E-3 Visa Paralegal Jobs
Paralegal roles qualify for E-3 visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in legal studies, paralegal studies, or a related field. Australian professionals can secure two-year renewable status with no lottery and no annual cap, making this one of the more straightforward paths into U.S. law firms and corporate legal departments.
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Get Access To All JobsThis is an opportunity for an entry level candidate to develop skills and gain expertise as a corporate finance Paralegal by working on complex, high-value lending and structured finance matters in a collaborative environment with the opportunity to exercise a significant degree of responsibility and independent judgment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop an understanding of the elements of negotiated lending and structured finance transactions and support lawyers and clients on such transactions
- Learn the chronology of a transaction; develop skills necessary to assist on a closing including preparing and compiling deliverables and draft closing documentation, preparing and maintaining closing check lists, obtaining and reviewing formation documents, all under the supervision of an Attorney or senior Paralegal
- Gain an understanding of the documents necessary for a finance closing, including but not limited to public records, lien searches, officer’s/secretary’s certificates, formation and transaction authorizing resolutions, appointment of agent for service of process, filings secretaries of state and other public filings, and signature pages
- Learn the elements of a lien search and its purpose; gain knowledge of the different types of liens/lien searches and where and how to search for types of liens against a particular debtor, engage and interact with corporate service providers to facilitate searches and learn how to review search results
- Gain basic knowledge of the types of entities and their differences and learn how to order and review corporate documents including good standing certificates
- Prepare and circulate signature pages (including using DocuSign or other electronic platforms when appropriate)
- Develop understanding of procedures for (and facilitate) delivery of original notes, equity certificates and other possessory collateral under the supervision of an Attorney or senior Paralegal
- Coordinate transaction workflows and manage closing and post-closing processes under the supervision of an Attorney or senior Paralegal
- Review closing documents for completeness, accuracy and compliance with transaction requirements and identify open items to coordinate the completion and delivery of same with a senior Paralegal or Attorney
- Develop understanding of basic UCC Article 8 and 9 concepts, including the purpose of a UCC-1 filing, the components of a UCC-1 filing, how to prepare a UCC-1 face page and exhibit, the differences between a UCC-1 and a UCC-3, what types of actions may be effected by the filing of a UCC-3, gain experience drafting UCC collateral descriptions; prepare schedules summarizing UCC filings received via lien searches, develop understanding of Sidley’s UCC review procedures and process; gain experience preparing and filing UCC financing statements, amendments, continuations, and terminations
- Develop expertise researching and analyzing Article 9 issues and other UCC matters
- Assemble master closing sets; prepare and distribute electronic closing sets and closing books (where applicable)
- Learn how to set up a virtual or physical data room
- Communicate effectively with other Paralegals, Attorneys, clients, opposing counsel, filing offices, and third-party vendors
- Assist with other transactional and team responsibilities as needed
Education and/or Experience:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 0 – 3 years of paralegal experience supporting commercial finance, secured lending, securitization, or other financial transactions in a law firm or comparable professional-services environment
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple transactions, deadlines, and competing priorities
- Excellent attention to detail, judgment, communication, and follow-through
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced transactional practice
Preferred:
- Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program
- Knowledge of how to perform internet research/searches
The demands of the transactional practice may require overtime during active closings and other periods of increased activity.
Other Skills and Abilities:
The following will also be required of the successful candidate:
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Good judgment
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
- Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
- Able to work under pressure
- Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
The target salary range for this role is:
$85,000 - $108,000 if located in Illinois
Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).
Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This is an opportunity for an entry level candidate to develop skills and gain expertise as a corporate finance Paralegal by working on complex, high-value lending and structured finance matters in a collaborative environment with the opportunity to exercise a significant degree of responsibility and independent judgment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop an understanding of the elements of negotiated lending and structured finance transactions and support lawyers and clients on such transactions
- Learn the chronology of a transaction; develop skills necessary to assist on a closing including preparing and compiling deliverables and draft closing documentation, preparing and maintaining closing check lists, obtaining and reviewing formation documents, all under the supervision of an Attorney or senior Paralegal
- Gain an understanding of the documents necessary for a finance closing, including but not limited to public records, lien searches, officer’s/secretary’s certificates, formation and transaction authorizing resolutions, appointment of agent for service of process, filings secretaries of state and other public filings, and signature pages
- Learn the elements of a lien search and its purpose; gain knowledge of the different types of liens/lien searches and where and how to search for types of liens against a particular debtor, engage and interact with corporate service providers to facilitate searches and learn how to review search results
- Gain basic knowledge of the types of entities and their differences and learn how to order and review corporate documents including good standing certificates
- Prepare and circulate signature pages (including using DocuSign or other electronic platforms when appropriate)
- Develop understanding of procedures for (and facilitate) delivery of original notes, equity certificates and other possessory collateral under the supervision of an Attorney or senior Paralegal
- Coordinate transaction workflows and manage closing and post-closing processes under the supervision of an Attorney or senior Paralegal
- Review closing documents for completeness, accuracy and compliance with transaction requirements and identify open items to coordinate the completion and delivery of same with a senior Paralegal or Attorney
- Develop understanding of basic UCC Article 8 and 9 concepts, including the purpose of a UCC-1 filing, the components of a UCC-1 filing, how to prepare a UCC-1 face page and exhibit, the differences between a UCC-1 and a UCC-3, what types of actions may be effected by the filing of a UCC-3, gain experience drafting UCC collateral descriptions; prepare schedules summarizing UCC filings received via lien searches, develop understanding of Sidley’s UCC review procedures and process; gain experience preparing and filing UCC financing statements, amendments, continuations, and terminations
- Develop expertise researching and analyzing Article 9 issues and other UCC matters
- Assemble master closing sets; prepare and distribute electronic closing sets and closing books (where applicable)
- Learn how to set up a virtual or physical data room
- Communicate effectively with other Paralegals, Attorneys, clients, opposing counsel, filing offices, and third-party vendors
- Assist with other transactional and team responsibilities as needed
Education and/or Experience:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 0 – 3 years of paralegal experience supporting commercial finance, secured lending, securitization, or other financial transactions in a law firm or comparable professional-services environment
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple transactions, deadlines, and competing priorities
- Excellent attention to detail, judgment, communication, and follow-through
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced transactional practice
Preferred:
- Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program
- Knowledge of how to perform internet research/searches
The demands of the transactional practice may require overtime during active closings and other periods of increased activity.
