Job Description
Working for Equity Residential, a leading multi-family real estate investment trust, 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.
The Paralegal or Senior Paralegal, Transactions is responsible for providing transactional legal services to the Investments, Development, Capital Markets, Tax and Legal teams. This role is primarily responsible for supporting attorneys and senior officers in Legal and officers in other departments regarding aspects of the transactions process. This includes acquisitions, dispositions, developments, financings, leasing and 1031 exchanges. This position also involves handling various projects and processes for the Legal Department.
WHO YOU ARE :

• Organized, Efficient, Accountable. You are flexible and able to juggle the needs of changing priorities of the business. You multitask well, re-prioritize accordingly, and meet deadlines consistently. You have a keen eye for detail and pride yourself on delivering quality work.
• Motivated . Eager to Learn. You ask smart questions, challenge the status quo, and regularly seek to understand. You invest extra energy to reach your goals.
• Analytical. You understand the "why" behind the workpapers you are preparing and are able to identify potential issues with the data, as well as potential solutions for how it needs to be corrected.
• Knowledgeable. You have knowledge of corporate legal concepts from previous work experience.
• Creative. You are an "idea person" and like coming up with smart, innovative solutions.
• Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, helping you connect well with others.
• Team Player . You enjoy partnering with others, whether internal or external, in order to get work done and deliver great results.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Support an attorney with respect to the transactions and financing processes. Responsibilities include drafting documents under an attorney's oversight, monitoring critical dates, reviewing title and survey and other legal diligence and managing applicable closings. Review, evaluate and analyze issues that arise in connection with the foregoing and works with an attorney or senior officer to resolve;
• Research and respond to legal or transactional related inquiries from persons in other departments;
• Responsible for processes in the Legal Department such as property inquiries and evaluations in connection with potential dispositions, financings or redevelopment projects;
• Prepare documents and handle other aspects of internal transfers and restructures of properties and/or entities for the Legal and Tax Departments;
• Review and revise confidentiality agreements and other agreements such as easements while working directly with applicable business persons in corporate or on site under the oversight of an attorney;
• Directly coordinate and oversee the 1031 transactional process (drafting 1031 documents, coordinating with 1031 company);
• Support public policy activities by tracking political contribution disclosure regulations, and processing associated filings with state & local agencies;
• Communicate with and support other departments (Investments, Development, Capital Markets, Tax) as requests and needs arise; and
• Perform other duties and handle other projects as needs arise.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 5 years (Paralegal) or 10 years (Sr Paralegal) transactional paralegal experience in a law firm or in-house legal department required.
• BA/BS or Paralegal certificate strongly preferred.
• The position requires a high level of autonomy, excellent issue spotting and judgment skills, a strong working knowledge of real estate transactions, landlord/tenant, land use, and other applicable laws, and a developing understanding of Company's property management and operational policies and procedures.
• Must be flexible, organized, detail-oriented and have the ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments simultaneously. Strong verbal and written communications skills required.

REWARDS
We recognize 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 options to employees, like adoption benefits and paid time off for community service projects. To learn more, view our Total Wellbeing page here.
About Us
Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means 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, Southern California, and Denver - provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. 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 thrive.
Equity Rewards

When you join Equity Residential, you won't be treated as simply another employee - you will be considered a partner in our shared success. As such, we are committed to investing in your personal success through a benefits program that supports your Total Wellbeing.

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 a comprehensive wellness program, pet insurance, new parent benefits, and paid time off for community service projects. In addition to your next job, you can also find your next home with us! Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees. The amount of the discount offered is determined based on the market, ranging upwards from 20%. Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.
Equity Values

At Equity Residential, like our residents, our employees come from everywhere. A richly diverse work environment captures top talent, cultivates the best ideas, and creates the widest possible platform for success. By focusing on inclusion, these differences are harnessed to create value - in ideas, business practices, relationships, and employee engagement. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees can thrive.

All aspects of the employment process are merit-based. Every Equity employee is expected to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Equity Residential does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship status, military (including uniformed service member or protected veteran) status, marital status, genetic characteristic or information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. Equity Residential also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report harassment or discrimination, or participate in investigations into such conduct.