At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.
JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Corporate Paralegal provides primary support to POET Legal and business team members by assisting with a variety of corporate transactional matters—including M&A transactions involving privately held and sometimes publicly held companies, and debt and equity financing—in addition to maintaining the corporate records of POET, its subsidiaries and affiliates. This role also includes review of transfers of ownership among investors. In addition, the Corporate Paralegal assists with litigation and employment matters as needed. The Corporate Paralegal is a highly valued and key member of our legal team.
This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:
Assist attorneys with corporate, transactional and real estate matters by preparing, reviewing and organizing legal documents.
Coordinate business entity formation, maintenance, governance and dissolution activities, including preparing organizational documents, corporate minutes, resolutions, consents and related records; maintain corporate records, entity databases and governance materials to ensure accuracy and compliance across all POET entities.
Support commercial transactions by coordinating due diligence, gathering and organizing records, tracking deliverables, maintaining transaction checklists and deal files, and assisting with closing and post-closing activities.
Contribute to real estate matters through title and document review, transaction coordination, and preparation and assembly of closing-related materials.
Partner with internal business teams and POET legal team members to support contracts and other commercial legal matters and facilitate timely resolution of legal and business needs, including creating first-pass legal materials under attorney guidance, such as draft agreements and redlined revisions.
Assemble schedules and ancillary documents for credit agreements with careful attention to detail.
Work at the attorney’s direction to respond to subpoenas, discovery, litigation, and employment matters.
Provide leadership on cross-functional teams, identify legal issues, provide legal options and analysis of possible legal solutions, and give recommendations for addressing issues to achieve business and legal objectives.
Assist in the development and review of company policies and procedures based on legal requirements and sound risk-management practices.
Act as a positive agent for change by providing ideas, solutions and feedback to continually improve business practices and results.
Perform other duties as assigned. Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!
A minimum of 5+ years of corporate paralegal experience in a law firm or in-house setting with significant exposure to corporate law, real estate matters and transactions.
Bachelor’s degree from a reputable college or university with a paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program. (POET will consider equivalent experience).
Experience preparing, reviewing, summarizing and maintaining corporate records, such as minutes, unanimous written consents, articles of organization, bylaws and other documents.
Demonstrated knowledge of entity maintenance, corporate governance and commercial legal documentation.
Experience supporting transactions, including due diligence, closings and post-closing follow-up activities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively across legal and business teams.
Patient, active listening and strategic thinking skills to assess risk and provide commercially viable options in a positive and solution-oriented fashion.
Results-oriented, while passionate to serve others and add value with integrity.
High level of attention to detail, sound judgment and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
A high level of personal integrity
Interpersonal skills – the ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within and outside the organization
Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Strong professionalism and judgment
Ability to embrace and promote change
An innovative mindset
Ability to think objectively
Proven organizational skills and a reputation for being reliable
Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
The ability to work in a team environment and willingness to jump in wherever needed
This position operates in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand. Most of our Sioux Falls office workspace consists of an open-concept design intended to promote open communication and collaboration.
CULTURE IS KING AT POETWe’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIESAt POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.
BENEFITSFor eligible team members
Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
401K with company match
Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!
Paid Parental Leave
A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
Discounted home and auto insurance
POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.
Skills Required
- At least 5 years of corporate paralegal experience in a law firm or in-house setting, with significant exposure to corporate law, real estate matters, and transactions.
- Bachelor's degree and a paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Experience preparing, reviewing, summarizing, and maintaining corporate records, including minutes, unanimous written consents, articles of organization, and bylaws.
- Knowledge of entity maintenance, corporate governance, and commercial legal documentation.
- Experience supporting transactions, including due diligence, closings, and post-closing follow-up activities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate across legal and business teams.
- Patient active listening and strategic thinking skills to assess risk and provide commercially viable options.
- High attention to detail, sound judgment, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Personal integrity, professionalism, interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, critical thinking, organizational skills, reliability, teamwork, and adaptability.
What We Do
POET is the world's largest producer of ethanol and a leader in bioprocessing, focused on renewable energy and agricultural products.
