Legal Support Assistant

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means being part of a community and striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together. Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles – provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, and our experience shows in our dedication to our residents and in how much we value each other as colleagues. That’s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can “Live Remarkably,” and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to make their mark.

Equity Residential (EQR), an S&P 500 real estate company headquartered in downtown Chicago, is in search of a detail-oriented, resourceful, flexible, and efficient Legal Support Assistant. Under the supervision of the Senior Manager, Legal Services, the Legal Support Assistant will be responsible for providing assistance to the Corporate Legal Department with its ongoing responsibilities and periodic special projects. Every day will be unique, allowing you to regularly learn new things and challenging you to think on your feet. 

• An Intellectually Curious Individual. To help you quickly transition into this position, you’ve got at least 1 year of experience working at a residential apartment community, and have either some exposure with, or an interest in, the legal issues that arise when operating a management company.
• Detail-Oriented, Accountable, and Enjoy Multitasking. You have a keen eye for detail and pride yourself on delivering quality work, ensuring that all documentation is prepared in an accurate and professional manner. You are organized and able to juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines consistently—even if they’re tight.  Above all, you are flexible and able to adjust to the changing priorities of the business and/or the corporate legal office you support.
• An Excellent Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, helping you communicate with all levels of the organization, from management to co-workers to outside legal counsel. You know how to organize your communication in order to effectively get your message across and be understood.
• Trustworthy and Discerning.  The ability to work with confidential information, while using discretion, is crucial to this position.
• Reliable. Because you consistently follow through on meeting your deliverables, your co-workers and business partners are confident that they can count on you.
• Technologically Savvy. Tools like email and internet access start as basic necessities in your daily operation and you are comfortable using computers. You are proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel) and also enjoy learning new tools, technology, and/or software to help you most effectively get the job done.

• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting the multi-family industry.
• Support the Legal Support Team which has primary responsibility for providing day-to-day legal issues support to field operations personnel, including lease and document review, legal and affordability program compliance, and providing other assistance to members of the Legal Services team. 
• Process and maintain revisions to all lease applications, leasing and other policy/procedure documents and forms; partner with Legal Services subject matter experts to develop and revise such documents and forms; maintain a mechanism for tracking document and policy changes over time.
• Act as the Legal Services liaison with the IT and OTD teams and others involved in maintaining information resources; actively participate in testing scenarios, pilot programs, and other roll-out strategies established in connection with Property Operations initiatives.
• Provide back-up coverage for Legal Support mailbox when front-line support is out of the office or otherwise unavailable.
• Research and analyze facts presented, identify relevant legal issues, research applicable laws, and formulate advice; escalate issues, when appropriate, to other subject matter experts within the Legal Services team.
• Compose correspondence and other written responses to residents, attorneys and governmental agencies.
• Assist in gathering responsive information, and preparing document productions for discovery requests and subpoenas.
• Perform administrative duties for the Legal Services team.
• Maintain regular and timely communications with internal and external clients. 
• Perform other duties and participate in special projects as necessary.

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 1-3 years experience multifamily property management experience preferred.
• Experience in a law firm or in-house legal department is a plus
• Must possess strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with all levels of management, residents and outside legal counsel.
• Must be flexible, detail-oriented and able to work effectively under deadline pressure.
• Must be organized and able to prioritize workload, handle a large number of matters at one time and pursue assignments to completion.
• Strong computer proficiency in Google Apps and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Serengeti law firm billing software and other legal software a plus.

We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That’s why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like pet insurance and paid time off for community service projects. To learn more, view our Total Wellbeing page here.