what is a legal counsel?
As a legal counsel, you advise a company's legal department. Companies often hire legal counsel instead of independent lawyers when they have multiple compliance requirements and may need advice from a lawyer. For example, you may work for an organization that handles multiple contracts and needs legal representation to review documents and handle the disputes that arise from them. As a legal counsel, you may work in financial institutions and corporate offices in various business sectors, such as manufacturing, consulting, marketing or communications.
A legal counsel handles all legal matters for their clients, working on several aspects of the law. If a company faces a lawsuit on compliance issues or contract disputes, you navigate all aspects of the law. In addition to having legal knowledge, you integrate into the client's business structure. For instance, in technology or manufacturing, it is important to understand the processes and operations of the business to provide effective legal guidance.
Would working as a legal counsel suit your critical thinking skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a legal counsel role.
legal counsel jobsaverage legal counsel salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a legal counsel is $152,500 per year. Your salary fluctuates based on various factors. Entry-level positions attract an average salary of $118,500 per year. When you have additional experience and qualifications, you can make over $188,500 per year.
what factors affect the salary of a legal counsel?
As a legal counsel, your earnings depend on the industry you work in and the company's size. Some industries have numerous legal obligations, increasing your responsibilities. Hence, you are likely to earn more due to the complexity and scope of your duties. Working in a small company attracts a lower salary since you have fewer responsibilities. Besides, smaller organizations have fewer legal obligations. When you work in a large company, you handle complex legal issues, especially if the company has branches in different locations.
Your work experience and educational qualifications also influence your earnings. When you have a few years of experience, you are likely to earn more due to your expertise. In an entry-level capacity, you handle simple vendor contracts and agreements. With experience, you handle complex mergers and provide accurate legal guidance to executive staff.
types of legal counsel
Legal counsel professionals specialize in different areas, depending on their role in a company and the matters they handle. Here are some areas of specialization for legal counsel:
- issuer counsel: as an issue counsel, you ensure that the state entity authorizing the bond has followed the rules and regulations for issuing bonds. You check for compliance with local or state laws and file the necessary documentation to fulfill disclosure laws. You also provide legal advice before the actual issuance of the bonds.
- bond counsel: as a bond counsel, you represent the interests of bondholders as part of the legal counsel for the debt issuance team. You act on behalf of the bondholders to ensure that the proposed municipal securities meet all the procedural and legal requirements. You also draft the relevant documentation showing the legality of the bonds.
- tax compliance legal counsel: as a tax compliance legal counsel, you provide expertise in tax laws affecting the company. You ensure compliance with complex tax issues to avoid penalties and fines.
working as a legal counsel
If you are interested in a legal career, check out the duties, responsibilities and work environments of a legal counsel.
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what does a legal counsel do?
Some of the duties of a legal counsel include:
- providing legal advice: as a legal counsel, the company looks to you for guidance on legal matters that impact its operations. Your role involves ensuring the company complies with industry regulations and legal requirements. Your deep understanding of company laws and the industry enables you to navigate the regulations that affect the company.
- evaluating current company policies: as industry standards and laws constantly change, you help keep your company compliant. You evaluate your company’s current policies and provide advice on necessary changes. For instance, if employee rights and protection laws change, you make sure your organization updates its policies accordingly.
- managing legal disputes: as a legal counsel, your responsibility is to manage and resolve any legal disputes the company may face. You represent the company in court proceedings and negotiations, ensuring that your client receives the best possible outcome. This could involve resolving disputes with other businesses inside or outside the courtroom.
- implementing risk management strategies: as a legal counsel, you are expected to identify potential legal risks a company faces and find ways to prevent them. You conduct risk evaluations in the entire company, especially in departments with multiple compliance requirements. Implementing risk management procedures protects the company from disputes and compliance concerns. Your job is to prevent risks associated with contracts and employment.
- writing legal documents: as a legal counsel, you don't go to court daily like criminal lawyers. A legal department in a company is often in charge of drafting agreements, contracts and other documentation required for court proceedings. Your job is to write documents and ensure compliance with the law.
