If you are a paralegal professional looking to grow your career in a highly engaged and collaborative environment, Copeland has an exciting opportunity for you! Based in our corporate headquarters in St. Louis, you will work closely with the Vice President, Senior Associate General Counsel for M&A, Securities & Corporate Governance and play a critical role in ensuring compliance with applicable securities laws, stock exchange requirements, and internal governance policies and procedures.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:SEC Filings & Public Company Requirements
- Assist in the preparation and submission of SEC reports including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, proxy statements, and Section 16 filings.
- Provide support for annual stockholders meetings, including development and preparation of annual stockholders meeting planning worksheet, and manage other stock exchange listing requirements.
- Maintain and update insider trading records and support adherence to the company's securities trading policy, including assisting with the administration of trading plans, insider trading window and special blackout period notices, and pre-clearance and hardship exemption requests.
Corporate Governance
- Maintain and update documentation in the global corporate governance platform - including subsidiary and JV entity records, board resolutions, meeting minutes, governance charters, and director questionnaires - and assist in legal entity formation, filings, dissolution, organizational structure charts, etc.
- Develop and maintain Corporate Governance & Securities Calendar for tracking regulatory and governance deadlines to ensure all filings, governance activities and other requirements are completed on time.
- Support the Corporate Governance Community of Practice by managing central hub for exchanging best practices, establishing consistent processes, standardizing tools, and tracking cost savings across the company's global platform.
Legal & Administrative Support
- Conduct legal research and monitor regulatory developments related to securities law and corporate governance; assist in developing employee training.
- Support due diligence efforts - including managing documents and virtual data rooms - for M&A, strategic investments, and capital markets transactions.
- Serve as point of contact for internal stakeholders and external advisors across legal, finance, tax, investor relations, human resources, and other functions globally to gather and verify information for public disclosures, legal entity matters, etc.
Professional Development
- Participate in training, networking, and development opportunities associated with governance and securities-related professional associations (e.g., Society for Corporate Governance).
SCHEDULE:This is a full-time position that follows standard business hours. Some extended hours may be required during annual and quarterly reporting periods.
WHERE & HOW WE WORK:This role is hybrid eligible, with the expectation to be in the office at least three days per week. Colleagues are encouraged to demonstrate a collaboration-first mindset-working together in person as needed to best serve our business. You will have the opportunity to work with your team and leader to determine your in-office days based on business needs.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:- Strong understanding of SEC regulations, corporate governance practices, and public company requirements
- Excellent organizational, time-management, communication, and writing skills; attention to detail and follow through
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, legal entity management systems, director portals, and SEC filing platforms (e.g., Diligent, EDGAR, Workiva, Docusign)
- Capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment for internal clients and external parties globally
- Proven ability to handle confidential information and develop trusting, cross-cultural relationships with a high degree of tact, discretion and diplomacy
- Professional passion for governance and securities-related matters; tenacity and determination in addressing business challenges and resolving complex issues; positive, proactive, collaborative interpersonal approach; results-oriented
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:- 5 - 7+ years as a corporate paralegal, preferably in a public company or law firm, with a focus on corporate governance and public company securities reporting
- Bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certification
- Notary Public certification (preferred)
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