Director, Legal

The Director, Legal is a key legal leader responsible for supporting Paychex’s business operations, corporate governance, and strategic transactions. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this role plays an important part in helping the company scale, maintain strong public company compliance, and manage legal matters across multiple functional areas. 

This position provides legal guidance on complex corporate transactions, securities and disclosure matters, governance, litigation, and day-to-day business operations. The role also collaborates closely with internal stakeholders across finance, HR, sales, marketing, partnerships, operations, compliance, and other legal professionals. 

Public Company / Securities / Governance 

• Support the company’s governance as a public company. 
• Provide legal and compliance guidance on investor communications and financial reporting. 
• Partner with External Reporting and Finance to establish and execute the Disclosure Committee process. 
• Advise on securities law disclosure and compliance for all SEC and state securities disclosure documents, including:
  • Annual Reports on Form 10-K
  • Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
  • Current Reports on Form 8-K
  • Registration statements
  • Proxy statements and related materials
  • Forms 3, 4, and 5 

• Draft portions of the annual proxy statement and lead coordination of the annual stockholders’ meeting. 
• Support the Board of Directors and Board Committees by drafting and reviewing meeting materials, drafting and finalizing minutes of their meetings, and advising on governance matters. 

General Corporate / Legal Operations 

• Create and execute legal strategies to support assigned business units. 
• Advise internal clients on day-to-day operational matters to mitigate legal risk. 
• Provide legal guidance to ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. 
• Assist with investigations, disputes, litigation, regulatory hearings, and trials as needed. 
• Conduct training on legal, compliance, securities, and governance matters. 
• Review presentations and other business materials for legal risk and compliance. 
• Serve as a backup resource for M&A transitions as needed, including supporting deal documentation, coordination with outside counsel and advisors, and related transition activities. 

Leadership and Team Development 

• Assign, direct, and review work performed by legal team members. 
• Lead cross-functional projects that align Paychex’s legal work with business goals and outcomes. 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school 
• Admitted to bar in a U.S. state and in good standing with the relevant bar association(s) in the US state(s) where licensed to practice law. 
• 15+ years of legal experience in a combination of law firm and in-house settings, with a focus on   securities, governance, and private and public capital raising. 
• 10+ years of experience for the Director, Legal role in private practice or a corporate legal department. 
• Strong business-focused, solution-oriented mindset. 
• Thrives in a fast-paced, highly evolving environment. 
• Collaborative team player with excellent communication and relationship-building skills. 
• Strong preference for tech company, SaaS company, or B2B company experience. 

• Act with uncompromising integrity.
• Provide outstanding service and build trusted relationships.
• Drive innovation in our products and services and continually improve our processes.
• Work in partnership and support each other.
• Be personally accountable and deliver on commitments.
• Treat each other with respect and dignity.
• What's in it for you?:
  • We value your well-being: We provide over 21 comprehensive rewards, including medical coverage, virtual wellness classes, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) + employer match, adoption assistance, financial assistance, and much more.
  • We value your time: From paid time off to company holidays, culture days, and comprehensive work-life balance programs, we will ensure you have the flexibility you need to be your best.
  • We value your development: Our award-winning training and development programs empower our employees with ongoing learning opportunities to give you the building blocks to grow your career.
  • We value your perspective: Our company culture reflects the diversity of our employees. We want you to be you and your voice to be heard.
  • We value our communities: We offer paid time off for volunteerism and promote many company-wide and local initiatives that benefit organizations you care about.
  • 
    Note: The benefits described apply to full-time employees. Benefits for part-time, contract, and intern roles may vary. Not sure if you meet every requirement?: At Paychex, we know that great talent comes in many forms. If you're passionate about the role but don't check every box, we still encourage you to apply. You might be the right fit - either for this position or another opportunity with us.
    Paychex is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated fairly and evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and merit. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment.