In-House Counsel Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the contemporary corporate landscape, the role of in-house counsel has become increasingly significant.

As businesses navigate complex legal terrains, the demand for skilled legal practitioners who can guide, defend, and advocate for their organizations continues to grow.

But what does an in-house counsel actually do?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the scope of this role,
A hiring manager in search of the perfect candidate,
Or simply curious about the intricacies of corporate law,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive and customizable in-house counsel job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

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In-House Counsel Duties and Responsibilities

In-House Counsel, also known as a corporate attorney, are responsible for providing legal advice and services to their company.

They handle a variety of legal issues that might include corporate policies, compliance, intellectual property, labor and employment, and contract negotiation.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

Provide legal advice on a wide range of business matters
Develop company policy and position on legal issues
Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, leases, and other legal documents
Research and analyze the law on complex issues and provide advice to clients
Conduct and coordinate research into a variety of legal issues
Represent the company in legal proceedings
Work on mergers and acquisitions, financial/securities offerings, compliance issues, and other business transactions
Provide training to the company on legal topics
Coordinate work with outside legal counsel and manage the cost of their work
Ensure the company operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations

In-House Counsel Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated In-House Counsel to join our legal team.

This position involves providing legal counsel and guidance to our organization on various legal and business issues.

The In-House Counsel will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and policies, drafting and reviewing contracts, and managing risk.

The ideal candidate has excellent judgement, can manage multiple projects, and has the ability to work within a team as well as independently.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and guidance on various legal and business issues
Review, negotiate, and draft contracts and agreements
Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and company policies
Manage risk and limit legal exposure
Participate in legal actions such as lawsuits and contract disputes
Coordinate with external legal counsel as needed
Update and manage the company’s legal database
Develop and deliver legal training to company staff

Qualifications

JD degree from an accredited law school
Active member of the State Bar
Proven experience as a legal counsel in a business environment
Excellent knowledge and understanding of corporate law and procedures
High degree of professional ethics, integrity, and gravitas
Excellent negotiation and communication skills
Strong ability to create legal defensive or proactive strategies
Proficiency in MS Office and legal software

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: In-House Counsel
Work Environment: Office setting. Some travel may be required for meetings or court appearances.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the General Counsel or CEO.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $105,000 minimum to $200,000 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a writing sample to [email address or application portal].

What Does an In-House Counsel Do?

In-House Counsels are employed by corporations in various industries, where they provide legal advice, strategy and support to their employers.

They are integral parts of their companies, often participating in executive decision-making processes.

Their main duties involve drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and agreements that their company enters into with other businesses, customers, and employees.

They ensure these legal documents are in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

In-House Counsels often manage and oversee any litigation that the company may face, whether it is a lawsuit from a customer, a dispute with a supplier, or an investigation by a governmental agency.

They coordinate with outside legal counsel as necessary, but their goal is to resolve these situations in the most beneficial manner for their company.

They also provide advice on legal risks and opportunities in business decisions, and participate in the creation of company policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance.

Furthermore, they may oversee the company’s intellectual property portfolio, including the registration and protection of trademarks, patents, and copyrights.

The role of In-House Counsel often requires a deep understanding of the business and industry of the company, as well as the ability to balance legal considerations with business objectives.

In-House Counsel Qualifications and Skills

An effective In-House Counsel should possess the necessary skills and qualifications that align with the role, including:

Having a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and possessing a valid license to practice law in the appropriate jurisdiction.
Excellent knowledge of corporate law and legal guidelines, with the ability to provide legal advice on a broad spectrum of company related issues.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret laws and regulations, and to develop efficient and innovative legal strategies for the company.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, enabling the clear explanation of complex legal concepts to non-legal employees of the organization, and fostering good relationships with stakeholders.
Outstanding negotiation skills, as they often participate in or lead negotiation on contracts and other legal agreements.
Proficient in legal research with the ability to identify legal risks and propose alternative actions to reduce the risks involved in business decisions.
Effective organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, projects and deadlines simultaneously.
High ethical standards and professional integrity to handle confidential information with discretion.

