Job Description

purpose of job

The paralegal will support attorneys in the Capital Markets group with private and public company matters, including equity administration matters, venture financings, corporate matters, Edgar filings, and compliance.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

• Support attorneys in all stages of venture capital financing transactions, including preparing closing checklists, managing data rooms, drafting ancillary documents, coordinating preparation and distribution of signature pages, compiling closing documents and tracking closing deliverables.
• Administer and maintain client capitalization tables in Carta and Pulley, including inputting new equity grants, option exercises, and convertible instruments in accordance with applicable equity compensation plans
• Perform Blue Sky research and prepare applicable filings
• Assist with documentation and filing for 83(b) elections
• Lead Form ID preparation and filing and manage EDGAR accounts
• Prepare and file Section 16 filings, including Form 144
• Assist with formation of new entities, including drafting and filing certificates of incorporation/formation and bylaws/operating agreements for Delaware and California corporations and LLCs
• Draft routine corporate governance documents, such as board resolutions, stockholder consents and officer certificates
• Maintain corporate minute books, stock ledgers and other corporate records for client entities
• Assist with annual corporate compliance, including preparing and filing annual reports, statements of information and payment of franchise taxes
• Obtain EINs
• Assist with the preparation of SEC filings for US Issuers and FPIs, including proofreading, defined terms checks, circle-ups, and liaising with financial printer regarding edits and filing.
• Prepare and track completion of Director questionnaires.
• Support closings, including maintaining closing checklist, tracking deliverables, coordinating signature pages and closing documents and preparing closing sets.
• Assist with the maintenance of precedent libraries and other knowledge resources.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

• Paralegal Certificate or Bachelor’s degree
• 1-4 years of paralegal experience, preferably in a law firm environment
• Familiarity with Carta, Pulley and other equity management tools
• Solid understanding of corporate structures, governance and startup equity
• Ability to work under pressure and coordinate multiple activities in a fast-paced environment
• Capacity to meet deadlines
• Ability to problem solve and take initiative
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate professionally with colleagues and clients
• Flexibility to work overtime hours and be available as needed, including nights and weekends on short notice
• Ensure confidentiality of Firm and client information

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California, Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $95,000 to $110,000.

EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at BusinessServicesRecruitment@Freshfields.com , or you can send your resume to BusinessServicesRecruitment@Freshfields.com , or you can call us at +1-212-277-4000.