There are many different fields of law, including corporate law. Often, people understand that corporate law is somehow linked to businesses but know little about the actual job of a corporate attorney.
Here's a bit of information about corporate attorneys and what they do.
What Is the Responsibility of a Corporate Attorney?
A corporate attorney advises their clients concerning the legal rights and duties associated with their particular business.
Who Is the Typical Client of a Corporate Attorney?
Corporations usually hire corporate attorneys. Once the lawyer is hired, they don't represent individual employees of the corporation or even the shareholders of the organization. Instead, the attorney's client is the corporation itself.
People who are trying to start a business may also hire a corporate lawyer to help them structure their business properly. The attorney may also assist with the closure of a business and the review of any associated contracts.
What Do Corporations Hire Corporate Attorneys to Do?
Often, when people consider the job of a lawyer, an image of a courtroom immediately comes to mind. However, corporate attorneys rarely spend a significant amount of time in a courtroom. Instead, they help their clients avoid litigation.
Here are a few activities that involve corporate attorneys:
- Mergers. Corporate attorneys provide oversight during the merging of one company with another. They also provide legal expertise during the acquisition of an organization.
- Drafting contracts. A corporate attorney can draft an agreement that meets the legal requirements for it to serve as a binding contract.
- Acquiring funding. Corporate attorneys can also help corporations to locate venture capital for the expansion of their organization.
- Government. The attorney may also assist with the creation of articles of incorporation and bylaws that helped define the governing of a corporation.
Are Corporate Attorneys Employees of the Corporations That They Work For?
Corporate attorneys can work directly for a corporation or be retained by the entity. However, attorneys are actually employed by corporate law firms that offer services contractually.
Are There Special Educational Requirements for a Corporate Attorney?
Attorneys who practice law must complete the same educational requirements as most other attorneys. They must obtain a law degree from an accredited law school and pass the bar exam to become licensed in the state where they would like to practice.
To learn more about the services provided by a corporate attorney, schedule a consultation with a corporate law firm in your local area.