Corporate Counsel Intern Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern business world, the role of the corporate counsel intern has become increasingly vital.

As the corporate landscape evolves, the demand for sharp, competent legal minds who can comprehend, navigate, and safeguard our business environment grows exponentially.

But let’s delve into the specifics: What’s truly expected from a corporate counsel intern?

Whether you are:

• A law student seeking to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of corporate law,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive corporate counsel intern job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Corporate Counsel Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Corporate Counsel Interns assist in a range of legal tasks and projects within a corporate environment.

They support the legal department by conducting research, drafting documents, and attending meetings with the aim of learning and gaining experience in the field of corporate law.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conduct legal research on a variety of topics such as corporate governance, contract law, and regulatory compliance
• Assist in the drafting and reviewing of legal documents, contracts, and agreements
• Attend and take notes at meetings, depositions, and court proceedings
• Assist with due diligence activities and the preparation of related reports
• Compile and manage information related to the organization’s legal activities
• Support the legal team in preparing for trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings
• Contribute to the development of policies and procedures for the legal department
• Interact with various departments within the company to gather information and provide legal assistance
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the supervising attorney or other members of the legal team

 

Corporate Counsel Intern Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Corporate Counsel Intern to assist our legal team.

The candidate will gain hands-on experience in various areas such as contract law, corporate governance, intellectual property, and compliance.

The Corporate Counsel Intern will be responsible for conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing documents, and assisting in the preparation of legal advice.

Our ideal candidate is a law student with excellent communication skills and a keen interest in corporate law.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis
• Assist in the drafting and reviewing of legal documents
• Help prepare legal advice and strategies
• Assist in the implementation of corporate policies and procedures
• Support the legal team in daily administrative tasks
• Attend meetings and take detailed notes
• Communicate with external parties (regulators, external counsel, public authority etc.)

 

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a law school
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of MS Office
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Prior legal intern experience is a plus

 

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in a corporate legal department
• Exposure to a wide variety of legal disciplines
• Opportunity to work with experienced professionals
• Mentorship and career development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Corporate Counsel Intern
• Work Environment: Office setting. This position may require occasional travel.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Corporate Counsel or Legal Department Manager.
• Stipend: A monthly stipend will be provided.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Internship
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and law school transcript to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Corporate Counsel Intern Do?

A Corporate Counsel Intern is typically a law student who works within a company’s legal department under the supervision of the corporate counsel or other senior legal professionals.

Their role is to support the legal department by conducting legal research on various matters, preparing and reviewing legal documents, and assisting in the preparation of corporate policies and procedures.

This includes analyzing and summarizing legal issues for the benefit of the company and the legal team.

They may be tasked with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.

They may also assist in compliance issues, ensuring that the company is adhering to all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

The intern may also be asked to attend meetings, hearings, and negotiations, where they can observe and learn from experienced legal professionals.

Corporate Counsel Interns are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality, as they will often be dealing with sensitive and proprietary information.

They also work closely with other departments in the company to provide legal advice and support, helping to mitigate legal risks and ensure the company’s operations are within the confines of the law.

The role of a Corporate Counsel Intern not only provides a practical understanding of corporate law but also gives a glimpse into the workings of a corporate legal department, offering invaluable experience for those aspiring to become corporate attorneys.

 

Corporate Counsel Intern Qualifications and Skills

A Corporate Counsel Intern should have a variety of skills and qualifications to support the legal needs of the organization, such as:

• Understanding of legal principles and corporate governance, preferably gained through a law degree or currently pursuing one.
• Research skills to explore and understand complex legal issues, including analyzing case law, statutes, legal articles, and regulatory sources.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively to various stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with other members of the legal team, as well as liaise with other departments within the organization.
• Attention to detail to ensure all legal documents are accurate, and all legal advice is thorough and properly considered.
• Organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, and projects efficiently.
• Problem-solving skills to provide practical, effective legal solutions to business challenges.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced corporate environment and rapidly adapt to changes.
• Basic understanding of relevant software tools for document management and legal research.

