Corporate Lawyer vs. Criminal Lawyer: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
Lawyers play an important role in society by ensuring that justice is served. There are many different types of lawyers, each with their own area of expertise. Two common types of lawyers are corporate lawyers and criminal lawyers. In this article, we compare and contrast these two types of lawyers, discussing their similarities and differences. We also provide helpful information on what you can expect from each type of lawyer.
What is a Corporate Lawyer?
Corporate Lawyers advise companies on a variety of legal matters, including mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and compliance with regulatory agencies. They represent companies in court and handle business litigation. Corporate Lawyers also draft and negotiate contracts, advise companies on corporate governance issues, and provide advice on compliance with environmental regulations. In addition, Corporate Lawyers may advise companies on employment law matters, such as hiring and firing practices, employee benefits, and workplace safety.
What is a Criminal Lawyer?
A Criminal Lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in the defense of individuals and companies who have been accused of criminal activity. Criminal Lawyers represent their clients in a variety of settings, including in court, during negotiations with prosecutors, and at sentencing hearings. They may also assist their clients in post-conviction proceedings, such as appeals and parole hearings. Criminal Lawyers typically have a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and the rights of the accused. They use this knowledge to build a strong defense for their clients and to secure the best possible outcome in their case.
Corporate Lawyer vs. Criminal Lawyer
Here are the main differences between a corporate lawyer and a criminal lawyer.
Job Duties
Corporate and criminal lawyers fulfill very different roles within their professions. Corporate lawyers help companies comply with regulations, draft contracts and advise executives on business decisions. Criminal lawyers investigate crimes, represent defendants in court and assist law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime. The job duties of a corporate lawyer may include researching legislation, advising clients on contract matters and drafting correspondence. A criminal lawyer’s job duties often involve investigating offenses, interviewing witnesses and preparing cases for trial.
Job Requirements
Corporate lawyers typically need to have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and pass their state’s bar exam to be licensed to practice law. Some corporate lawyers also pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in business law or another relevant field to gain more specialized knowledge. Many corporate lawyers start their careers as law clerks or associates at law firms before being promoted to partner.
Criminal lawyers also need to have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and pass their state’s bar exam to be licensed to practice law. However, some criminal lawyers may choose to specialize in a specific area of criminal law, such as white-collar crime or juvenile justice. Criminal lawyers might also pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in criminal law or another relevant field to gain more specialized knowledge. Many criminal lawyers start their careers as prosecutors or public defenders before moving into private practice.
Work Environment
Corporate lawyers work in a variety of environments, depending on the type of company they’re working for. For example, corporate lawyers who work for large companies may spend most of their time in an office setting, while those who work for small businesses may travel to meet with clients and attend business meetings.
Criminal lawyers typically work in courtrooms or law offices. They may also visit prisons to meet with clients and discuss cases.
Skills
Both corporate lawyers and criminal lawyers use research skills to find information that is relevant to their cases. They also both need to be able to analyze data and information to identify key points. Both types of lawyers also need to have excellent writing skills to prepare legal documents, such as contracts, briefs and pleadings.
Corporate lawyers typically work with clients who are businesses, so they need to have business acumen to understand their clients’ needs. They also need to be able to negotiate on behalf of their clients to get the best possible outcome. Criminal lawyers, on the other hand, work with individuals who have been accused of a crime. They need to be able to build a strong defense for their clients and cross-examine witnesses during trials.
Salary
Corporate lawyers earn an average salary of $123,085 per year, while criminal lawyers earn an average salary of $85,266 per year. The average salary for both types of lawyers can vary depending on the state in which they work, their level of experience and the size of the firm at which they work.