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What does a Corporate Attorney do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A corporate attorney is a lawyer who specializes in business law. They advise companies on legal matters relating to their businesses, such as mergers and acquisitions, contracts, and regulatory compliance. Corporate attorneys also represent companies in court if they are sued by another business or individual.

Corporate Attorney job duties include:

  • Advise clients on business and legal transactions
  • Draft and review contracts
  • Conduct research on relevant laws and regulations
  • Provide counsel on compliance with laws and regulations
  • Represent clients in court or before government agencies
  • Negotiate settlements of legal disputes
  • Advise clients on the formation of corporations, partnerships, and other business entities
  • Prepare and file corporate documents with the state government
  • Handle mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures

Corporate Attorney Job Requirements

A corporate attorney must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in the state where they work. Many corporate attorneys also have a Master of Laws degree. Corporate attorneys must have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills. They must be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Corporate attorneys must also be able to work well with others, including clients, co-workers, and employees of the company they represent.

Corporate Attorney Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Research skills
  • Writing skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Time-management skills
  • Critical-thinking skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • Collaboration skills
  • Public speaking skills
  • Leadership skills

Related: Top Corporate Attorney Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Corporate Attorney

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to becoming a corporate attorney. However, there are some key steps that will help you on your way. First and foremost, you will need to obtain a law degree from an accredited law school. Once you have your degree, you will need to pass the bar exam in the state(s) in which you wish to practice law. After passing the bar, you will likely need to complete a clerkship or internship with a corporate law firm. Once you have completed your training, you will be well on your way to becoming a corporate attorney.

Related: Corporate Attorney Resume Example

Related: Corporate Attorney Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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