Other Skills and Abilities:
The following will also be required of the successful candidate:
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Good judgment
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
- Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
- Able to work under pressure
- Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
The target salary range for this role is:
$85,000 - $108,000 if located in Illinois
Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).
Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See all 57+ E-3 Visa Paralegal Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding E-3 Visa Sponsorship as a Paralegal
Translate your Australian credentials for U.S. employers
A three-year Australian bachelor's degree satisfies the E-3 visa degree requirement, but U.S. hiring managers may not recognize it automatically. Get a credential evaluation from a NACES-member organization before you apply so your qualifications are never the reason a firm hesitates.
Target law firms with dedicated immigration infrastructure
Mid-size and large law firms typically have in-house HR teams that already process work authorization. Corporate legal departments at publicly listed companies are similarly experienced. Both run LCA filings routinely, which shortens the time between offer and your visa appointment.
Search for E-3 sponsorship roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters paralegal openings by employers who have active E-3 or LCA filing history, so you're not guessing which firms will sponsor. Use it to identify roles where sponsorship is already part of the hiring process, not an afterthought.
Clarify the specialty occupation requirement early
Not every paralegal role qualifies as a specialty occupation under E-3 rules. Roles requiring a specific bachelor's degree in a directly related field do qualify; general clerical support roles may not. Confirm with your prospective employer that the job description explicitly requires a relevant degree before accepting an offer.
Use Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service to manage your LCA
The DOL-certified Labor Condition Application must be filed and approved before your visa interview. Use Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service to handle your LCA and visa paperwork so nothing delays your consulate appointment in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth.
Prepare your nonimmigrant intent documentation in advance
Consular officers assess ties to Australia during the E-3 interview. Compile evidence of ongoing connections, such as property ownership, family ties, or superannuation contributions, before your appointment rather than scrambling after you've received an offer.
E-3 Visa Paralegal: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find paralegal jobs that offer E-3 visa sponsorship?
Use Migrate Mate to search paralegal roles filtered by employers with E-3 or LCA filing history. Many law firms and corporate legal departments sponsor E-3 workers but don't advertise it prominently in job postings. Searching a platform that surfaces sponsorship history removes the guesswork and focuses your applications on firms already set up to hire Australian professionals.
How much does it cost to get an E-3 visa?
Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service covers the entire process for $499, including the Labor Condition Application, visa document preparation, and consulate appointment guidance. Traditional immigration lawyers charge $2,000–$5,000+ for the same work. The E-3 has less paperwork than most work visas, so paying thousands for legal help is usually unnecessary.
Does a paralegal role qualify as a specialty occupation for the E-3 visa?
A paralegal position qualifies as a specialty occupation when the employer requires a bachelor's degree or higher in paralegal studies, legal studies, or a directly related field as a normal condition of employment. Roles where any degree is acceptable, or where the work is primarily clerical, are less likely to meet the specialty occupation standard USCIS applies to E-3 petitions.
How does the E-3 visa compare to the H-1B for Australian paralegals?
The E-3 has no annual cap and no lottery, so your employer can file at any time and you can start work once the visa is issued. The H-1B visa is subject to an annual lottery with a roughly 25% selection rate, meaning approval is not guaranteed even with a qualifying role. For Australian citizens, the E-3 is almost always the faster and more reliable path into U.S. legal work.
Can I change law firms or employers while on an E-3 visa?
Yes, but your new employer must file a fresh LCA with the DOL and you will generally need to attend a new visa interview at a U.S. consulate in Australia or apply for a change of status if you're already inside the United States. Your E-3 status is tied to the specific employer and role listed on the LCA, so you cannot simply transfer it the way some other visa holders can port their petitions.