Like many professionals, the day probably starts by checking email or messages — an urgent request from the finance department about a new tax law, or from HR needing eyes on a new employee contract. Reporting directly to the general counsel or chief legal officer, the corporate counsel is often the first point of contact for such queries.
Next, they may be engaged with drafting a risk assessment memo on an upcoming product launch, outlining potential legal pitfalls and recommendations to avoid them. Studying regulatory updates is another a daily task.
The day may proceed with meetings — a sit-down with the marketing team about the legal aspects of a new ad campaign, or a call with external partners negotiating the terms of a contract. This is where the corporate counsel’s legal expertise shines as they protect the company’s interests without stifling creativity or business growth.
Later might bring a legal research session, getting deep into the nitty-gritty of new laws or regulations for an upcoming company initiative, followed by a meeting with executives and general counsel to discuss long-term strategies, always considering the legal ramifications. Leadership trusts the corporate counsel to see the forest and the trees, balancing immediate concerns with future risks.
Of course, the counsel’s duties and responsibilities will vary depending on industry, size of the organization, regulatory environment, and whether the organization is public, private or government, but these tasks are typical.
