Senior Emerging Companies Paralegal (Palo Alto, CA; Denver, CO)

Join our Emerging Companies group as a Senior Paralegal and lead venture-backed clients through complex corporate transactions from inception to close. You will manage governance, VC financings, M&A, restructurings, and multi-entity structures while serving as a trusted technical resource to attorneys, clients, and investors. If you thrive in a fast-paced, client-focused practice and bring advanced corporate expertise, we would appreciate hearing from you.


In this role, you will:

* 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.


What we're looking for:

* 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 SuitePower PDF and DocuSign.
* Knowledge of ethical boundaries of position and when to consult with attorney.
* Ability to work in office 50% of the work week, increasing to 80% of the work week (four days per work week) starting January 4, 2027.

Preferred:

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

About Dorsey:

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 a diverse range of 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, with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Our benefits are available to business professionals working 17+ hours/week along with their dependents, including spouses and domestic partners regardless of gender. Dorsey's benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, behavioral health, and access to virtual providers; dental insurance; 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; 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 and college advising program; virtual tutoring; wellbeing programs and activities; mass transit program (certain offices); travel assistance program; 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost. (Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)

One of our greatest strengths is a friendly, cooperative culture that values and appreciates each individual. Dorsey has received external recognition for our welcoming workplace, including:

- Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab)
- Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers)
- 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign)
- Gold Standard Certification (Women in Law Empowerment Forum)
- Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Reasonable Accommodations:

Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations, as well as menopause, pregnancy or lactation-related reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, or if you have questions about a workplace reasonable accommodation, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io.


How to Apply:

Dorsey & Whitney LLP accepts online applications. Please go to the "Careers" section of the Dorsey website at and complete Dorsey's online application form. We are unable to accept application materials by mail or email.


Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP participates in E-Verify.

The pay range for this position in Palo Alto only is $58.85 to 83.08 per hour.
The pay range for this position in Colorado only is $46.40 to $65.51 per hour.

This range represents Dorsey's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills and location and may fall outside of the range indicated.


Dorsey estimates it will accept applications through November 13, 2026.
Please note that Dorsey is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

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Office Location:
Palo Alto, CA
Denver, CO