Cecily Zamora
A corporate law degree can lead to a variety of career paths, both within and outside the legal field. On the traditional legal route, one can become a solicitor or a barrister, specializing in corporate law. Corporate lawyers advise businesses on their legal rights and responsibilities, handle transactions, and ensure the legality of commercial transactions. They work extremely long hours and need strong research, writing, and communication skills. The starting salary for corporate lawyers can vary depending on the size of the firm and location. Aside from law firms, corporate lawyers may also be employed directly by corporations as in-house corporate counsel. Alternatively, law graduates can pursue careers in politics, government, public service, investigative journalism, or the commercial world.
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What You'll Learn
Solicitor or barrister
A solicitor provides specialist legal advice to clients, which could be an individual or an organisation. They are often the first point of contact and are usually employed by a law firm, private organisation, or within the government or court service. Their work covers a range of legal practice areas, including criminal, family, and corporate law. Most of a solicitor's work will take place outside of court, but they may be granted ''rights of audience' to represent their clients in court.
To become a solicitor, you will need to complete an undergraduate degree. This can be a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), or a degree in another subject followed by a conversion course such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). After your undergraduate degree or conversion course, you will need to complete the vocational stage of training, the Bar Practice Course (BPC). Following this, you will undertake work-based training known as a pupillage, which is split into two six-month periods. During the first six months, you will shadow a barrister, and in the second six months, you may start taking on your own work. After completing the pupillage, you have two options. The first is to take the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) along with a minimum of two years of work experience. Once you have completed the SQE and gained the required work experience, you can apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for admission as a solicitor. The second option is to take the traditional route of studying the Legal Practice Course (LPC), a prescribed and regulated training program.
A barrister is hired by solicitors to represent a case in court and only becomes involved when appearing before a court is necessary. They plead the case on behalf of the client and the client's solicitor. Barristers can work at much higher levels of court than solicitors. To become a barrister, you will need to complete an undergraduate degree, which can be a law degree or a degree in another subject followed by a conversion course. After this, you will need to complete the Bar Practice Course (BPC) and then undertake a pupillage. The average salary of a barrister with five years of experience based in London is between £50,000 and £200,000, although this can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the firm, experience, and the area of law practised. It is worth noting that up to 80% of barristers are self-employed, while most solicitors are employed.
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In-house corporate counsel
The general counsel is the head attorney in an in-house legal department and oversees all legal matters impacting the company. They manage the team of in-house lawyers and staff, provide strategic guidance on legal issues, and ensure compliance and risk mitigation. The deputy general counsel assists the general counsel and may have their own specialty area, such as intellectual property or labour law. They distribute the workload within the legal department and act on behalf of the general counsel when needed.
To become an in-house counsel, one typically needs to first qualify as a solicitor or attorney with expertise in a relevant legal area. Gaining experience in a corporate legal department and managing a team is highly valued. Strong communication and presentation skills are essential for in-house counsel roles, as is a sound understanding of commercial and corporate law.
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Policy advisor
A career in corporate law can be lucrative and offers growth opportunities, but it involves extensive schooling and is highly competitive. To become a corporate lawyer, you need strong research, writing, and communication skills, as well as negotiation skills.
With a degree in corporate law, one of the career paths you can pursue is that of a policy advisor, also known as an attorney adviser (legislative and policy counsel). Policy advisors typically work in the public sector, providing legal advice and guidance to government agencies and departments on a wide range of policy issues. They ensure that government policies and actions comply with the law and help develop and draft new policies and legislation.
To become a policy advisor, a law degree is usually required, such as a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). In addition to the educational requirements, policy advisors may also need experience working on federal policy and legislation, including experience working in Congress or the Executive Branch. Familiarity with civil rights law is also beneficial.
The specific duties and qualifications for policy advisors can vary depending on the specific government agency or department they work for. Some positions may require additional expertise in specialized areas of law, such as federal civil rights law or environmental policy.
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Legislative aid
A corporate lawyer provides legal services to businesses, corporations, and organizations. They help clients negotiate contracts and manage their day-to-day legal transactions, company growth, and other legal issues.
Legislative assistants are also employed in the private and voluntary sectors, including for-profit businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Their work may include monitoring pending legislation, conducting research, legislative analysis, legislative research, legal research, policy analysis, drafting legislation, giving advice and counsel, and making recommendations.
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Resume writer
A corporate law degree can be a stepping stone to a variety of careers, including becoming a corporate lawyer. This career path involves handling the legal, business, and financial concerns of corporate entities, such as negotiating contracts and providing expert advice to businesses.
Now, let's focus on resume writing as a potential career option for those with a corporate law degree.
A resume writer assists individuals in crafting effective resumes that highlight their skills, experiences, and achievements to impress potential employers. Here are some key points about this profession:
Qualifications and Skills
- While specific qualifications may vary, a good understanding of resume writing and strong writing skills are essential. A corporate law degree can provide a solid foundation for this, as it equips individuals with strong research, writing, and communication skills.
- Additionally, knowledge of the legal profession and its specific requirements can be advantageous when writing legal resumes. Understanding the skills and experiences valued in the legal field can help create tailored and effective resumes for law professionals.
Services Offered
- Resume formatting and structure advice: Assisting clients in organizing their information effectively, using clear and concise language, and selecting the right resume style for their profession.
- Content guidance: Helping clients identify and articulate their skills, experiences, and achievements relevant to their desired positions. This may involve reviewing a client's background and providing strategies for enhancing their resume, such as taking on additional responsibilities or acquiring new skills.
- Technical expertise: Ensuring resumes are free of errors, visually appealing, and easy to scan. This includes advising on font styles, margins, bolding, italics, and bullet points or paragraph formats.
- Honesty and ethics: Emphasizing the importance of honesty in resume writing. Exaggerations or misrepresentations can damage an applicant's reputation and should be avoided.
- Cover letter writing: In addition to resumes, cover letters are crucial components of a job application. Resume writers can assist clients in drafting compelling cover letters that highlight their unique qualifications and fit for the desired position.
Target Audience
Business Structure
In conclusion, a corporate law degree can provide a strong skill set for resume writing, particularly for those seeking to specialize in legal resumes. This career path allows individuals to utilize their writing skills and knowledge of the professional world to help others find their dream jobs.
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Frequently asked questions
A corporate lawyer advises businesses on their legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations. They handle a wide range of legal and business issues, including negotiating contracts, managing daily legal matters, overseeing mergers, and advising on strategic legal decisions.
A corporate law degree can lead to a variety of jobs, including traditional roles such as solicitor or barrister. It can also be useful for roles in politics, government, or public service, such as policy advisor or legislative aid.
Strong research, writing, and communication skills are essential for a successful career in corporate law. Negotiation skills are also important, as corporate lawyers are constantly writing and revising legal documents that bind the parties to certain terms for transactions.
