Senior Emerging Companies Paralegal (Palo Alto, CA) (#5020)

Join our Emerging Companies group and lead venture-backed clients through complex corporate transactions from inception to close. Serve as a trusted technical resource to attorneys, clients, and investors in a fast-paced, client-focused practice.

Responsibilities

• Perform senior-level paralegal work and serve as a technical resource, independently managing sophisticated transactions from inception through closing.
• Provide leadership in transaction management and develop best practices.
• Lead all paralegal aspects of complex governance, venture financings, M&A, restructurings, recapitalizations, and other strategic transactions; coordinate timelines among counsel, clients, investors, and service providers.
• Draft and review complex governance documents; oversee cap table management and equity administration for venture-backed companies.
• Manage multi-entity structures and subsidiary governance; lead diligence, including data room organization.
• Coordinate domestic and foreign entity compliance; supervise closings and post-closing integration.
• Mentor and train junior/mid-level paralegals; assist practice leadership with staffing and process improvements; serve as a trusted resource on corporate maintenance and transactions.
• May be requested to perform other duties not listed above.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and/or Paralegal Certificate or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of corporate paralegal experience, with at least 2 years working with emerging companies/start-ups and venture-back financing.
• Extensive experience supporting VC financings, M&A, and complex corporate transactions.
• Advanced knowledge of governance, equity administration, and entity management.
• Understanding and knowledge of third-party equity/cap table platforms such as Diligent, Capshare, Shareworks, and Carta.
• Understanding of venture capital; advanced Excel and comfort with equity platforms are advantageous.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated analytical ability and initiative.
• Ability to set priorities and exercise independent judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Power PDF, and DocuSign.
• Knowledge of ethical boundaries of position and when to consult with attorney.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience mentoring and training junior to mid-level paralegals.
• Proficiency in deal software, such as SimplyAgree.

About the Firm

Dorsey & Whitney is a global law firm with over 650 lawyers across 22 offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. We provide strategic legal counsel to companies worldwide across diverse industries, including banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology. Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, behavioral health, and access to virtual providers.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with Firm contribution.
• Basic and optional life insurance.
• Short and long-term disability.
• Paid time off.
• Up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave with up to an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for business professionals who give birth.
• Paid holidays and paid volunteer day.
• Discretionary bonuses (if bonus eligible).
• Adoption assistance.
• Healthcare, dependent care, and transportation pre-tax reimbursement accounts.
• Back-up child and elder care program.
• Education assistance.

Benefits are available to business professionals working 17+ hours/week along with their dependents, including spouses and domestic partners regardless of gender.

Pay

The pay range for this position in Palo Alto is $58.85 to $83.08 per hour. Actual pay will be dependent upon the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location and may fall outside of the range indicated.