Paralegal Intern - Spring 2026

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), an industry-leading multi-family REIT headquartered in downtown Chicago, means being part of a community that strives to provide the best in apartment living, speaks boldly about innovation, and inspires creativity in how we work together. Our portfolio of high-quality properties in growth markets – New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, Dallas, and Atlanta, to name a few – provides homes where people most want to live. We've got the best people in the business, and our experience shows in our dedication to 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 knows how to Live Remarkably.

OBJECTIVE OF POSITION

The Paralegal Intern will support Equity Residential’s Legal team by assisting with transactional legal work related to real estate investments, developments, financings, and dispositions. Under the guidance of attorneys and senior legal professionals, the intern will gain hands-on exposure to the legal aspects of real estate transactions within a publicly traded REIT.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Support attorneys and the Legal team with transactional matters related to acquisitions, dispositions, developments, financings, leasing, and 1031 exchanges.
• Assist with drafting, reviewing, and organizing transaction-related documents under attorney supervision.
• Help track critical dates, maintain transaction files, and support closing processes.
• Assist with legal due diligence, research, and responses to internal inquiries.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Investments, Development, Capital Markets, and Tax on legal support needs.

WHO YOU ARE

• Detail-Oriented and Organized. You manage documents, deadlines, and information with accuracy and care.
• Curious and Professional. You are interested in transactional law and understand the importance of discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong Communicator. You can clearly convey information and work effectively with attorneys and business partners.
• Proactive Learner. You take initiative, ask questions, and seek to understand how legal work supports business objectives.

REQUIREMENTS

• Prefer rising Junior or Senior students pursuing a degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Pre-Law, Business, Real Estate, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, research, and written communication skills.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and document management tools; familiarity with legal research tools is a plus.
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States (we do not offer this program under OPT or CPT or sponsor work visas).

Hourly Pay Rate: $20.50/hour
Relocation is not provided for this internship.