Joining a corporate legal department is a career option for lawyers who are interested in working in-house within a company or organization. The role of corporate legal departments is to advise and represent the company on legal matters. Here are a few key points to consider when joining a corporate legal department:
- Education and Qualifications: A law degree and a license to practice law are typically required to join a corporate legal department. Many corporate legal departments also prefer candidates who have experience in a specific area of law, such as corporate, commercial, labor, or intellectual property law.
- Job responsibilities: Corporate legal department handle a wide range of legal matters within a company. They may review and draft contracts, handle litigation, advise on compliance and regulatory issues, and provide advice on legal risks related to business operations. They also work with external counsels as necessary.
- Skills: Corporate legal department requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication and negotiation skills. They must be able to understand and interpret complex legal issues, and be able to explain them in a clear and concise manner to non-lawyers within the company.
- Career progression: Lawyers in corporate legal departments typically start as juniors or associates and may move up to become senior associates, team leaders, managers or even in-house counsels. Some lawyers also move on to senior management positions within the company.
- Networking: Building connections with other lawyers in-house, as well as with external counsels, can be helpful in finding job opportunities in corporate legal departments.
- Job search: Job opportunities in corporate legal departments can be found through legal job portals, company’s career section, professional networking sites, and through word of mouth.
- Compensation: Lawyers in corporate legal department are typically compensated with a salary, benefits, and sometimes stock options. They may also be eligible for bonuses and other incentives based on their performance and the company’s financial performance.