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Mastering the Maze of Business Filings: Corporate Research Tools for Paralegals [by Ursula Furi-Perry] In a complex and ever-changing corporate world, it is essential for paralegals to master corporate research tasks and tools. “There are so many corporate research resources available,” said Cheryl Tindle, in-house corporate paralegal at Skyworks, Inc. “Paralegals must understand where to get these resources and how to apply them.”
Indeed, some corporate tasks may be better
said Dem Hopkins, attorney, associate writer,
accountants, and professionals,” Mr. Hopkins
suited for able paralegals than busy at-
and analyst at CCH Inc. “The websites often
said. “They often have great advice about
torneys. “The tasks of tracking compliance
house links to statutes and codes, as well as
hypotheticals from knowledgeable sources.”
information, downloading domestic filing
background information about entities and
Networking at relevant seminars may also
forms, getting financial statements, keep-
filings.” When turning to statutory research,
prove resourceful. “Benchmarking with
ing up with foreign subsidiaries, and even
be sure to cross-reference information be-
colleagues is important,” Ms. Tindle said. “I
setting up foreign entities can all be done by
tween different sections, experts say. “Some
went to several seminars when I first started
paralegals,” Ms. Tindle said. “Things change
Secretaries of States, for example, provide
corporate work and found them very useful.”
daily (in the corporate sector), and attorneys
no information on taxes,” said Mr. Hopkins.
can be bogged down with the day-to-day
“(Paralegals should) be sure to cross-refer-
The corporate paralegal’s job doesn’t end
responsibilities. It’s often up to the paralegal
ence (with their Departments of Revenue).”
when his or her research is completed; paralegals also have to know how to present
to stay on top of changes.” Of course, even the most able corporate
their findings to attorneys, supervisors, or
Fortunately, the Internet makes things eas-
paralegal may get lost in the database maze.
even clients. For example, mastering the art
ier. “Almost everything is available online,”
“It’s not the easiest to navigate,” Mr. Pinck-
of the legal memorandum or verbal research
Ms. Tindle said. Start with the Securities and
ert said. Consider turning to special research
presentation may be essential. In addition,
Exchange Commission’s website; paralegals
software and sites. “Paid research sites often
corporate paralegals must be able to handle
involved with corporate or financial informa-
offer complimentary training, and taking
the maintenance of internal databases.
tion should be well-versed in EDGAR, the
advantage of them can increase the effec-
“Document management and the upkeep of
electronic database of SEC filings. “Those
tiveness of a paralegal’s use of these tools,”
databases are extremely important,” stated
who deal with SEC filings must master ED-
advised Mr. Pinckert. “Our programs make
Ms. Tindle. Paralegals are often in charge
GAR,” said Eric Pinckert, Head of Corporate
it easier to use EDGAR and lay out informa-
of updating and keeping track of corporate
Affairs at LRN, a legal research firm that
tion so it makes sense,” said Deb Doane, Vice
filings, securities documents, annual and
provides corporate clients with a network of
President of Product Marketing at EDGAR
quarterly reports, and contracts.
research experts. “In fact, the SEC requires
Online, the company that markets Edgar
EDGAR to be used in its filings.” Some of the
Online Pro. “This increases productivity when
Legal research in itself is complex, but
information in the EDGAR database includes
operating under strict deadlines. The pro-
corporate paralegals must be familiar with
10-K and 10-Q reports, proxies, securities
gram also has an alert feature, (which allows
specialized research tools in addition to
initiatives, and mutual fund prospectuses.
paralegals to) track a particular company or
general ones. “It’s important to remember
Paralegals should be able to search EDGAR
filing on EDGAR.” CCH, Inc. also produces
that one has the opportunity to be the hero
by company, type of filing, or time period.
several software programs to help corporate
if he or she finds the applicable information
legal professionals, in such areas as securi-
(during legal research), but also the opportu-
Corporate paralegals also must be familiar
ties, trade law, tax compliance, and more.
with the policies of their respective Secretaries of State or Departments of Corpora-
Besides formal research tools, informal
tions-particularly their websites, which
networking can be paramount in corporate
usually provide corporate downloads and
research. “The ABA’s list serves are an easy
documents. “When checking for updates, the
and efficient way to connect to every state’s
Secretary of State’s website is a prime tool,”
codes, (as well as) chat with other attorneys,
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nity to be the goat (if he or she doesn’t),” Mr. Pinckert said. “Therefore, it’s essential to be meticulous and comprehensive.”