Washington State Paralegal Association

Focal PLLC, a boutique, twelve-attorney law firm based in Seattle with a focus on technology, media, and internet law, is seeking paralegal with at least 2-3 years of experience to support our corporate, trademark and transactional practice groups. 

While we are fully remote, we are ideally looking for someone based in Washington or Oregon (who is admitted to either bar) and who can travel on the very occasion that an in-person meeting may be required.  

 

A.  Responsibilities 

• Working with lawyers to prepare and file documents required to form, maintain, and/or dissolve companies, such as corporations and limited liability companies.
  
• Collecting and organizing client and corporate information, tracking filing and renewal deadlines, and corresponding with third parties.
  
• Assisting lawyers prepare documentation for a variety of corporate transactions, from mergers and acquisitions to debt and equity financings. This may include preparing or drafting due diligence request lists, document data rooms, form agreements, and closing binders.
  
• Assisting lawyers prepare corporate governance documents, such as board minutes, board and/or shareholder resolutions, and equity grants.
  
• Creating and maintaining corporate records, such as minute books, capitalization tables, stock certificates, and stock option ledgers.
  
• Conducting legal research and analysis from time-to-time as needed, under the supervision and direction of lawyers.
  
• Developing systems and processes to streamline contract or transaction origination and completion.
  
• Map and manage the corporate group’s knowledge management systems, and establish and maintain a precedent database. 
  

1.     Required

•  At least 2-3 years of experience, a paralegal certificate and/or bachelors degree, or a combination of experience and education that allows the candidate to meet the needs of the firm.
  
• A strong understanding of corporate governance requirements, preferably in Washington and Delaware. 
  
• Strong communications skills, attention to detail, and a desire to work collaboratively and engage with clients.
  
• Being responsive, proactive, organized and independent.·       We use Cloud-based systems for collaboration and knowledge management and the paralegal will need to be or become competent and comfortable with a variety of tools, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Adobe Basecamp, Slack, Clio, DocuSign, and the Google suite (drive, calendar, email, etc.).
  

2.     Preferred

• Trademark support experience, including handling filings with the USPTO. 
  
•  Experience with the USPTO system and industry software and applications.
  
•  Experience with intellectual property rights and licensing, corporate/partnership formations, and the issues facing early-stage technology companies.
  
• Familiarity with Carta or other third party capitalization table solutions often used by privately-held companies.
  

(Though we prefer that candidates have these qualifications we are willing to train to the extent our new paralegal does not have such experience.)

C.  Location, Benefits, and Salary

Focal maintains an office in Seattle, but we have always been a remote-friendly firm and will remain that way. The paralegal is generally a remote position. All staff in the Seattle area are asked to attend one in-person staff meeting once per calendar quarter. 
Our 12 attorneys are licensed in Washington (primary jurisdiction), New York, Oregon, California, and Illinois. We are accepting applications from anyone in the United States; though we prefer a candidate residing in the greater Seattle area.
Focal offers a generous benefits package, including retirement matching, health insurance and paid time off. We anticipate this paralegal will earn between $65,000 to $85,000 in salary compensation.

D.  About Focal PLLC

We are proud that Focal maintains a collaborative work environment with legal professionals who strive to achieve a healthy work and life balance. Unlike traditional firms that often require 1800+ hours in annual billings, Focal attorneys bill on average 1000 hours a year. 

We are an equal-opportunity employer and a certified (NAMWOLF) minority and women-owned law firm. Focal maintains a family friendly atmosphere. We value diversity and make an effort to look for diverse candidates. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ candidates, and parents are encouraged to apply. We take pride in our corporate culture as we prioritize wellness, work and life balance, diversity, and inclusion.

E.   How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter for consideration to careers@focallaw.com, with the subject line: Corporate and Transactional Paralegal.