A general counsel is a lawyer who works in a corporate or government legal department, advising on legal matters and managing compliance with laws and regulations. They draft contracts, liaise with outside legal counsel, and carry out research on existing and proposed laws. The role carries a large burden of responsibility and requires a Juris Doctor or Master of Laws degree. Compensation varies depending on the employer and responsibilities.
A general counsel is usually an attorney who works in a corporate or government legal department. The job of a general counsel attorney is varied, depending on the employer. In a corporate environment, this chief legal officer often reports to the chief executive officer. Those who work in general consulting government jobs usually report directly to the head of the agency they work for. In both settings, the range of tasks is similar.
Business consultant jobs have grown in number and status. A large number of attorneys have transitioned from private practice to general counsel work. An attorney usually serves in an advisory capacity to an executive team, board or agency. The General Counsel often keeps track of new laws affecting the company or entity and advises on what actions may be required, drafts contracts and participates in contract negotiations, and liaises with any outside legal counsel tasked with handling specific legal affairs. Other duties often include managing lease agreements, due diligence of acquisitions and mergers, legal compliance matters, status reports of legal cases, projects and requests, and other assigned duties.
A general counsel also carries out research and analysis of existing and proposed laws and regulations and represents an individual or a department as a whole. Keeping an eye on the day-to-day operations and general policies and procedures of any entity carries a large burden of responsibility. For example, a company’s lead attorney often must advise the board of directors on what policies may need to be changed to ensure compliance with equal employment or anti-discrimination laws, and may need to advise when the actions of board members, departments or of individual employees could subject the company to civil or criminal liability.
Government advisers-general have similar duties. Typical duties in a government environment include monitoring and advising on compliance with laws and regulations and assisting in the development of government policies, procedures, standards and contracts. In a government agency, the lead counsel might advise the governor, the president, or an entire committee or board.
Compensation for a business consultant or government general consultant position varies depending on the responsibilities assigned and the employer. Most general counsel attorneys make more than private partners, so openings in this field are highly sought after. Because the chief legal officer job comes with a large amount of responsibility, most employers seeking to fill this position require a Juris Doctor, Juris Doctor, or Master of Laws degree, depending on the country.
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