In-House Counsel Experience Requirements

In-House Counsels are typically required to hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and must have passed their state bar examination.

This educational path usually takes about seven years (four years for an undergraduate degree and three years for a law degree) which provides them with a solid foundation in law.

Before becoming an In-House Counsel, many professionals gain experience by working in law firms or government agencies.

Entry-level In-House Counsels may have 2 to 3 years of legal experience, often through internships, clerkships or other roles within the legal profession.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience often have a depth of knowledge in their chosen specialty, such as corporate, labor, intellectual property, or compliance law.

They are familiar with the processes and operations of legal departments and have a solid foundation in handling legal issues pertinent to the business.

In-House Counsels with more than 10 years of experience usually possess strong leadership qualities and often have experience managing other lawyers and legal professionals.

They often have a significant amount of expertise in the specific industry of the company and are experienced in strategic planning, policy development, and risk management.

Additionally, many companies require their In-House Counsels to have experience with contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance, making an understanding of business and finance crucial for this role.

In-House Counsel Education and Training Requirements

In-House Counsels are required to have a bachelor’s degree, followed by a three-year law degree (Juris Doctor, or J.D.) from an accredited law school.

In addition to this, they must pass the bar exam in the state where they plan to practice.

This is a rigorous test that assesses their understanding of the law.

Most states also require lawyers to participate in continuing legal education courses throughout their careers to stay updated with current laws and regulations.

In-house counsels typically need several years of experience practicing law in a corporate setting or in a law firm before they are hired by a company.

This experience should ideally be in a field relevant to the company’s business.

To be successful, in-house counsels should have a strong understanding of business operations, legal compliance and corporate governance practices.

Specialized knowledge or experience in the company’s industry may also be beneficial.

Additional certifications, like the Certified In-house Counsel (CIC) credential offered by the Association of Corporate Counsel, can showcase an In-house Counsel’s commitment to the role and can be attractive to employers.

Furthermore, in-house counsels need to engage in ongoing learning to stay updated with the changing laws and legal landscapes.

This can include attending legal workshops, seminars, or other forms of professional development.

In-House Counsel Salary Expectations

An In-House Counsel can expect to earn an average salary of $115,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on their level of experience, the industry in which they’re employed, and the location of the company.

In-House Counsel Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are required for an In-House Counsel?

In-House Counsels are required to have a law degree (JD) from an accredited law school.

They must also pass their state’s bar examination to practice law.

Additional certifications or degrees in business or the specific industry of the company may be beneficial.

What is the difference between an In-House Counsel and a law firm attorney?

In-House Counsels are employed by companies to handle their legal affairs, whereas law firm attorneys work for a law firm and serve multiple clients.

In-House Counsels generally focus on a more narrow range of legal issues that directly relate to the business they work for, whereas law firm attorneys often handle a wider variety of legal matters.

What are the primary responsibilities of an In-House Counsel?

The In-House Counsel’s responsibilities typically include providing legal advice to the company’s board of directors and senior management, drafting and negotiating contracts, ensuring the company’s compliance with laws and regulations, managing litigation risks, overseeing the work of outside counsel, and sometimes managing a team of other lawyers and paralegals within the company.

What qualities make a good In-House Counsel?

A good In-House Counsel should have excellent legal knowledge and analytical skills.

They should have a good understanding of the company’s business and be able to provide practical, solution-oriented legal advice.

Excellent communication skills are also crucial as they will need to explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers.

They should also be proactive, ethical, and have high integrity.

Is it challenging to hire In-House Counsels?

Hiring In-House Counsels can be challenging as you need to find someone who not only has the necessary legal expertise but also understands your business and industry.

The candidate should also fit into the company’s culture and work well with your executive team.

Therefore, it’s important to have a well-planned recruitment strategy when hiring for this role.

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the comprehensive role and responsibilities of an in-house counsel.

Surprised?

It’s not just about handling legal matters.

It’s about safeguarding the company’s interests and ensuring compliance at every step.

With our comprehensive in-house counsel job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next leap.

But why limit yourself?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every legal decision is a part of the wider corporate strategy.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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In-House Counsel Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In-House Counsel Duties and Responsibilities