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Real Estate Development Associate Jobs in Illinois

Direct Counsel

Real Estate Associate Chicago

Chicago, IL

$260K - $300K/yr

Real Estate Associate - Chicago Direct Counsel is representing an Am Law 100 firm seeking a Real ... developments. * Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of transactional documents related to ...

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL

Top AmLaw 100 national law firm seeks an associate to join their Real Estate Practice Group in any ... development projects, and construction. Relocation support is available for highly qualified ...

Jobot

Real Estate Attorney

Chicago, IL

$200K - $215K/yr

Their nationally recognized real estate practice handles a diverse range of matters involving acquisitions and dispositions, financing, development, leasing, and joint ventures. Due to continued ...

Miller Chicago Real Estate

Real Estate Broker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

You will gain exposure to all types of real estate transactions including Commercial, Residential, Development, and Property Management. This is a flexible, 100% commission position with much upside ...

Miller Chicago Real Estate

Real Estate Broker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

You will gain exposure to all types of real estate transactions including Commercial, Residential, Development, and Property Management. This is a flexible, 100% commission position with much upside ...

Pacificlife

Real Estate Associate

Oak Park, IL · On-site +1

We're actively seeking talented Real Estate Associates to join our Real Estate Commercial Mortgage team in metro Chicago (Oak Park, IL). Hybrid schedule is in office Monday-Thursday and work from ...

5 Legal

Corporate Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

... top 100 Am Law firm seeks an associate to join their Real Estate Practice Area. Qualified ... leasing and development. Excellent writing and analytical skills, along with a strong academic ...

Scout Partners

Real Estate Partner

Chicago, IL

$250K - $350K/yr

... development and cross-selling opportunities across firm practice groups * Provide strategic leadership within the real estate practice, including mentoring junior partners and associates * Transition ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsReal Estate Development Associate JobsReal Estate Development Associate Jobs in Illinois

Real Estate Development Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$85.1K

$131.8K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development associate in Illinois is $85,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a real estate development associate do?

A Real Estate Development Associate supports the planning, coordination, and execution of real estate projects, such as residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments. Their responsibilities often include conducting market research, analyzing financial data, assisting in securing permits, and coordinating with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders. They help ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations. This role is crucial in turning development concepts into successful, profitable properties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a real estate development associate?

To excel as a Real Estate Development Associate, you need a solid understanding of real estate finance, market analysis, and project management, typically supported by a degree in business, real estate, or a related field. Familiarity with financial modeling software (like Excel or Argus), zoning regulations, and project management tools is commonly required. Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with stakeholders and navigate complex development processes. These skills are crucial for successfully overseeing projects from inception to completion, ensuring profitability and compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by real estate development associates during the project lifecycle?

Real Estate Development Associates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning and permitting processes, managing tight project timelines, and coordinating among multiple stakeholders like architects, contractors, and local officials. Balancing budget constraints while ensuring project quality and compliance can also be demanding. Successful associates proactively address these hurdles by staying organized, communicating effectively with team members, and continuously monitoring project milestones to avoid delays.

What is the difference between Real Estate Development Associate vs Real Estate Analyst?

AspectReal Estate Development AssociateReal Estate Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in real estate, finance, or related field; some roles prefer certifications like CCIMBachelor's degree in finance, economics, or related; often pursuing CFA or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, site visits, project meetingsOffice-based, data analysis, market research
Employer & Industry UsageReal estate development firms, construction companies, investment firmsReal estate investment firms, financial institutions, consulting firms

While both roles involve real estate, a Real Estate Development Associate focuses on project planning, coordination, and execution of development projects. In contrast, a Real Estate Analyst primarily conducts market research, financial analysis, and investment evaluations. The roles often overlap in skills but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Development jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real Estate Development Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,139 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Real Estate Associate Chicago

Direct Counsel

Chicago, IL

$260K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Real Estate Associate – Chicago

Direct Counsel is representing an Am Law 100 firm seeking a Real Estate Associate to join its Commercial Real Estate Practice in Chicago. This position offers the opportunity to work directly with clients across multiple industries and engage in sophisticated, large-scale real estate transactions on a national level.

This role is ideal for an attorney seeking meaningful client contact, substantial transactional responsibility, and hands-on training from seasoned real estate partners recognized nationally for their work in the field.

Key Responsibilities

  • Handle complex commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings, joint ventures, and developments.

  • Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of transactional documents related to real estate and corporate structuring.

  • Work directly with clients to strategically manage transactions from initial due diligence through closing.

  • Collaborate with partners and senior associates to deliver high-quality legal work under tight deadlines.

  • Develop both technical legal and business relationship skills through active mentorship and direct client exposure.

Qualifications

  • 3–5 years of experience in commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, debt and equity financings, and development.

  • Strong academic credentials and exceptional writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to handle multiple matters and deliver results in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

  • Prior large law firm experience preferred.

  • Admission to the Illinois Bar preferred.

Why This Role

This position offers:

  • The chance to work directly with national clients on high-value transactions.

  • Substantial mentorship and training from leading real estate partners and senior associates.

  • A clear growth path toward becoming a first-chair real estate attorney.

  • A collaborative, business-focused environment that rewards initiative and client service excellence.

Location: Chicago, IL
Experience Level: 3–5 years
Practice Area: Real Estate (Commercial Transactions)