Corporate Paralegal

There are many types of paralegals, but if you enjoy the legal workings of businesses, then you may want to consider becoming a corporate paralegal. This job requires working under the direction of a lawyer to ensure corporate operations comply with federal, state, and local laws.

General Responsibilities

Like all legal assistants, corporate paralegals have a diverse range of job responsibilities. Although they perform the same types of duties on a daily basis, new situations are always arising, which keeps the work challenging and interesting. If you decide to go into this field, your typical day will consist of:

• Preparing Documents – Documents and contracts are the driving forces behind any corporation. It will be your duty to see that they are legal and fair. Some of the documents you will regularly encounter are mergers, amendments, withdrawals, partnerships, dissolutions, etc. Your knowledge of corporate law can make a huge difference in the efficiency of the company for which you work.
• Assist lawyers with transactions – There are many demands on a corporate lawyer, and much of their work will be designated to you. During an important event, such as a merger, they will depend on you to make sure all paperwork and legal obligations are met in an allotted time frame.
• Conducting Research – As a corporate paralegal, you must have a sound knowledge of business and the law. You will be asked to research relevant case laws and must have the background knowledge to know where to begin.
• Help Prepare for Trial – Although you cannot try a case in court, you can do much of the legwork leading up to a trial. Corporations go to court fairly often to settle disputes between businesses and consumers.
• Handling Financial Obligations – Corporations are required by law to meet certain financial obligations, and as a paralegal you will have to make SEC and UCC filings as well as submit many forms to the Internal Revenue Service.

Benefits

Many paralegals lean towards corporate law because there are more chances for upward mobility. Large, wealthy corporations, especially those located in big cities, often pay their paralegals higher wages than average, and since they must employ so many people, there is a better chance of obtaining a managerial position. Also, many are drawn to this professional career because of the respect they receive in both the business and legal industries.

How To

To become a corporate paralegal, you follow virtually the same process as any other paralegal – only you will take classes geared toward corporate law. The education and training usually takes about two years to complete and then you are eligible to take the certificate test.

There are many colleges offering paralegal courses, and you can find programs at traditional and online schools. However, if you are eager to begin your education, you may want to consider looking into online education since most virtual schools offer open enrollment. Simply do a web search for accredited schools offering corporate paralegal courses. Once you receive the proper education you will be well prepared for a long, respected career.