Legal Counsels are the go-to for navigating risk, compliance, and company protections. They help businesses stay on the right side of the law while supporting smart, strategic decisions that build trust and keep things running smoothly.
Key responsibilities
- 📜 Provide legal advice: Legal Counsels are the go-tos when things get complex. They break down tricky laws, policies, and regulations into clear, practical advice that helps the business stay compliant and confident. Whether reviewing a contract or navigating compliance rules, they make sure every decision is legally sound and risk-aware.
- 🔍 Conduct legal research: Laws and regulations change fast. Legal Counsels stay ahead of the curve by researching updates, case law, and industry shifts. This constant learning keeps the business informed and ready.
- 📄 Draft and review contracts: It’s all in the fine print. With a sharp eye and a deep understanding of legal frameworks, Legal Counsels draft and review agreements that protect the company while keeping things fair and transparent. The goal? Avoid risk and build trust with every deal.
- 🛡️ Manage legal risks: Risk is everywhere, but Legal Counsels help keep it in check. They identify potential issues before they become problems and create strategies to prevent them.
- ⚖️ Collaborate with external legal experts: Sometimes, the best move is to bring in specialist support. Legal Counsels team up with external lawyers to cover complex issues and boost legal strategy. These partnerships strengthen the company’s legal position and ensure every angle is covered.
Qualifications and skills
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree or equivalent: You’ve completed your law degree from an accredited school, with a solid grasp of legal principles.
- Admitted to practice law in relevant jurisdiction: You’re certified and ready to offer professional legal advice where it counts.
- Proven experience in corporate law: You’ve worked across corporate legal matters (bonus if it's been in multi-jurisdictional environments), and understand how business law plays out in real life.
- Strong negotiation skills: You’re confident in the boardroom and know how to negotiate outcomes that keep everyone satisfied.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills: You can explain complex legal concepts without the legal jargon—clear, concise, and approachable.
- Analytical and problem-solving capabilities: You spot risks, break down problems, and develop practical legal solutions that support the bigger picture.
- Attention to detail: You’re thorough and precise, especially when reviewing contracts and drafting key documents.
- Familiarity with technology and legal software: You’re comfortable using research databases and case management tools to stay organised and efficient.
- Continuous learning mindset: You stay across changes in laws and regulations, keeping your advice fresh, current, and compliant.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team: You’re self-driven when you need to be, but also a strong collaborator when it counts.
Career path and opportunities
If you're drawn to strategy, structure, and helping businesses stay sharp on the legal side, Legal Counsel is a role with a serious range. You’ll partner across teams, translate legal jargon, and make complex decisions feel manageable.
Most people start here focusing on compliance, contracts, and risk management. Over time, you’ll build trust and step into bigger roles like Senior Legal Counsel or Head of Legal, where you guide strategy and manage legal teams.
At the top of the ladder? Roles like general counsel or chief legal officer give you a front-row seat to executive decision-making and business growth. And if you're looking for variety, you can move into consulting, public service, or specialised fields like IP or environmental law.
Example job description
Job title: Legal Counsel
Job overview:
We’re looking for a Legal Counsel to join our team and make a real impact. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working across departments, providing practical legal advice, and helping a business stay sharp, compliant, and ready for what’s next. If you love solving complex challenges and confidently guiding teams, this one’s for you.
Key responsibilities:
- Advise execs and teams on a range of legal matters—corporate governance, contracts, and compliance
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements
- Conduct legal research to support key business decisions
- Manage disputes and work with external counsel when needed
- Stay on top of legal and regulatory changes and share insights with the team
- Develop and roll out compliance initiatives that reduce risk
- Provide legal guidance across projects and cross-functional teams
Required qualifications:
- LLB or equivalent legal degree
- Admitted as a solicitor in your jurisdiction
- Experience in a legal counsel role, ideally in a corporate environment
- Strong grasp of corporate law and legal processes
Preferred qualifications:
- LLM or further legal training
- Experience in tech, finance, or other fast-paced industries
- Comfortable advising on cross-border legal matters
- Confident communicator and negotiator
Perks/benefits:
- Competitive salary with bonus potential
- Flexibility that supports work-life balance
- Opportunities to upskill and continue your legal education
- Health and wellness support
- A collaborative, social team culture
Frequently asked questions
What does a Legal Counsel do?
The Legal Counsel is the go-to expert for all things legal within a business. They keep the organisation on the right side of the law, provide strategic advice, and protect the company’s interests during negotiations, disputes, and day-to-day operations.
What are their key duties and responsibilities?
They advise internal teams, review contracts, manage legal risks, and develop strategies to reduce liability. The Legal Counsel play a key role in negotiations, help resolve disputes, oversee litigation, and stay on top of legal changes that could impact the business.
What makes a great Legal Counsel?
They’re strategic, sharp, and calm under pressure. A standout Legal Counsel is great at simplifying complex legal matters, balancing risk with business priorities, and acting proactively. Strong ethics, business awareness, and solid communication skills set them apart.
