Entry Level Global Finance Paralegal

Sidley Austin LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP is seeking an entry-level corporate finance Paralegal to gain hands-on experience on complex lending and structured finance matters in a collaborative environment. You will support lawyers and clients, develop closing deliverables, and learn essential UCC and lien search processes under experienced supervision.

The role emphasizes independent judgment within a structured, growth-focused setting and may require overtime during active closings.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of negotiated lending and structured finance transactions under supervision.
• Prepare and compile deliverables and closing checklists for closings.
• Review formation documents and officer/secretary certificates.
• Learn lien searches and review search results with service providers.
• Draft and circulate signature pages using DocuSign or equivalent, under supervision.
• Coordinate closing and post-closing workflows with attorneys and senior paralegals.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Judgment

Follow-through

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

ABA-approved paralegal certificate

Job description

This is an opportunity for an entry level candidate to develop skills and gain expertise as a corporate finance Paralegal by working on complex, high-value lending and structured finance matters in a collaborative environment with the opportunity to exercise a significant degree of responsibility and independent judgment.Duties and Responsibilities:Develop an understanding of the elements of negotiated lending and structured finance transactions and support lawyers and clients on such transactionsLearn the chronology of a transaction; develop skills necessary to assist on a closing including preparing and compiling deliverables and draft closing documentation, preparing and maintaining closing check lists, obtaining and reviewing formation documents, all under the supervision of an Attorney or senior ParalegalGain an understanding of the documents necessary for a finance closing, including but not limited to public records, lien searches, officer’s/secretary’s certificates, formation and transaction authorizing resolutions, appointment of agent for service of process, filings secretaries of state and other public filings, and signature pagesLearn the elements of a lien search and its purpose; gain knowledge of the different types of liens/lien searches and where and how to search for types of liens against a particular debtor, engage and interact with corporate service providers to facilitate searches and learn how to review search resultsGain basic knowledge of the types of entities and their differences and learn how to order and review corporate documents including good standing certificatesPrepare and circulate signature pages (including using DocuSign or other electronic platforms when appropriate)Develop understanding of procedures for (and facilitate) delivery of original notes, equity certificates and other possessory collateral under the supervision of an Attorney or senior ParalegalCoordinate transaction workflows and manage closing and post-closing processes under the supervision of an Attorney or senior ParalegalReview closing documents for completeness, accuracy and compliance with transaction requirements and identify open items to coordinate the completion and delivery of same with a senior Paralegal or Attorney.Develop understanding of basic UCC Article 8 and 9 concepts, including the purpose of a UCC-1 filing, the components of a UCC-1 filing, how to prepare a UCC-1 face page and exhibit, the differences between a UCC-1 and a UCC-3, what types of actions may be effected by the filing of a UCC-3, gain experience drafting UCC collateral descriptions; prepare schedules summarizing UCC filings received via lien searches, develop understanding of Sidley’s UCC review procedures and process; gain experience preparing and filing UCC financing statements, amendments, continuations, and terminationsDevelop expertise researching and analyzing Article 9 issues and other UCC mattersAssemble master closing sets; prepare and distribute electronic closing sets and closing books (where applicable)Learn how to set up a virtual or physical data roomCommunicate effectively with other Paralegals, Attorneys, clients, opposing counsel, filing offices, and third-party vendorsAssist with other transactional and team responsibilities as neededEducation and/or Experience:Required:Bachelor’s degree0 – 3 years of paralegal experience supporting commercial finance, secured lending, securitization, or other financial transactions in a law firm or comparable professional-services environmentStrong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple transactions, deadlines, and competing prioritiesExcellent attention to detail, judgment, communication, and follow-throughAbility to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced transactional practicePreferred:Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved programKnowledge of how to perform internet research/searchesThe demands of the transactional practice may require overtime during active closings and other periods of increased activity.Other Skills and Abilities:The following will also be required of the successful candidate:Strong organizational skillsStrong attention to detailGood judgmentStrong interpersonal communication skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAble to work harmoniously and effectively with othersAble to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretionAble to work under pressureAble to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities#LI-GK1The target salary range for this role is:$85,000 - $108,000 if located in IllinoisSalaries 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. 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 above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above 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 [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.