Contract specialists review and ensure business needs are met in contracts, resolving minor disputes. Skills required include post-secondary education, work experience, computer skills, and legal familiarity. Job opportunities are available in large corporations, purchasing companies, or law firms. Training programs for legal professions and administrative roles in business are recommended. Advanced computer skills and familiarity with contract law are essential. Continuing education is necessary to stay current.
If you work in procurement or legal services, you can become a contract specialist. In this role, you would be responsible for reviewing details on all contracts, ensuring business needs are met, and resolving minor disputes. There are four skills required to work in this field: completion of post-secondary education, related work experience, advanced computer skills, and familiarity with the law. There is a growing demand for contract specialists as more companies look to avoid legal disputes by implementing an internal contract review process.
To become a contract specialist, you should typically be detail oriented, enjoy working independently, and have excellent written communication skills. You can find job opportunities in large corporations, purchasing companies or law firms. Normal office hours are typical, other than working at a desk most of the day. The level of interaction and interruptions vary by employer.
To become a contract specialist, a community or college career training program is required. While there is no program specifically related to contracts, you can gain the skills you need through training programs for employees of attorneys, paralegals, legal researchers, paralegals or similar professions. These programs last two to three years and cover administrative procedures, legal research, the legal system, and contract law.
Related work experience includes administrative roles in business, purchasing or service management. While business management or administration may not seem relevant, a firm understanding of business practices, disputes and areas of difficulty is very helpful in reviewing legal contracts. Working in an office environment involves interacting with a wide variety of people and resolving minor conflicts, which form a large part of the work required.
The widespread introduction of computers and work productivity software has transformed management. Advanced computer skills are required for anyone wanting to become a contract specialist. Features like change tracking, audit trails, document protection, and mail merge are essential to the job. Courses are available at a wide variety of community and career colleges to provide you with the skills you need to work in this field.
As a contract specialist, familiarity with contract law is essential. The law is constantly evolving, and only through continuing education can a contract specialist stay current. Many law societies and associations offer courses on the impact of recent decisions on various aspects of the law. Keep in touch with your local organization and invest the time necessary to attend these courses or seminars.
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