Full-Time
Paralegal
Posted on 3/11/2026
Dechert
1,001-5,000 employees
Provides legal counsel on complex transactions
No salary listed
Philadelphia, PA, USA
In Person
 Legal & Compliance (2) |
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- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with computer programs Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
- Excellent typing, spelling and grammatical skills.
- Ability to manage varied tasks, prioritize deadlines, and work cooperatively within a team is essential.
- Independent individual with a willingness to learn/acquire new skills.
- Ability to work productively and cooperatively with other employees.
- Ability to maintain confidential information.
- Ability to think critically and analytically in a pressured environment.
- Assist with administration of estates and trusts, including preparation of probate petitions and related court filings, collection and valuation of assets with instruction and guidance of senior paralegals.
- Assist with maintaining financial records for use in preparation of tax returns and accountings with instruction and guidance of senior paralegals.
- Assist with preparation of tax returns, including Federal Estate Tax Returns, PA Inheritance Tax Returns, Federal Gift Tax Returns, Individual and Fiduciary Income Tax Returns with instruction and guidance of senior paralegals.
- Assist with Trust administration with instruction and guidance of senior paralegals.
- Maintains Practice Groups filing system: inserting additional data on the file records, keeping files current, closing files and sending and recalling files from the Records Department.
- Open and distribute mail.
- Effectively work with attorneys/paralegals/accountant/secretaries, including communicating regularly regarding status of projects pointing out issues and tracking deadlines.
- Effectively communicate with banks, investment firms and clients, as needed, with instruction and guidance of senior paralegals.
- Assist with miscellaneous projects assigned by Private Client attorneys, paralegals and accountant.
- Practice and foster an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation.
- Perform any and all other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Department, Office and Firm.
- Paralegal Certificate preferred.
- Knowledge of accounting and Tax Programs (Zane, Axcess) a plus.
Dechert provides legal services to business leaders, handling high-stakes litigation, first-in-market transaction structures, and complex regulatory matters across key sectors such as financial services, private capital, real estate, life sciences, and technology. Its product is the delivery of comprehensive legal advice and representation through a global team of lawyers who partner with clients to navigate legal challenges. The firm differentiates itself with a long history, global footprint, deep sector immersion, and a commitment to close, ongoing collaboration with clients to achieve strong results. Dechert’s goal is to help clients manage risk, seize opportunities, and reach unprecedented outcomes in complex business environments.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Founded
1875
Get referred to Dechert
Find people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Complex litigation expansion can capture near-term demand for high-stakes disputes.
- Private capital and asset-management specialization supports recurring deal flow and referrals.
- Sector focus in financial services, life sciences, and technology sharpens business development.
What critics are saying
- Kirkland, Latham, and Gibson Dunn pressure Dechert on elite mandates.
- New litigation hiring burns capital if recruits fail to win marquee matters.
- Heavy private capital exposure increases vulnerability to fee pressure and panel consolidation.
What makes Dechert unique
- Dechert pairs 2026 complex commercial litigation growth with trial-ready disputes talent.
- Its private capital advisory heritage spans 40 years, deepening investor relationships.
- The firm anchors cross-border work through New York, London, and other global offices.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Flexible Work Hours
Remote Work Options
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Sabbatical Leave
Hybrid Work Options
Stock Options
Company Equity
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Performance Bonus
Profit Sharing
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Relocation Assistance
Employee Referral Bonus
Student Loan Assistance
Parental Leave
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support
Adoption Assistance
Childcare Support
Elder Care Support
Pet Insurance
Bereavement Leave
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Training Programs
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Certification Support
Mentorship Program
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Gym Membership
Commuter Benefits
Meal Benefits
Phone/Internet Stipend
Home Office Stipend
Legal Services
Employee Discounts
Company Social Events
Company News
Dechert ranked among top law firms for pro bono work by The American Lawyer. Dechert has been ranked number three internationally and number seven in the United States in The American Lawyer's annual Pro Bono Scorecard, according to a July 16 announcement. The Pro Bono Scorecard evaluates the 200 largest U.S. law firms based on average pro bono hours per lawyer and the percentage of lawyers performing more than 20 hours of pro bono work annually. Dechert has held a spot among the top three internationally for eleven consecutive years and has been in the U.S. top ten for nine out of the last ten years. This recognition comes after other recent honors, including receiving the National Legal Aid & Defender Association's 2026 Beacon of Justice Award. "At Dechert, commitment to our communities is one of our longest-standing values," said Co-chair Dave Forti. "The scope of our pro bono efforts is remarkable, ranging from representing prisoners of conscience to preparing tax returns in remote Alaskan villages, supporting military veterans, advocating for housing and much more." Co-chair Mark Thierfelder said, "Since our firm's earliest days more than 150 years ago, Dechert and its people have been committed to advocating for justice. We're grateful to all of our people who serve our pro bono clients with the same innovative spirit and commitment to excellence that they bring to all that they do." In 2025, Dechert provided over 82,000 hours of pro bono legal services globally through involvement in more than 1,500 matters across areas such as criminal justice reform, housing and homelessness issues, civil rights cases, human trafficking prevention efforts, veterans benefits support, and representation for nonprofits and small businesses. The firm also offers an Impact Fellowship program allowing early-career lawyers to spend a year working with nonprofit partners. Dechert was founded over 150 years ago and advises clients on litigation matters as well as transactional structures across commercial centers worldwide.
