Although lawyers play a big role in all of our lives at some point or another, when quizzed about their exact responsibilities, not many of us would be able to pinpoint exactly what they do. This is likely to be even more the case when it comes to corporate lawyers. Though we know they are fundamental in most business transactions and deals, they operate behind the scenes, facilitating key processes that are unknown to most people. This article breaks down the 5 essential functions of a corporate lawyer, forming a beginner’s guide to what it is that they do exactly.
What is a Corporate Lawyer?
Corporate law, often referred to as company law, is a complex area of law that plays a critical role in regulating and governing the business sector and facilitating key transactions. A corporate lawyer is someone who specialises in this area of law. They work with and for business entities in an advisory capacity, as well as helping to negotiate and produce key documentation.
Corporate lawyers will work with diverse clients of all different sizes across a variety of sectors, and possibly across borders. The most important functions of a corporate lawyer are multifaceted and extend across a broad spectrum of business needs.
5 Essential Functions of a Corporate Lawyer
The role of a corporate lawyer is multifaceted and interacts with many aspects of key business transactions and deals. The key roles and responsibilities of a corporate lawyer include:
1. Negotiating and Drafting Contracts
A corporate lawyer will find themselves negotiating agreements between key stakeholders and helping to draft the commercial contract that will govern their relationship.
2. M & As
Mergers and Acquisitions are significant aspects of a corporate lawyers role. They work to advise parties, carry out key due diligence by auditing and reviewing an entity’s entire affairs. Their findings underscore the success of the transaction.
3. Corporate formation, governance and restructuring
A corporate lawyer plays a key role at every phase of a business entity’s lifecycle including formation, governance infrastructure, restructuring or dissolution. Corporate lawyers will give key strategic and practical advise to entities looking to restructure for streamlined efficiency and increased profits, for example.
Another aspect of a corporate lawyers role is to ensure that their client is fully compliant and that their foundational governance documents are watertight. This also extends into ensuring that their client is compliant with relevant existing and forthcoming regulations that govern their activities or operations.
4. Raising finance
Raising capital and securing investment is also a part of a corporate lawyer’s role. They may find themselves advising companies on how to raise capital or represent investors looking to put money into private companies.
5. Advisory
A corporate lawyer will also often fulfil an advisory role, guiding key business stakeholders on the legal context or implications of certain situations or decisions. They will also provide key regulatory and legal oversight to ensure that liability is avoided and that all business activities remain compliant.
Final thoughts
Corporate law trickles down into every granular aspect of doing business. That’s why all businesses need expert corporate lawyers who offer deep expertise and experience, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to navigate any situation with confidence. Our corporate lawyers boast 5 years minimum post-qualification experience, and many of them bring real business experience and acumen to the table. This means they not only understand your business from a legal perspective, but from a financial and commercial stand point too. To learn about how we can help your business, get in touch today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do corporate lawyers do?
As we’ve seen in this article, corporate lawyers carry out a diverse range of roles for businesses, depending on their needs.
2. What do corporate lawyers make?
According to indeed.com, the average base salary for a corporate lawyer in the UK is £69,386.
3. What does corporate law involve?
Corporate law relates to and governs all corporations, their directors, their shareholders, and key transactions.
4. What type of law is corporate?
Corporate law is the same as company law. It is the law that governs companies and corporations in England and Wales whilst also seeking to stimulate growth and promote competition.