Paralegal (Property Tax)

Overview

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Real Estate department in our Chicago office, as a Paralegal (Property Tax).

 

Prepares and files appeals before the Cook County Assessor, Cook County Board of Review, Illinois Circuit Court, and Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board.  Manages a property tax database and appeal filing deadlines; requiring strong working knowledge of Treasurer, Clerk, and Recorder of Deeds offices and procedures relating to real estate taxation.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions: 

• Prepares and files appeals before the Cook County Assessor, Cook County Board of Review, Illinois Circuit Court, and Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board
• Manages a property tax database and appeal filing deadlines; requiring strong working knowledge of Treasurer, Clerk, and Recorder of Deeds offices and procedures relating to real estate taxation
• Advises attorneys on unique rules and filing requirements; identifies, reviews and analyzes relevant state and local tax laws and regulations; advises attorneys and clients on rule changes and the impact of those changes
• Conceptualizes and prepares client reporting materials, including design of multi-year tax and assessment summaries that include specific data important to each client for analysis of their business; participates in business development and client relations initiatives including preparation of presentations and meetings with clients
• Oversees workflow and prioritizes deadlines
• Assess needs of practice group and clients to develop and manage the practice group’s tracking systems which include: managing evidence, data, filing and evidence submission deadlines; client and property information, jurisdictional filing deadlines, appeals, court and evidence submission dates; identify ways practice group must adapt to changing rules and technology administrative judicial bodies
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives

 

Qualifications

Education/Training/Certifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Paralegal certificate from ABA approved paralegal program, preferred

 

Professional Experience: 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in a law firm or major property tax consulting firm or public sector preferred
• Experience preparing and filing appeals before the Cook County Assessor, Cook County Board of Review, Illinois Circuit Court, and Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board, required
• Experience preparing and filing Assessor and Board of Review appeals throughout Illinois, required
• Must possess expertise in jurisdictional tax laws and rules, required
• Proven ability to calculate assessments, market values, unit values, and taxes; and to read, comprehend, and interpret County records, forms and data
• Familiarity with the Illinois property tax system at all level of appeals required
• Familiarity with local Assessor, Treasurer, Clerk and Recorder offices and functions required
• Ability to analyze property tax record cards, legal descriptions, and tax bills
• Ability to calculate taxes, exemptions, and refunds
• Possess advanced knowledge and solid understanding of practice area processes, procedures, rules and regulations

 

Technical Skills: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required

 

Performance Traits: 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Ability to work unde