Legal Assistant - Corporate (Palo Alto, CA) (#4057)

Our Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practice advises innovative startups, founders, and investors throughout every stage of the company lifecycle-from formation to venture financings and beyond. We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Legal Assistant to support attorneys in this fast-paced practice.

Success in this position requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. You will work closely with clients, founders, investors, and internal teams while supporting the day-to-day operations of a busy transactional practice. We encourage you to apply if you enjoy working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and are excited about supporting a growing practice.

In this role, you will:

- Provide legal administrative support to attorneys, serving as a liaison for clients, managing high-volume communications and coordinating meetings across multiple time zones.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, founders, investors, and internal teams.
- Initiate client/matter openings, including conflicts checks, and engagement letters.
- Assist with company formations, including preparation and filing of organizational documents.
- Prepare and coordinate execution of signature packets and closing documents for venture financing and other corporate transactions.
- Coordinate electronic signatures and track execution of transaction documents.
- Maintain corporate records and assist with organization of capitalization and governance documents.
- Assist with preparation and filing of corporate documents with the California Secretary of State and other jurisdictions as needed.
- Proactively review calendars to maintain an overview of attorneys' deadlines; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures to ensure deadlines are met.
- Create, edit, revise, redline, and/or proofread documents.
- Assist with time entry, expense reports, and the billing process, including distributing monthly proformas, reviewing and editing proformas, and sending invoices and related correspondence to clients.
- Maintain client files, both electronic and hard copy; file electronic documents promptly and accurately in Outlook and document management system.
- Process and route incoming mail and electronic communications upon receipt as well as prepare outgoing mail (including packages for shipment) for prompt delivery.
- Process reimbursement requests, check requests, and vendor invoices.
- Coordinate attorney meetings and appointments, including scheduling conference rooms.
- Coordinate travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, and rental cars.
- Maintain attorney CLE records, including seminar registration and reporting.
- Delegate administrative tasks to Department Administrative Assistants.
- Provide a high level of customer service to attorneys and clients.
- May be requested to perform other duties as requested.

What we're looking for:

- High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
- At least 5 years of related experience, preferably supporting corporate or emerging companies practices in a law firm environment.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and document management systems.
- Proficient with Kofax Power PDF.
- Experience with electronic signature platforms and corporate filings preferred.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Excellent customer/client service focus and skills.
- Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and perform well under pressure to ensure deadlines are met.
- Ability to use good judgment in resolving conflict and working in challenging situations.
- Ability to maintain client and firm confidentiality.
- Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to use independent judgment.
- Thorough understanding of legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the practice area.

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 612-492-5178.

How to Apply:

Dorsey & Whitney LLP accepts online applications. Please go to the "Careers" section of the Dorsey website at www.dorsey.com/staffjobs 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 California only is $35.74 to $64.87 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 March 27, 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