneys with document preparation and research, typically without requiring a law license.

What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Associate Attorney jobs in Illinois?

For Real Estate Associate Attorney jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Real Estate Associate Attorney jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Real Estate Associate Attorney jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Real Estate Associate Attorney jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Real Estate Associate Attorney job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Associate Attorney jobs in IL?

For Real Estate Associate Attorney jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Real Estate Associate Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Associate Attorney job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,063 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Real Estate Associate Attorney

Aligned Talent Acquisition

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$230K - $350K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Chicago | Hybrid

Real Estate Associate AttorneyAmLaw 100 OpportunityCompensation

$230,000 – $350,000+

A nationally recognized law firm is seeking a Real Estate Associate Attorney to join its Chicago office.

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney interested in representing developers, investors, lenders, private equity sponsors, REITs, and corporate clients in sophisticated commercial real estate transactions.

Ideal Background

• 3–6 years of commercial real estate experience preferred
• Experience with acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, and development transactions
• Experience drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, leases, loan documents, and related transaction documents
• Experience representing developers, lenders, investors, or institutional real estate clients is a plus
• Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills
• Excellent academic credentials
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school required
• Illinois bar admission required or ability to become admitted

Why This Opportunity

Sophisticated national real estate platform

Exposure to acquisitions, financings, leasing, and development matters

Direct client interaction and meaningful responsibility

Strong mentorship and professional development

Partnership-track opportunity

Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture

Interested?

Aligned Talent Acquisition is currently working with firms seeking talented attorneys with this type of background.

Confidential inquiries welcome.

Devney Ayers
Director of Legal Recruiting
Aligned Talent Acquisition

devney@alignedtalentacquisition.com
(216) 710-5174