Corporate Counsel vs. Legal Counsel: What Are the Differences?

Many law school graduates enter the workforce as corporate counsel or legal counsel. Both positions are important within the legal industry, but there are some key differences between them. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between corporate counsel and legal counsel, and we provide helpful tips for those interested in pursuing a career in either field.

What is a Corporate Counsel?

Corporate Counsel are lawyers who work within a company to advise on legal matters and provide guidance on how to stay within the bounds of the law. They work with other departments within the company to ensure that company policies are in compliance with local, state and federal laws. Corporate Counsel may also be responsible for drafting and reviewing contracts, negotiating with other businesses and representing the company in court. In some cases, Corporate Counsel may specialize in a particular area of law, such as labor law or intellectual property law.

What is a Legal Counsel?

Legal Counsel provides legal advice and representation to clients in a variety of settings. They may work in private practice, for a corporation, or for a government entity. Legal Counsel research and interpret laws and regulations to advise clients on their legal rights and obligations. They also draft and review legal documents, such as contracts, leases, and wills. In addition, Legal Counsel represent clients in court, arbitrations, and mediations. They may also negotiate settlements on behalf of their clients.

Corporate Counsel vs. Legal Counsel

Here are the main differences between a corporate counsel and a legal counsel.

Job Duties

Corporate and legal counsel fulfill different functions for a company or organization. Corporate counsel advises executives on business decisions, such as which locations to open, how to improve products and services and how to manage finances. Legal counsel ensures that the company follows all local, state and federal laws, providing advice on topics like employee relations, data protection and intellectual property rights.

Corporate counsel often have more managerial responsibilities within an organization. They may oversee departments like human resources, IT and finance to better assist with business decisions. Legal counsel usually work in a more courtroom-like environment, advising employees of their rights and obligations while handling complaints from customers and other stakeholders.

Job Requirements

Corporate counsel and legal counsel are both lawyers who advise their clients on various legal matters. To become a lawyer, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. After completing your undergraduate studies, you must then attend law school and earn a Juris Doctor degree. Once you have earned your law degree, you must pass the bar exam in the state where you wish to practice law.

Once you have passed the bar exam, you can begin working as a corporate counsel or legal counsel. Some lawyers may choose to specialize in a particular area of law, such as tax law, labor law, or environmental law. Specialization typically requires additional education, such as earning a master’s degree in taxation or a certificate in labor law.

Work Environment

Corporate counsels work in an office environment, often for a large company. They may travel to different locations within the company or meet with clients and vendors at their offices. Legal counsels also work in an office environment but typically work for smaller companies. They may travel to attend court hearings or meetings with clients.

Corporate counsels usually work full time during regular business hours. Legal counsels may work more irregular hours depending on their client’s needs.

Skills

Corporate counsel and legal counsel can both be responsible for providing legal advice to their clients, but there are some differences in the specific skills they use on the job. Corporate counsel may need to have a more comprehensive understanding of business law, as they advise companies on a variety of legal matters, from contracts to mergers and acquisitions. They also need to be able to effectively communicate with clients and other members of a company’s management team to ensure that their legal advice is understood and properly implemented.

Legal counsel, on the other hand, may need to have a more specialized understanding of the law, as they often advise clients on a specific area of the law, such as family law or criminal law. They also need to be able to effectively advocate for their clients in court, which requires strong research and writing skills.

Salary

Corporate counsels average salary is $137,975 per year, while legal counsels average salary is $117,888 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has prior to taking the position.