Senior Attorney - Securities
Northbrook, IL, US, 60062
Job Description
Stepan Company is seeking a strategic and experienced securities attorney to join its legal team as Senior Counsel – Securities. This role will provide legal guidance on securities law compliance, corporate governance, and support for finance and M&A activities. The ideal candidate will be a proactive legal partner to senior leadership, ensuring regulatory compliance and enabling strategic growth initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:
Securities Law & Public Company Compliance
- Maintain responsibility for the legal aspects of all SEC filings (including 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements, registration statements and Section 16 filings) and ensure continuous compliance with SEC and exchange regulations.
- Assist in the planning and execution of the annual meeting of stockholders.
- Advise on securities law issues including Regulation FD, insider trading policies, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with federal and state securities laws, NASDAQ rules, and industry standards (e.g., ISS, Glass Lewis).
- Counsel on a range of corporate-related matters such as executive compensation, equity plans, stock administration and related policies.
- Support the company’s sustainability reporting.
Corporate Governance
- Provide legal support for Board of Directors and committee meetings, including preparing and drafting meeting materials and resolutions, managing board/committee communications, maintaining corporate minutes and records, and onboarding new directors.
- Prepare and coordinate board and committee meeting materials in collaboration with senior leadership.
- Advise on corporate governance best practices and evolving regulatory expectations.
- Manage global subsidiary governance, draft organizational documentation, and maintain comprehensive corporate records.
Finance & M&A Support
- Provide legal support for capital markets transactions, bank financings, and tax restructuring projects.
- Support Deputy General Counsel in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, strategic investments, and other complex corporate transactions from initial agreement to closing.
- Conduct legal due diligence and assist with documentation for mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Investor Relations on earnings releases, investor presentations, and disclosure matters.
- Collaborate with Accounting, Treasury, and Tax on cross-functional projects.
- Coordinate with external counsel on specialized securities and transactional matters.
- Support global legal initiatives and contribute to subsidiary governance and compliance.
Qualifications
- Minimum 7 years of legal experience, with significant exposure to securities law, corporate governance, and transactional work.
- Prior in-house experience at a public company or law firm with a strong securities practice preferred.
- Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
- High integrity, professionalism, and sound business judgment.
Education
- J.D. from an accredited law school; licensed to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction.
Pay Range: $145,000 - $195,000
The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.
At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Discretionary Bonus
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401K with Match
- Profit Sharing
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Adoption Assistance
- Reactions – Recognition Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 22 global manufacturing locations and over 2,500 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.
We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago