Log InSign Up
Article

What does a Corporate Paralegal do?

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

Published 4 min read

A corporate paralegal is responsible for providing legal support to a company's attorneys. They may draft and review contracts, assist with mergers and acquisitions, and handle compliance issues. Corporate paralegals must have excellent research and writing skills, as well as knowledge of the law.

Corporate Paralegal job duties include:

  • Assisting attorneys in the preparation of legal documents, such as contracts, leases, and mergers and acquisitions documents
  • Conducting research on a variety of legal topics
  • Drafting pleadings and other legal documents
  • Organizing and maintaining attorney work product, including files, correspondence, and research materials
  • Assisting with discovery requests, including document production and review
  • Managing client communications and calendars
  • Assisting with trial preparation, including exhibits and witness lists
  • Attending trials, depositions, and other court proceedings as needed
  • Billing and invoicing clients

Corporate Paralegal Job Requirements

A corporate paralegal is responsible for providing legal support to the attorneys in a corporation. The job requirements for a corporate paralegal include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, certification, and experience. A corporate paralegal must have excellent research and writing skills, as well as be able to multitask and work well under pressure.

Corporate Paralegal Skills

  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Analysis
  • Problem-solving
  • Detail-oriented
  • Time management
  • Multitasking
  • Teamwork
  • Customer service

Related: Top Corporate Paralegal Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Corporate Paralegal

A corporate paralegal is a professional who provides legal support to businesses. Corporate paralegals typically work in law firms, but they may also work in-house for companies. They perform many of the same tasks as other types of paralegals, such as conducting research, preparing documents, and assisting with trials. However, corporate paralegals also have specific duties that relate to their work with businesses.

To become a corporate paralegal, you will need to complete a paralegal studies program. Many community colleges and universities offer these programs, which typically take two years to complete. After completing your studies, you will need to pass the certified paralegal exam administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Once you have passed the exam, you will be able to find work as a corporate paralegal.

There are many benefits to working as a corporate paralegal. For one, it is a well-paid profession. The median annual salary for corporate paralegals was $64,500 in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, working as a corporate paralegal can be interesting and challenging. You will get to work on a variety of legal matters and help businesses solve complex problems.

If you are interested in a career as a corporate paralegal, start by enrolling in a paralegal studies program. Once you have completed your studies and passed the NALA exam, you will be well on your way to an exciting and rewarding career in this growing field.

Related: Corporate Paralegal Resume Example

Related: Corporate Paralegal 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.

Similar articles