Paralegal

Job Description A&O Shearman is a new global industry‑leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future. We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients. Whether you are helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth‑running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first‑rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing. What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success. Department purpose and structure At the heart of our offering is a robust global employment and compensation team, comprising over 160 specialised lawyers who are strategically positioned across key markets in the U.S., the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific. Our global team is adept at navigating the complexities of cross‑border and local law, delivering top‑tier advice to a diverse clientele that includes corporate employers, both public and private, boards, pension scheme institutions, retirement asset fiduciaries, investors and executive management teams. Our group also uniquely operates at the forefront of local, regional and global regulatory and market developments in key financial centres, working closely with policymakers, industry bodies and other key stakeholders. We have a deep knowledge of current and emerging developments, regulatory processes and governance best practices, which we use to support our clients to achieve their business objectives, manage risk and comply with their public market obligations. Role purpose The paralegal role will support the U.S. Compensation, Employment, Pensions and Governance practice group by providing comprehensive legal and administrative support, with a strong focus on research and writing, governance and operational excellence. The role coordinates and manages a broad range of legal, transactional and practice support activities, including precedent research, agreement preparation and management, regulatory and entity related matters and support for pension and benefits meetings. This position plays a key role in facilitating internal and client meetings, managing compliance activities and filings, maintaining legal resources and precedents, and supporting business development efforts and pro‑bono engagements. It also provides cross‑practice backup support and assists with special initiatives as required. Key relationships Compensation, Employment, Pensions & Governance partners and associates Senior Manager, Paralegal and Legal Support Administration Practice Manager Context This role involves acting as a reliable point of contact for the CEPG partners and associates and will provide as‑needed support to additional corporate practice groups. The paralegal support function is crucial to the day‑to‑day success of the business, and this individual will play an essential part in this model. Role and responsibilities Coordinate precedent research of SEC filings using EDGAR and Intelligize. Customize and manage employment and separation agreements for employees across multiple entities and companies and distribute them via DocuSign. Serve as a witness to spousal consent documents, as needed. Coordinate preparation and distribution of K‑1s to employees across all company entities. Coordinate preparation and distribution of legal binders and reference materials. Plan and facilitate CEPG team meetings and events. Manage CLE related meetings to support team compliance and professional development. Manage precedents to streamline access to internal legal and training materials. Produce a weekly legal insights CEPG newsletter incorporating external and internal updates and events. Manage team access and login credentials to external resources, including client rolodex and journals. Attend and manage a pro‑bono client’s quarterly board meetings, including coordinating all logistics and taking detailed minutes. Prepare for and attend other client meetings, as needed. Coordinate with external service providers to obtain certificates of good standing, lien/litigation searches, entity formation, etc. Notarise documents. Work closely with the CEPG group and business development team to support related initiatives (e.g. tracking opened and closed deals, providing inputs in connection with bio updates and directory submissions, and assisting with updates to thought leadership content). Prepare U.S.‑based audit response letters, ensuring timely communication with attorneys, clients and auditors and proper documentation for annual audit processes. Assist with special and ad‑hoc projects for CEPG partners. Serve as secretary for quarterly pension and benefits committee meetings, including coordinating all logistics, outreach to external participants and taking detailed minutes. Provide backup support to additional corporate practice groups, as needed. Prepare and release daily time entries. Other duties and responsibilities, as assigned that are consistent with the role. Team This position reports directly to the CEPG partners and associates and Senior Manager, Paralegal and Legal Support Administration, and works closely with other members of staff, including, but not limited to, the group’s Practice Manager and the broader paralegal team. Key requirements Four‑year bachelor’s degree with strong academic background. Highly motivated self‑starter and project manager. Superior written and verbal communication skills. Strong proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, CoPilot and Adobe. Strong research capabilities, proficiency with technology and AI‑assisted tools, and excellent time management skills to manage deadlines across multiple matters. Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Ability to analyse information and solve problems. Ability to produce high‑quality work product under pressure and tight deadlines. Ability to accurately follow instructions and prioritise work appropriately. Ability to interact professionally with clients and employees at all levels of the organisation. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as part of a team. Ability to take ownership of tasks and think creatively. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in a professional manner. Flexibility to work outside standard business hours. Flexibility to travel as needed. Awareness of current events and global affairs. Interest in pursuing a legal career. Resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript required as part of application. Equal Employment Opportunity, including Veterans and Disability A&O Shearman is an equal opportunity employer, including Veterans and Disability. Every individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment. This policy applies to all aspects of an individual’s relationship with A&O Shearman, including, without limitation, recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment. If you are vision‑impaired or have another disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law and wish to discuss accommodations related to applying for employment at A&O Shearman, please contact US HR Transactions at US‑View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io and ask for HR Transactions. This role is open to our New York office. The estimated annualised base salary range for this position is $60,000–$62,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on the overall qualifications of the individual applicant for the position and other job‑related factors permitted by law. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes a discretionary bonus, paid leave, life, health, accident and disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan. #J-18808-Ljbffr