Real Estate Tax Associate | Illinois Bar Required | JD at Straffing AI Real Estate Tax Associate | Illinois Bar Required | JD at Straffing AI in Harwood Heights, Illinois Posted in 1 day ago.

Type:

full-time

Location:

Homewood, IL Work Arrangement:

100%

Onsite Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Employment Type:

Full-time, Exempt Experience Level:

Associate Experience Required:

2+ years

Compensation:

$121,000-$130,000 base salary

Relocation Assistance:

Not provided

Visa Sponsorship:

Not available About the Opportunity A well-established and growing law firm specializing in commercial, industrial, and investment property tax appeals is seeking a Real Estate Tax Associate to join its Homewood, Illinois office. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with experience in property tax appeals, real estate law, tax litigation, municipal development, or related real estate tax matters who wants to build deeper expertise in Illinois property taxation and economic development incentives. The ideal candidate will have strong legal research and writing skills, sound analytical judgment, excellent organization, and the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines independently. An active Illinois law license in good standing is required. The position is fully onsite in Homewood, Illinois. What You'll Do Research, prepare, draft, file, and manage property tax appeals , complaints, briefs, correspondence, and supporting evidence. Analyze property assessment records, valuation histories, income-producing property information, and related real estate data to develop effective appeal strategies. Assist with property tax appeals involving commercial, industrial, investment, income-producing, and owner-occupied properties . Manage matters involving real estate development projects, including new construction, substantial rehabilitation, and demolition . Monitor filing deadlines, maintain appeal dockets, and coordinate the progression of matters through the appeal process. Assist with Circuit Court tax objection proceedings , including court-call management and document production. Research and support economic development and property tax incentive matters, including Class 6b, Class 7, Class 8, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) . Assist with obtaining, monitoring, and renewing tax incentive classifications. Support tax proration matters and other real estate tax-related projects. Communicate directly with clients regarding appeal status, information requests, outcomes, and strategic recommendations. Coordinate with county representatives and other governmental officials regarding hearings, scheduling, settlements, refunds, and related matters. Prepare and maintain clear, professional legal documentation and correspondence. Participate in continuing legal education and develop deeper expertise in Illinois property tax law. Perform other duties and projects as assigned. Required Qualifications Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Active Illinois law license in good standing - required. At least 2 years of professional legal experience . Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills. Ability to independently manage multiple matters, deadlines, and priorities. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to interpret and analyze complex legal, assessment, valuation, and real estate information. Professional judgment, discretion, and attention to detail. Ability and willingness to work 100% onsite in Homewood, Illinois, Monday through Friday . Preferred Qualifications 2+ years of direct experience researching, preparing, or filing property tax appeals . Experience appearing before or working with local assessing bodies or property tax appeal agencies. Experience with Illinois property tax law or tax objection proceedings . Experience representing commercial, industrial, investment, or income-producing real estate. Background in real estate law, municipal development, tax litigation, or real estate tax controversy . Familiarity with Illinois property tax incentive programs such as Class 6b, Class 7, Class 8, or TIF . Experience communicating with clients, appraisers, attorneys, county officials, assessors, or other governmental representatives. Skills & Technology Excellent legal writing and business communication. Strong research and analytical capabilities. Strong time management and case-management skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and other professionals. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and related business software . Ideal Candidate We are looking for a self-directed, analytical, and highly organized attorney who takes ownership of assigned matters and is eager to develop specialized expertise in real estate taxation and property tax appeals. Direct property tax appeal experience is strongly preferred, but attorneys with relevant real estate, municipal, tax litigation, or development experience who demonstrate strong legal writing, analytical ability, and a willingness to learn will also be considered. Important Work Authorization & Location Requirements Active Illinois law license is mandatory. This is a fully onsite position in Homewood, Illinois . Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the Homewood office Monday through Friday. Relocation assistance is not available. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Benefits The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Short-term and long-term disability insurance Basic life and AD&D insurance Voluntary life insurance Critical illness insurance Accident insurance Hospital indemnity coverage Retirement plan for eligible employees Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected status under applicable law.