What Does a Corporate Legal Assistant Do?

A corporate legal assistant plays a significant role in corporations’ legal departments. They assist attorneys in various administrative and substantive tasks, ensuring the legal team functions efficiently and effectively. Here’s a detailed look at the responsibilities and skills required for this critical role.

Core Responsibilities of a Corporate Legal Assistant

Corporate legal assistants are responsible for a wide range of duties that contribute to the smooth operation of a legal department. Their tasks can vary depending on the size and nature of the corporation, but generally include:

Administrative Support

One of the primary roles of a corporate legal assistant is to provide administrative support to the legal team. This includes managing schedules, organizing meetings, and handling communications. By managing calendars and coordinating travel arrangements, they ensure that attorneys are well-prepared for meetings and court appearances.

Document Management

Corporate legal assistants create, organize, and maintain legal documents. This includes drafting, proofreading, and filing contracts, agreements, and corporate resolutions. They must ensure that all records are accurate, properly formatted, and compliant with legal standards.

Legal Research

Another key responsibility is conducting legal research. Legal assistants gather information from legal databases, review case laws, and compile relevant legal precedents. This research helps attorneys prepare cases and provide accurate legal advice.

Client and Witness Coordination

Corporate legal assistants often liaise between the legal team and clients or witnesses. They coordinate interviews, depositions, and court appearances, ensuring that all parties are informed and prepared. Practical communication skills are crucial for managing these interactions professionally and efficiently.

Compliance and Regulatory Support

Ensuring that the corporation complies with legal and regulatory requirements is critical. Legal assistants monitor changes in laws and regulations that affect the company, prepare compliance reports, and help implement necessary changes to company policies and procedures.

Key Skills for Success

Specific skills and attributes are essential to excel as a corporate legal assistant. These include:

• Attention to Detail: Accuracy in handling legal documents and data is crucial.
• Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication for interacting with attorneys, clients, and regulatory bodies.
• Research Skills: Proficiency in conducting legal research and using legal databases.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with legal software and office applications.
  

Checklist of Responsibilities

1. Administrative Support: Manage schedules, organize meetings, and handle communications.
2. Document Management: Drafting, proofreading, and filing legal documents.
3. Legal Research: Gathering information, reviewing case laws, compiling legal precedents.
4. Client and Witness Coordination: Scheduling and coordinating interviews, depositions, and court appearances.
5. Compliance and Regulatory Support: Monitoring legal changes, preparing compliance reports, and implementing policy changes.
   
   
   

Pursue a Career as a Legal Assistant at Northwest Career College

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a corporate legal assistant, consider enrolling at Northwest Career College. This trade school offers a comprehensive Legal Assistant program to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the legal field.
The Legal Assistant program at Northwest Career College also emphasizes developing soft skills, such as communication and organization, which are crucial for success in a corporate legal environment. By choosing this program, you can gain the expertise and confidence needed to thrive as a corporate legal assistant.