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 jobs
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average 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.

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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.
smiling man in suit
smiling man in suit
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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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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.
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FAQs

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a legal counsel.

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meet a recruiter

Make sure your resume is up-to-date, including information about your technical skills and certifications. Then share it with us to connect with a recruiter and be matched with job opportunities.

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