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.

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