 

Corporate Counsel Intern Experience Requirements

Corporate Counsel Interns are usually law students, preferably in their second or third year of law school, or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in a corporate environment.

Many intern positions prefer candidates who have completed courses in corporate law, business law, or related fields.

Some firms may also value experience in contract law, mergers and acquisitions, or intellectual property law.

In addition to academic qualifications, ideal candidates usually have some practical experience, often gained through participation in moot court competitions, law review, or previous legal internships.

These experiences provide exposure to legal research, drafting legal documents, and understanding complex legal issues.

For a more specialized role, some companies might prefer interns who have completed an internship or coursework related to their industry.

For example, a technology company might prefer a Corporate Counsel Intern with experience or classes in technology law.

While not mandatory, those with more than a year of experience in a legal environment, such as a law firm or a legal aid society, may be preferred.

This experience can help the intern understand the workings of the legal environment and handle real-world legal issues.

Skills like proficiency in legal research platforms, strong communication, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain client confidentiality are often seen as beneficial in a Corporate Counsel Intern.

 

Corporate Counsel Intern Education and Training Requirements

Corporate Counsel Interns are typically in the process of obtaining a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

This program gives students a solid understanding of the law, including areas such as contracts, property, constitutional law, and civil procedure.

It also provides them with the skills to analyze legal problems and communicate effectively.

In addition to their formal education, Corporate Counsel Interns also need to have passed or be preparing to take a state bar exam.

This exam ensures that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to practice law in a given state.

Some internship positions may require that the student has a certain amount of law school coursework under their belt, including classes in corporate law, contracts, and business law.

While it’s not always a requirement, having a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or a related field can be beneficial for understanding the corporate environment.

The intern may also require strong research skills, and good verbal and written communication abilities.

Familiarity with corporate legal issues, business practices, negotiation tactics and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion are other skills that can be beneficial for this role.

Some interns may seek to gain additional qualifications by taking specialized courses in corporate law or earning certifications in a particular area of law.

This can demonstrate a commitment to the field and provide a competitive edge in the job market.

 

Corporate Counsel Intern Salary Expectations

A Corporate Counsel Intern can expect to earn an average salary of $59,667 (USD) per year.

This estimate can fluctuate depending on factors such as the intern’s educational background, level of expertise, the company’s industry, and location.

 

Corporate Counsel Intern Job Description FAQs

What are the key responsibilities of a Corporate Counsel Intern?

A Corporate Counsel Intern assists the legal department in a corporation or business.

Their responsibilities often include conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing contracts, assisting in preparing legal documents, and supporting the legal team in compliance issues.

They may also assist in managing internal and external legal inquiries and helping the team in litigation matters.

 

What qualifications does a Corporate Counsel Intern need?

A Corporate Counsel Intern should be a law student, ideally in their final years of law school.

They should have a solid understanding of corporate law principles and practices.

Strong research and analytical skills are also essential.

Familiarity with legal databases and software can also be helpful.

 

What skills should a Corporate Counsel Intern possess?

A Corporate Counsel Intern should possess strong communication and analytical skills.

They should be detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy.

They must be able to maintain confidentiality and deal with sensitive information.

It’s beneficial if they have strong research skills and the ability to interpret and explain complex legal documents.

 

What should you look for in a Corporate Counsel Intern resume?

A Corporate Counsel Intern’s resume should display evidence of legal research, writing skills, and coursework in corporate law.

It may also list experience from prior internships in legal settings.

It’s beneficial if they have a good academic record and involvement in extracurricular activities such as law associations or law review.

 

What qualities make a good Corporate Counsel Intern?

A good Corporate Counsel Intern is proactive, eager to learn, and displays a strong interest in corporate law.

They should have good problem-solving skills and be able to work under pressure.

They should be organized and have good time management skills, as they will likely be handling multiple tasks at once.

Above all, they should have a high level of professional integrity and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the multifaceted role of a corporate counsel intern.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about drafting contracts.

It’s about shaping the legal landscape of the corporate world, one legal document at a time.

With our indispensable corporate counsel intern job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-prepared to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating razor-sharp listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every legal document forms a part of the larger corporate framework.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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