Senior Paralegal

The Corporate and Securities practice group with Dechert LLP is hiring for a Senior Paralegal to join the firm's New York office. This position assists the C&S Practice Group Director and Partners with the Corporate & Securities (C&S) practice at the firm (consisting of M&A, finance and capital markets), with a particular focus on finance. Responsibilities include (1) providing deal support for the C&S attorneys and (2) taking a lead role in managing the C&S paralegal program by, among other things, supervising and training the C&S junior paralegals. This position requires sufficient experience at law firms serving as a paralegal, with a good understanding of how corporate (especially leveraged finance) deals work and deep, substantive knowledge of basic UCC rules, UCC/lien search requirements and UCC filings.

This is a “working manager” position, with the expectation that in addition to the managerial and supervisory responsibilities, the Senior C&S Paralegal will also bill time on appropriate matter assignments. C&S paralegals have a 1500 billable hours requirement.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform various UCC-related tasks and be the principal source of knowledge and information for the C&S attorneys regarding same, including (but not limited to) the following:

  • Conduct and review pre-closing and post-filing UCC/Lien searches and draft related summary charts.
  • Prepare, review and file UCC filings (including alternate types of filings).  Maintain proficiency with UCC via seminar attendance and monitoring of the Code revisions. 
  • Institute and manage a tickler system to track UCC filings for the life of a deal, including without limitation, amendments to filings and continuation filings.

• Perform various corporate organization and formation tasks, including (but not limited to) the following:

  • Order and review certified charters, certificates of good standing, and bringdown letters. 

• Prepare and file organizational documents in connection the formation of various types of business entities (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships), including certificates of organization or formation, bylaws, limited liability company agreements and limited partnership agreements.

• Prepare and file various types of statutory filings, including charter amendments, dissolution/cancellation/withdrawal filings, foreign state registration filings, conversion filings, merger filings, and domestication filings.

• Check availability of and reserve entity names.

• Obtain Federal Employer Identification Numbers for business entities as well as research status information for business entities

• Obtain Apostilles and arrange consularization/legalization of documents

• Perform drafting, organization and other deal support tasks, including (but not limited to) the following:

  • Prepare board or shareholder resolutions approving various types of actions in connection with M&A, financing and capital markets transactions.

• Prepare secretary’s certificates, officer’s certificates, stock certificates and powers and other similar ancillary documents.

• Prepare and update various schedules (to purchase or merger agreements, credit agreements or security agreements) and perfection certificates.

• Assist with the preparation, tracking and compilation of closing documents, including signature pages and closing sets.

• Assist with due diligence review of certain transaction-related documents.

• Manage and supervise the C&S Junior Paralegal Program, including (but not limited to) the following:

  • Manage assignment process for the C&S paralegal team to ensure effective client service and even utilization across the team.
  • Prepare and provide trainings for the C&S junior paralegals regarding UCC and other core substantive and procedural matters in connection with the C&S practice; act as a continuing resource and mentor to the C&S junior paralegals.
  • Assist the C&S partners with performance reviews of the C&S junior paralegals.

QUALIFICATIONS / Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Strong proficiency with the UCC, including UCC preparation, filing, and searching experience.  Familiarity with alternate types of UCC Filings and preparation and filing requirements for same (e.g., PMSIs).
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Ability to work directly with partners, associates, co-counsel and clients.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate work. Ability to manage workflow and delegate projects as necessary.
• Excellent organizational skills and detail oriented.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to think critically and analytically and solve problems in a fast paced and highly pressure filled environment.
• Ability to multi-task and to manage time effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to work productively and cooperatively with other employees.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, iManage/Worksite/Share Point
• Bachelor’s Degree, Paralegal Certificate and/or 7+ years’ experience.

Additional Job Description

At the time of this posting, the salary range for this position in New York is between $106,500 – $145,000 annually. Actual compensation is commensurate with job related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the position.

Location(s)

New York

Time Type

Full time

Dechert LLP is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination.  The Firm prohibits unlawful discrimination in any term or condition of employment against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, membership or service in the armed forces, or any other characteristic protected by law.