Are you studying law, do you enjoy solving legal issues and do you like to work with legal rules, regulations and practices? Then a job as a corporate lawyer is the job for you.
On this page, you will find out what you do as a corporate lawyer, how much you can earn and at which companies you can work as a corporate lawyer.
Table of Contents
What is corporate law?
Corporate law refers to the set of legal rules, regulations, and practices that govern the formation, operation, and dissolution of corporations and other business organisations. Think of corporate law as the traffic cop at a busy intersection between law and business. As a corporate lawyer your job is to keep businesses’ stay in the bounds of the law and protect their interests.
Corporate law is designed to provide a framework for businesses to operate within, and to protect the rights of shareholders, employees, creditors, and other stakeholders.
What do corporate lawyers do?
Corporate lawyers are like secret agents, but instead of saving the world from evil villains, they save businesses from legal mishaps. They’re the legal masterminds behind any company, making sure that every move the business makes is above-board and compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
The day-to-day responsibilities of corporate lawyers can vary greatly, depending on their experience, the size and type of the organisation they work for, and the area of corporate law they specialise in. However, common tasks include:
- Advising businesses on legal issues related to their operations, such as contracts, regulations, and compliance.
- Negotiating and drafting contracts and agreements, such as employment contracts, commercial leases, and merger agreements.
- Representing businesses in legal disputes, such as lawsuits, arbitrations, and mediations.
- Advising businesses on the legal implications of corporate transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, and financing rounds.
- Reviewing and preparing regulatory filings, such as annual reports, proxy statements, and securities filings.
Difference between junior, medior and senior corporate lawyer
The titles junior, medior, and senior corporate lawyer reflect the level of experience and responsibility that a corporate lawyer has within a law firm or corporate legal department.
When you’ve just graduated, you enter the labour market as a trainee or junior corporate lawyer. Junior corporate lawyers typically have 0-5 years of experience and are often responsible for more administrative tasks, such as document review and contract drafting. As a junior, you learn a lot of new things about your work in a short period of time and develop a lot. This is also a phase in which you have plenty of opportunity to prove yourself.
Medior corporate lawyers usually have 5-10 years of experience and may take on more responsibility in client interactions and negotiations. Then, after 10+ years of work experience, you can call yourself a senior corporate lawyer, head of legal affairs or team leader. At this level of experience, you play a key role in advising businesses on complex legal matters, leading teams, and business development.
How much does a corporate lawyer make?
What you earn as a corporate lawyer depends on several factors, like work experience, the sector you work in and your terms of employment. The conditions of your employment depend on your experience, the type of employer you have, the company you work for and your responsibilities.
Working for a larger company means earning more as well. Your salary is also influenced by the location you work at. When you first start at a company as a lawyer, you can earn an average gross of £ 5,220 per month in the UK.
How to become a corporate lawyer?
Becoming a corporate lawyer requires a significant investment of time and effort. The following steps outline the general path to becoming a corporate lawyer:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business or law.
- Complete a law degree (LL.B) and pass the Bar examination in your jurisdiction.
- Gain relevant experience through internships or clerkships.
- Build a network of professional contacts through networking events and industry organisations.
- Obtain a position at a law firm or corporate legal department and continue to gain experience and specialise in the area of corporate law.
Where can I work as a corporate lawyer?
As a corporate lawyer, you can work at a multitude of companies as each company needs a corporate lawyer to advise them on legal issues. Below is a list of companies on Magnet.me that have jobs available for corporate lawyers:
What is the difference between corporate lawyer and solicitor?
In the United Kingdom, a solicitor is a type of lawyer who is authorised to provide legal advice and represent clients in a variety of legal matters, including corporate law. A corporate lawyer is a specialised type of lawyer who focuses on advising businesses on legal issues related to their operations.
While the terms “corporate lawyer” and “solicitor” are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences in their responsibilities and areas of expertise. Solicitors may have a broader range of legal knowledge and may be involved in a variety of legal matters, whereas corporate lawyers are more focused on advising businesses and corporations on specific legal issues related to their operations. Both corporate lawyers and solicitors must be licensed to practice law in their jurisdiction.
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find a quick overview of frequently asked questions about corporate lawyers.
What do corporate lawyers do?
Corporate lawyers are like secret agents, but instead of saving the world from evil villains, they save businesses from legal mishaps. They’re the legal masterminds behind any company, making sure that every move the business makes is above-board and compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. Read more on what corporate lawyers do…
How much does a corporate lawyer make?
Working for a larger company means earning more as well, your salary is also influenced by the location you work at. When you first start at a company as a lawyer, you can earn an average gross of £5,220 per month in the UK. Read more on how much you can make as a corporate lawyer…