Corporate Legal Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s complex business landscape, the role of Corporate Legal Assistants has never been more crucial.

As corporations grow and globalize, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, facilitate, and secure our corporate legal structures increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Corporate Legal Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager sculpting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes work of corporate law,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Corporate Legal Assistant job description template, tailored for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Corporate Legal Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Corporate Legal Assistants provide essential support to corporate lawyers or legal teams and are involved in a range of tasks to ensure the smooth operation of legal processes.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assist in the preparation of legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and corporate resolutions
• Conduct legal research and gather relevant information to assist lawyers
• Manage and organize legal files and documents effectively
• Coordinate meetings, schedule appointments and maintain lawyers’ calendars
• Communicate with clients, vendors, and internal teams on behalf of corporate lawyers
• Review legal documents to ensure they are complete and accurate
• Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external use
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive legal information
• Assist in the preparation and filing of corporate reports with government agencies
• Perform administrative tasks such as answering phone calls, handling mail, and making copies of documents

 

Corporate Legal Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented and professional Corporate Legal Assistant to join our legal team.

In this role, you will assist our legal department in providing corporate legal services to our organization.

You will be responsible for conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, maintaining corporate records and files, and providing general administrative support to our corporate attorneys.

Our ideal candidate has previous experience as a Legal Assistant, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of corporate laws and legal procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and filing of corporate legal documents
• Conduct legal research and compile data for legal reports
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date corporate records and files
• Coordinate and schedule meetings, appointments, and deadlines
• Provide general administrative support to corporate attorneys, including handling correspondence, answering phone calls, and managing files
• Interact with clients and handle confidential information with discretion
• Liaise with outside legal counsel and other professionals
• Assist with the preparation of legal presentations
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and legal regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Legal Assistant or Legal Secretary
• Familiarity with corporate law and legal procedures
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly MS Word and Excel
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related field
• Paralegal certification may be required

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Corporate Legal Assistant
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for meetings or court proceedings
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Corporate Legal Counsel
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal]

 

What Does a Corporate Legal Assistant Do?

Corporate Legal Assistants, also known as paralegals, work closely with lawyers in corporations across various industries.

They provide crucial support in legal proceedings, ensuring the smooth operation of the legal department.

Their responsibilities often include preparing legal documents like contracts, agreements, and legal briefs under the supervision of a corporate attorney.

They are often tasked with conducting legal research to support ongoing cases, which may involve gathering and analyzing statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, documents, and other relevant information.

In addition to their legal duties, Corporate Legal Assistants often manage administrative tasks.

This could include coordinating meetings and conference calls, maintaining and organizing files, and corresponding with clients or other involved parties.

Corporate Legal Assistants must adhere strictly to confidentiality and privacy rules, due to the sensitive nature of the information they handle.

In litigation support roles, they may assist in preparing for trials by drafting pleadings or discovery notices, organizing exhibits, and coordinating witness testimonies.

They may also be involved in the review and preparation of corporate governance documents and compliance procedures.

Their role requires a keen attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a solid understanding of legal terminology and procedures.

 

Corporate Legal Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A competent Corporate Legal Assistant should have a range of soft skills, technical skills, and legal expertise, such as:

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently and accurately, as they often handle a variety of administrative tasks for multiple attorneys.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting legal correspondence, interacting with clients and other legal professionals, and presenting information in clear, concise language.
• Proficiency with legal research and ability to learn new legal software and technologies, as they often need to utilize databases and online resources for case research and document preparation.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation and record-keeping, as they often deal with sensitive legal documents.
• Understanding of legal terminology and principles, as they need to assist in the preparation of legal documents, filings, and case management.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and other relevant parties.
• Problem-solving skills to navigate any challenges or issues that arise during case management or document preparation.
• Discretion and integrity due to exposure to sensitive and confidential information.

 

Corporate Legal Assistant Experience Requirements

Entry-level Corporate Legal Assistants generally require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in a legal setting.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or work-study programs in law firms or legal departments of corporations.

Many firms also require candidates to have experience with legal research, document preparation, and other administrative duties, typically gained through previous employment in roles such as a paralegal or legal secretary.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of corporate law and are proficient in legal software applications, court filing procedures, and have strong communication and organizational skills.

Those with over 5 years of experience are usually considered for senior roles within the corporate legal team.

They may have some supervisory experience, overseeing the work of other legal assistants, and liaising directly with attorneys, clients, and courts.

In addition to work experience, Corporate Legal Assistants are often required to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and certifications like the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) credential can make a candidate more appealing to employers.

 

Corporate Legal Assistant Education and Training Requirements

A Corporate Legal Assistant typically requires a minimum of an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or a related field.

Many employers, however, prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

They should have a strong foundation in corporate law, legal procedures, and documentation.

Knowledge in areas such as contracts, litigation, and corporate governance may also be beneficial depending on the specific corporate environment.

Some companies may require legal assistants to hold a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) certification, which is offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

This certification demonstrates a high level of professionalism, commitment, and competence in the field.

Experience with legal research tools and software, as well as proficiency in office software, is often required.

This includes legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and Microsoft Office programs.

Continuing legal education (CLE) is highly recommended as it helps keep legal assistants updated with changes in the legal landscape.

This can be particularly important in a corporate setting where laws and regulations often change.

In addition to the educational and certification requirements, a Corporate Legal Assistant should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and meticulous attention to detail.

 

Corporate Legal Assistant Salary Expectations

A Corporate Legal Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $50,758 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can greatly vary depending on the individual’s experience, the size and location of the company, and the complexity of the legal matters handled.

 

Corporate Legal Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Corporate Legal Assistant need?

Corporate Legal Assistants should possess excellent organizational and time-management skills as they are often required to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

They should have strong communication skills to liaise effectively with clients and other legal professionals.

Proficiency in legal terminology and research, along with good writing skills, are also essential.

Knowledge of legal software and Microsoft Office Suite is usually required.

 

Do Corporate Legal Assistants need a degree?

Most employers require a Corporate Legal Assistant to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, law, or a related field.

Some companies might accept relevant experience in lieu of formal education.

Certification from a recognized paralegal association can be an advantage.

 

What should you look for in a Corporate Legal Assistant resume?

You should look for a strong understanding and knowledge of corporate law procedures, terminologies, and documentation.

Experience in drafting and proofreading legal documents, conducting legal research, and managing legal correspondence is crucial.

Familiarity with legal software and excellent organizational skills are also important.

Any degrees, certifications, or continuing education in law-related fields should be noted.

 

What qualities make a good Corporate Legal Assistant?

A good Corporate Legal Assistant is reliable, detail-oriented, and can handle high-stress situations.

They should demonstrate excellent organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain confidentiality.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are also necessary to interact effectively with clients and other legal professionals.

They should be proficient in using legal software for document management and be willing to continuously learn and adapt to changes in corporate law.

 

Is it difficult to hire Corporate Legal Assistants?

Hiring a Corporate Legal Assistant can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

The candidate must not only have a solid understanding of corporate law but also possess strong administrative and organizational skills.

Additionally, they must be able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Therefore, finding the right person with the right skills, experience, and ethics may take time.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the layers to reveal what it truly means to be a corporate legal assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about preparing legal documents.

It’s about shaping the legal landscape, one case at a time.

With our comprehensive corporate legal assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this journey.

But why halt your progress now?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to carefully-crafted job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every legal document is part of a larger legal narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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