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work environment of a legal counsel
As a legal counsel, your work primarily takes place in an office setting within the legal department. Your duties entail conducting research, drafting contracts, and reviewing agreements. In the event of court proceedings, you attend court and meet with opposing counsel to discuss out-of-court settlements. Occasionally, legal counsel jobs may require travel for work purposes, such as attending conferences and workshops. However, when not attending court proceedings, you have the option to work from home or in a remote location.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in, you are likely to work with lawyers, law clerks and legal assistants. You also collaborate with operations managers, product managers and production managers to ensure the company complies with legal standards. Other professionals you are likely to collaborate with include finance managers, compliance officers and executive assistants.
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legal counsel work schedule
As a legal counsel, you usually follow traditional office hours, from 9 am to 5 pm, but may work late evenings or weekends to meet urgent deadlines, attend conferences or meet clients. Full-time positions are typical, but there may be part-time options available for those seeking additional flexibility.
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career opportunities as a legal counsel
As a legal counsel, you have multiple opportunities for career progression. You start in a junior position as a legal secretary or paralegal before becoming a junior legal counsel. With experience and expertise, you become the senior legal counsel for the company. If you are interested in a managerial role, you can become the head of the legal department.
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advantages of finding a job as a legal counsel through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
legal counsel skills and education
Some of the educational requirements of a legal counsel include:
- bachelor's degree: to work as legal counsel, you require a law degree. In Quebec, you can join the field with a college program. You should also complete the bar examination. Some legal counsel join the career as notaries, which requires a bachelor’s degree in civil law and a master’s degree in notarial law.
- licensing: you cannot provide legal counsel in Canada without a license from the provincial licensing authority. In Alberta, you should be an active member of the Law Society of Alberta (LSA), while in British Columbia, the regulatory body is the Law Society of British Columbia. In Nova Scotia, you require a license from the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.
competencies and characteristics of legal counsels
Legal counsel are required to possess a diverse range of skills, some of which include:
- exceptional writing skills: you are responsible for drafting various legal documents, like contracts, agreements, and compliance policies. To ensure that these documents meet the legal requirements and are free from errors, you need excellent writing skills.
- organizational skills: with numerous legal matters to juggle, you need exceptional organizational skills. This enables you to plan your work schedule, prioritize tasks, and ensure that every legal matter is handled efficiently.
- interpersonal skills: you work with a wide range of professionals within the legal industry. Hence, you rely on your interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with others, especially through active listening and communication. This enables you to build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and other professionals.
- legal knowledge: a comprehensive understanding of the law and legal processes is critical for a legal counsel. You need knowledge of various legal aspects, such as compliance requirements, to help your clients remain compliant and resolve disputes effectively.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a legal counsel.
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what does a legal counsel do?
As a legal counsel, you provide legal advice to companies and executives. You act as an in-house legal advisor to help them maintain compliance with the legal standards. You assist the company with legal resource management and work with lawyers to mitigate risks. During major changes, like mergers and acquisitions, you supervise in-house legal teams to ensure everything goes smoothly.
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what is the difference between a legal counsel and a lawyer?
As a legal counsel, you are employed by companies to handle legal matters and compliance issues. You work alongside a legal team. A lawyer also provides legal advice to individuals or companies. However, a lawyer can work independently.
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how much does a legal counsel make in Canada?
As a legal counsel, you earn an average salary of $152,500 per year. Your earnings fluctuate based on experience and educational qualifications. In an entry-level position, you start with $118,500 per year. The most experienced legal counsel makes up to $188,500 per year.
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what is the path to becoming a legal counsel?
The first step in becoming a legal counsel is gaining the relevant qualifications. Pursue a bachelor’s degree in law and complete the bar examination to qualify as a lawyer. You should also be an active member and have a license from a provincial law society. With the relevant qualifications, gain experience through internships and entry-level roles.
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is legal counsel a good career?
Working as a legal counsel is an exciting career with promising prospects. You are familiar with the industry regulations and can easily move to executive positions. Some legal counsel become legal advisors, consultants or chief executive officers (CEOs).
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how do I find a job as a legal counsel?
Finding a job near you as a legal counsel is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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