Paralegal - Corporate/Private Equity

As a Corporate/Private Equity Paralegal at Sidley, you will contribute your expertise to assist our attorneys in the coordination of all aspects of corporate client and transactional work, deal formation, and document management. Responsibilities as a Corporate/Private Equity Paralegal will include the willingness and ability to support the needs of both internal and external clients while performing the following and other critical functions.

Organizes business entities of all types (corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships); checks availability of and reserves corporate entity names; prepares and files incorporation, merger, acquisition, dissolution and related documents.
• Prepares incorporation documents including but not limited to certificate/articles of incorporation, bylaws, restricted stock purchase agreements, organizational board and stockholder resolutions and related applications, filings and documentation.
• Handles stock administration, equity benefit plan administration and assists with related equity transactions for corporate clients (e.g., stock issuances and repurchases, stock option grants and exercises, etc.).
• Drafts and prepares minutes, consents, stock certificates and related transfer documents, officer certificates and related basic corporate and commercial documents.
• Maintains, organizes and updates electronic corporate record books, including corporate minutes books.
• Prepares, maintains and updates database for corporate capitalization records, drafts stock option and restricted stock agreements, effects transfers of stock and prepares stock certificates. Familiar with stock administration software (e.g., Shareworks).
• Assists with private equity/M&A transactions and VC financings, including preparing closing checklists, tracking status of closing documents, gathering corporate due diligence materials, drafting ancillary documents, preparing signature pages, coordinating post-closing deliverables, and preparing electronic closing indices and volumes.
• Researches federal and state corporate and securities compliance laws, rules and regulations regarding foreign qualifications, "Blue Sky" compliance and other matters.
• Prepares and files appropriate securities notices and filings (Section 16 filings, including Forms 3, 4 and 5, as well as applying for EDGAR filing codes, when necessary, and Form D and Schedules 13D/G and other securities notices).
• Assists with the preparation of responses to audit request letters and equity confirmation letters.
• Assists in knowledge management program, including maintaining electronic files for precedent documents.
• Performs other work-related duties, as assigned, or as judgment or necessity dictates.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Graduation and certificate from ABA approved Paralegal training program, or the equivalent
  
• Minimum four years of paralegal experience in Corporate/Securities and Private Equity/M&A matters at a law firm or corporate legal department
  
• Experience in handling stock administration, equity benefit plan administration, Section 16 Act compliance
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, advanced knowledge of Excel preferred
  
• Familiarity with Shareworks or similar stock administration systems

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.