Corporate Lawyer Job Description: Corporate Counsel Role

This Corporate Lawyer Job Description is for experienced legal professionals who advise on corporate transactions, governance and compliance. Candidates should be qualified lawyers with practical experience in commercial law, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to support senior management and boards.

Corporate Lawyer Job Profile

The Corporate Lawyer provides legal advice and support on a wide range of corporate matters including mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. The role focuses on enabling sound commercial decision making by identifying legal risks and proposing pragmatic, business-focused solutions.

The postholder acts as a trusted adviser to internal stakeholders, manages external counsel where necessary and ensures that transaction processes and corporate records meet statutory and internal governance standards.

Corporate Lawyer Job Description

The Corporate Lawyer will prepare, review and negotiate transactional documentation, ensuring legal and commercial objectives are balanced and risks are controlled. The role requires conducting due diligence, coordinating cross-functional teams during transactions and delivering timely legal advice to support business initiatives.

In addition to transactional work, the Corporate Lawyer will advise on corporate governance, board procedures and regulatory obligations, draft and maintain policies and oversee compliance with applicable legislation. The role involves close liaison with senior management, external advisers and regulators as required.

Expectations include clear, concise legal analysis, proactive identification of legal issues, effective stakeholder management and the ability to manage multiple matters concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

Corporate Lawyer: Duties and Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, subscription agreements and ancillary transaction documents.
• Lead legal due diligence exercises and prepare associated reports and disclosure schedules.
• Advise on mergers, acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and restructuring matters.
• Provide guidance on corporate governance matters, including board minutes, resolutions and regulatory filings.
• Interpret and apply relevant legislation and regulatory requirements to business activities.
• Manage relationships with external counsel, coordinate advice and control legal costs.
• Draft and maintain internal policies, compliance manuals and templates for commercial use.
• Support commercial teams with contract strategy, risk allocation and escalation of high risk clauses.
• Assist with negotiations of complex commercial arrangements and financing documentation.
• Provide training and guidance to non-legal colleagues on contract processes and legal obligations.
• Respond to and manage legal queries, disputes and potential litigation referrals.
• Maintain accurate corporate records and ensure statutory obligations are met in a timely manner.
• Monitor changes in legislation and regulatory developments relevant to the organisation.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives to streamline legal workflows and reduce risk.

Corporate Lawyer: Requirements and Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister admitted to practice in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Typically 4 to 8 years post-qualification experience in corporate or commercial law.
• Proven experience in transactional work including M&A, joint ventures or equity financings.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills with attention to commercial outcomes.
• Good understanding of corporate governance, company law and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at senior levels.
• Ability to analyse complex legal issues and present clear, pragmatic advice.
• High level of organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience managing external counsel and controlling legal spend.
• Sound judgment, integrity and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Membership of the relevant Law Society or Bar Council where applicable.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the business drivers for legal decisions.