Dechert bolsters private equity M&A capabilities with addition of partner Leahana Grimley. Business · JUL 7, 2026 PR Newswire SAN FRANCISCO, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Dechert LLP announced today that Leahana Grimley has joined the firm as a partner in its corporate and securit... SAN FRANCISCO, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Dechert LLP announced today that Leahana Grimley has joined the firm as a partner in its corporate and securities practice, based in the San Francisco office. Her arrival augments the firm's private equity and M&A capabilities on the West Coast and adds significant cross-border transactional experience to Dechert's globally integrated platform. "Leahana is highly regarded in her field, with robust client relationships and a phenomenal track record," said Mark Thierfelder, co-chair of Dechert. "Her arrival is a clear reflection of the momentum we have built as a firm and our continued investment in our corporate and M&A capabilities, including the deepening of our platform on the West Coast." "Leahana brings a sophisticated, sponsor-focused M&A practice," said Ken Young, co-chair of Dechert's corporate and securities practice. "Her experience representing top-tier private equity funds on high-value acquisitions and divestitures, alongside a strong restructuring background, makes her a great addition to our team at this time of growth globally for the firm." Ms. Grimley's practice centers on private equity M&A, with a particular emphasis on middle and upper middle-market transactions. She advises leading private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies on complex leveraged and strategic acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, restructurings and incentive equity arrangements across a broad range of industries. Ms. Grimley brings a cross-border perspective grounded in transactions across the United States, Australia and Southeast Asia. She was previously a corporate partner at a leading international law firm in the Bay Area. "Dechert has built one of the premier private equity and M&A practices in the world, and I am excited to contribute to that platform in San Francisco," said Ms. Grimley. "The firm's deep sponsor relationships, global reach and commitment to delivering market-leading results for clients made this an easy decision. I look forward to working alongside an exceptional team and continuing to deliver the highest level of service to our clients." Ms. Grimley marks the 50th lateral partner Dechert has welcomed this year, reflecting the firm's strategic goal of strengthening capabilities across its steeples of excellence in litigation, investment management, finance and restructuring, capital markets and securitization, and mergers and acquisitions. Dechert's corporate and securities practice advises clients across M&A, capital markets and finance, delivering integrated, commercially driven counsel throughout the entire transaction lifecycle. The practice combines innovative thinking with leading-edge legal technology to provide efficient, practical solutions tailored to each client's business objectives. Clients include public and private corporations, financial sponsors, asset managers and investment banking firms. Dechert's M&A team advises strategic and financial buyers, sellers, boards, special committees and management teams on domestic and cross-border transactions of all sizes and complexities. The firm's capital markets lawyers counsel operating companies, asset managers and investment banks on initial and follow-on public offerings and private placements of debt, equity and hybrid securities. Dechert's finance practice represents borrowers, lenders and sponsors on complex global financing transactions and debt restructurings. The firm also advises clients on securities compliance, corporate governance and general corporate matters, helping them navigate regulatory change and manage risk proactively. The practice consistently earns top rankings in leading league tables and legal directories, including Chambers and The Legal 500. About Dechert Dechert is the law firm that helps business leaders lead. For more than 150 years, we have advised clients on critical issues - from high-stakes litigation to first-in-market transaction structures and complex regulatory matters. Our lawyers in commercial centers worldwide are immersed in the key sectors we serve - financial services, private capital, real estate, life sciences and technology. Dechert delivers unwavering partnership so our clients can achieve unprecedented results. SOURCE Dechert LLP Published by News Desk · WeeklyReviewer The WeeklyReviewer news desk monitors breaking developments around the clock - sourcing, verifying, and publishing real-time industry news across business, technology, politics, science, sports, and world affairs. Every story that comes through the Live Wire is reviewed for accuracy before publication, keeping our readers ahead of the curve without the noise.
