Lead Corporate Paralegal
US
James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.
Summary
Location: Hybrid from Chicago, IL
The Lead Corporate Paralegal serves as a highly trusted partner within the Global Legal and Compliance Department, operating with a high degree of independence and judgment across corporate secretarial, corporate securities and governance matters. This role supports critical corporate compliance and governance functions for a publicly‑traded, global organization, exercising discretion in prioritization, execution, and problem‑solving with minimal day‑to‑day oversight.
Acting as a subject‑matter expert in corporate governance, subsidiary management, and U.S. securities compliance, the Lead Corporate Paralegal independently manages enterprise‑wide processes, advises internal stakeholders on legal and compliance issues, and influences outcomes across Legal, Finance, Tax, HR, and global operations. The role proactively identifies gaps, inefficiencies, and emerging risks, translating regulatory and governance requirements into practical, business‑aligned solutions.
This position is accountable for the integrity of corporate records, the accuracy and timeliness of regulatory filings, and the operational effectiveness of entity management and governance frameworks across multiple jurisdictions. In addition to supporting Board and committee‑level activities, the Lead Corporate Paralegal plays a role in shaping legal operations workflows, mentoring less‑experienced team members, and supporting other cross‑functional initiatives that directly support the Department and Company’s objectives.
What You’ll Do:
- Conduct research and compile information, summaries, and reports for attorney review.
- Assist with drafting, reviewing, and preparing required U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings including 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, registration statements, proxy statements relating to annual shareholder meetings and Section 16 filings.
- Manage entity management system, relationships with registered agents, update officer/director slates and maintain organizational charts.
- Provide compliance and transactional assistance including monitoring business transactions for compliance with corporate and securities laws, supporting audit processes and financial reporting obligations, managing equity transfers and liaising with transfer agents, assisting with due diligence and document preparation for corporate transactions.
- Support corporate governance activities, including preparation of board and committee materials, resolutions, consents, and meeting logistics.
- Manage and maintain domestic and international subsidiary records, minute books, officer/director listings, and annual compliance filings.
- Coordinate preparation and submission of regulatory, corporate, and compliance filings across multiple jurisdictions.
- Support legal operations processes and workflow improvements, coordinate with Tax, Finance, HR, and global operations on entity and compliance matters
- Partner with cross‑functional teams (Finance, HR, Operations) to ensure timely completion of legal deliverables.
- Organize, track, and maintain legal templates, playbooks, and shared documentation repositories.
- Support special legal projects as assigned.
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business or legal studies or related discipline required.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Corporate Securities and Corporate Secretarial paralegal
- Experience supporting publicly traded company governance activities strongly preferred.
- Paralegal Certificate preferred
- Ability to develop, improve, document and provide high quality deliverables
- Detail oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to analyze information, identify risks, and make practical recommendations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proactive, resourceful, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- High degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.
- Ability to travel an average of 10%.
What You’ll Receive:
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $94,000.00 to $117,000.00. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits, and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
- Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
- Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
- Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
- Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
- Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
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Build a Better Future for All - Apply now!
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
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