Legal Counsel Job Description

LEGAL COUNSEL SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

Legal counsel, or general counsel, represents the organization in legal disputes. They advise executives and/or the Board of Directors about legal issues related to the organization’s business activities (e.g., government regulations, contracts, property, taxes, labor).

LEGAL COUNSEL ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise and represent the organization in courts and before government agencies (regulators).
• Communicate with the organization, the courts, and other legal counsel.
• Conduct research and analysis of the organization’s legal issues.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations and advise the organization on how to proceed.
• Present facts, orally and in writing, to the organization, to courts, and government and other agencies and argue on behalf of the organization.
• Prepare and file legal documents (e.g., suits, appeals, contracts, deeds).

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports directly to the organization’s President / Chief Executive or Board of Directors.

PROCEDURES

The Legal Counsel Job Description is mentioned in the following procedures:

LEGAL COUNSEL QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration is required, as is a law degree from an accredited School of Law. Admission to the (state name) Bar Association is also required. Must have 10+ years’ experience working with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., Federal securities laws).

Must be able to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions. Need strong interpersonal skills; must communicate well orally and in writing. Good problem-solving skills are important, as are solid research skills.

LEGAL COUNSEL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to communicate orally with management, staff, other counsel, regulators, and judges is crucial. Regular use of phone and email for communication is essential. Hearing and vision correctable to within normal ranges is essential for normal conversations, receiving ordinary information, and preparing or inspecting documents.

The ability to remain in a stationary position roughly 50% of the time, as well as the ability to move about the office occasionally (accessing files/storage, office equipment, computers and other office productivity devices, attending meetings, etc.), is required.

Using a computer while sitting for extended periods is common. Must also be able to position self to maintain equipment, including under tables and desks.

Occasional exertion of about 20 lbs. of force (e.g., picking up / carrying folders, binders, books, laptops) may be required. Good manual dexterity required to use common office equipment (e.g., computers, mobile devices).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job is typically performed indoors in a traditional office and court setting. Extended periods of sitting (while using a computer or other device) are common.