Dechert LLP has added Lawton Camp, a nationally recognised structured finance and securitisation partner, to its global finance practice in New York. Camp's arrival extends the firm's asset class coverage into large equipment, aircraft, SBA loans and infrastructure whilst strengthening its CLO, credit fund, ABS and rated notes capabilities. Camp brings extensive experience representing underwriters, arrangers, originators and investors across asset classes including CLOs, ABS, mortgage-backed securities and consumer finance receivables. He has been ranked by Chambers USA in Capital Markets: Securitisation since 2012 and by Chambers Global since 2014. The hire is part of Dechert's strategic expansion, with Camp amongst more than 35 lateral partners welcomed this year across the firm's key practice areas.
Dechert LLP has added three partners to its Washington, DC office: Tara Lee, Scott Lerner and Melissa Taylormoore, all joining the firm's enforcement and investigations group. The trio previously worked at an international law firm, where Lee headed trials, Lerner led US sports and gaming, and Taylormoore headed US government contracts. Lee is a commercial litigator who was named US Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2017 and previously served as a US Navy officer. Lerner specialises in sports and gaming disputes, whilst Taylormoore brings over 20 years' experience in government contracting and national security matters. The additions are part of Dechert's broader expansion, with over 35 lateral partners joining this year. The firm's global litigation practice comprises more than 350 lawyers across multiple offices.
Street CRED: highlights from SFVegas 2026. April 09, 2026 Dechert's private credit and asset-backed finance (ABF) team returned to Las Vegas from February 23-26 for SFVegas 2026, the structured finance industry's annual cannot-miss event. Although what happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas, here are a few highlights fit for print: Private credit in the public eye (again). If there was any doubt, SFVegas 2026 confirmed that private credit is no longer "emerging" - it is firmly embedded in the market. What was once a hot topic has become a dominant theme across panels. Panels on bespoke financing solutions were packed. A standout was "Collateralized Funding Obligations in Focus," moderated by Dechert's John Timperio. Just a few years ago, CFOs were niche; this year, they were front and center, reflecting how quickly the market has scaled. Meanwhile, private credit investment in ABF remains a hot topic, with numerous asset managers looking to either enter the ABF space for the first time or increase their investment in ABF in terms of both volume and variety of asset classes. Insurance capital continues to fuel this growth, with insurers increasingly leaning into structured products to generate yield and diversify portfolios. With that influx comes greater structural creativity - and, unsurprisingly, more complexity. Market participants appear comfortable with the tradeoff, as innovation continues to outpace standardization. The consensus view was clear: private credit's role in structured finance is only getting bigger. AI mania (with real use cases and fewer buzzwords). Artificial intelligence was everywhere - this time with fewer buzzwords and more practical applications. Panels and hallway conversations focused on how participants are deploying AI, not just theorizing about it. From analyzing loan tapes in seconds to accelerating document review and flagging risk patterns, firms are embedding AI into their workflows. The result: faster diligence, better structuring and more efficient management of increasingly complex transactions. That said, legal and regulatory questions are still catching up. Issues around model governance, data integrity and liability remain in play, ensuring that while AI may streamline execution, it will not replace lawyers any time soon. A quick reality check. The conference glow was set against a more sober backdrop. In the weeks leading up to SFVegas, attention was on rising default risk, particularly among leveraged and rate-sensitive borrowers. In the software space, where private credit exposure is significant, concerns around disruptions have driven redemption pressure across private credit vehicles, while in the consumer finance space, consumer financial health was a topic of conversation given rising delinquency rates in certain asset classes where subprime borrowers are particularly sensitive to rising living costs. Against that backdrop, the constructive tone in Las Vegas was measured. Optimism remains, but with a sharper focus on credit quality, liquidity, downside protection, diversification and reserves. Closing thoughts. SFVegas 2026 delivered what it always does: a concentrated burst of dealmaking, trendspotting and industry convergence. The mood remained constructive, pipelines appeared active and attendees returned home with lighter wallets, heavier inboxes and a renewed sense that the structured finance machine is very much up and running. Of course, the world has not stood still since participants left Las Vegas. The outbreak and escalation of the Iran conflict introduced a new layer of uncertainty. Rising oil prices, market volatility and geopolitical risk are already weighing on market sentiment, with investors reassessing near-term risk. Whether the momentum from SFVegas continues may depend less on what happened in Vegas - and more on what happens next in the world. Key contacts. Related services. Dechert & private credit. Dechert has advised private credit clients for over 30 years, helping them to innovate and thrive as the industry has grown into a complex and diverse US$3 trillion market. Dechert create value on the full spectrum of strategies and sub-strategies, including asset-based, distressed debt, permanent capital, direct lending, subordinated debt, specialty financing, special situations and venture debt. With more than 80% of Private Debt Investor's top 100 private credit firms as clients, Dechert offer market-leading fund formation, financing, regulatory, M&A and tax expertise across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Related professionals. Search By: Select Location