Entry Level Global Finance Paralegal

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

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL seeks a paralegal to support commercial finance transactions and closings. You will prepare closing deliverables, maintain checklists, and assist with lien searches under attorney supervision.

The role involves reviewing documents, coordinating closing logistics, and ensuring compliance with transaction requirements while developing expertise in UCC Article 8/9 and related processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 0–3 years of paralegal experience in commercial finance or related field.
• Paralegal certificate preferred; ABA-approved program.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of negotiated lending and structured finance transactions.
• Assist on closings including preparing deliverables and closing documentation under supervision.
• Prepare and review closing documents, checklists, and formation documents.
• Learn lien searches and review search results.
• Order and review corporate documents and good standing certificates.
• Prepare signature pages and use electronic platforms where appropriate.
• Coordinate transaction workflows and post-closing processes.
• Review documents for completeness and compliance with transaction requirements.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Good judgment

Interpersonal communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Discretion/confidentiality

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree

ABA-approved paralegal certificate

Tools

DocuSign

Job description

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an understanding of the elements of negotiated lending and structured finance transactions and support lawyers and clients on such transactions
• Learn 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 Paralegal
• Gain 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 pages
• Learn 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 results
• Gain basic knowledge of the types of entities and their differences and learn how to order and review corporate documents including good standing certificates
• Prepare 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 Paralegal
• Coordinate transaction workflows and manage closing and post-closing processes under the supervision of an Attorney or senior Paralegal
• Review 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 terminations
• Develop expertise researching and analyzing Article 9 issues and other UCC matters
• Assemble master closing sets; prepare and distribute electronic closing sets and closing books (where applicable)
• Learn how to set up a virtual or physical data room
• Communicate effectively with other Paralegals, Attorneys, clients, opposing counsel, filing offices, and third-party vendors
• Assist with other transactional and team responsibilities as needed

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 0 – 3 years of paralegal experience supporting commercial finance, secured lending, securitization, or other financial transactions in a law firm or comparable professional-services environment
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple transactions, deadlines, and competing priorities
• Excellent attention to detail, judgment, communication, and follow-through
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced transactional practice

Preferred:

• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program
• Knowledge of how to perform internet research/searches

The 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 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

#LI-GK1

The target salary range for this role is:

$85,000 - $108,000 if located in Illinois

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. 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.