Legal professionals work in the legal field of criminal law, intellectual property law, bankruptcy law, or corporate law. They're responsible for counseling clients on legal matters and drafting documents to help resolve their issues. Legal professionals have an educational background that involves studies in law, business or a related field. They may work independently, as a part of a law firm, or with a government agency.

Professional Requirements to Become a Legal Consultant

Studying a Law degree is the most recommended path to becoming a legal consultant. Most law firms and government agencies expect their employees to have a law degree, and some even recommend that applicants specifically seek out opportunities at law firms so they may gain more experience working for the profession. It's also important to note that there are no minimum requirements for being hired as a legal consultant; some of the largest law firms in the country hire individuals without any prior experience. However, law school graduates tend to make more money than other consultants.

Legal consultant job description

Legal consultants are employed by law firms, corporations and government organizations. They may be asked to research precedents to obtain a better understanding of what the law states about a particular situation. They may also be responsible for drafting documents, such as contracts or other legal agreements, to help resolve a client's legal problems. Legal consultants are responsible for advising their clients on legal matters and drafting documents to help resolve a client's legal issues, often under the guidance of the client's own attorney.

Work Environment and Physical Demands The work environment for legal consultants is often fast-paced, with frequent meetings or conferences to discuss the case. Legal consultants may spend their entire day learning about a certain issue and then work on that issue for the rest of their day. They spend most of their time doing research, reading documents, and drafting contracts or other legal agreements under direction from their clients. As a result, physical demands are high because this responsibility requires long hours at an office to complete all tasks. A legal consultant may travel to client meetings, typically by car or plane.

Skills Required for a Legal Consultant

Legal consultants must have strong communication and research skills because they are responsible for communicating with clients and other professionals. Students who are interested in forming a career as a legal consultant should focus on developing these skills while they're completing their undergraduate and graduate studies. This will help them to become more familiar with legal issues, which will enhance their ability to assist their clients in resolving legal concerns. They must also have strong research skills and experience in writing, which will allow them to draft contracts or other documents for clients. These qualities are typically acquired through experience as a legal consultant or through work with a law firm or government agency.

Salaries for Legal Consultants

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for legal consultants is $48,470 as of May 2011. Average salaries can vary greatly depending on the size of the company and whether an attorney is required to be present.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What skills are required to be a consultant?

Consulting is a broad term that is used to describe a wide range of jobs. Some consultants are responsible for gathering information from different sources and compiling it into a final report for their employer. Others are responsible for working with clients on a specific project, such as developing a new marketing campaign. Regardless of the type of consulting you do, there are certain skills needed to be successful. These include: organizational skills, problem solving skills, and the ability to think critically.

2. What is a legal consultant job description?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines a legal consultant as an individual whose primary duties include identifying and resolving legal issues that arise in corporate, government, or nonprofit organizations. These workers work on teams with attorneys, accountants, and other specialists to draft documents, including contracts and durable powers of attorney. To get hired for this type of position you must have a college degree in a legal field such as law or business administration.

3. How to become a legal consultant

To become a legal consultant, you will need to get a bachelor's degree in law or business administration. Courses that focus on research and writing are ideal to prepare you for this career. You may also be able to find positions as a legal assistant or paralegal which can help you gain work experience.

4. What is the salary of legal consultant?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for legal consultants is $48,470 as of May 2011. Average salaries can vary greatly depending on the size of the company and whether an attorney is required to be present.

5. Should I become a consultant?

Consulting can be a great way to work in an industry you love and get paid for it. It’s a career that is highly sought after with very talented individuals applying for the same positions. If you would like to become a consultant, the first step to take would be completing your education. You should have at least a bachelor’s degree in law or business administration to start looking for positions as a consultant. One of the best ways to look for these types of jobs is through job boards or employment agencies.

5. Can you be a legal consultant without a law degree?

Technically speaking, you can be a legal consultant without having a legal degree. However, many employers prefer candidates who have at least graduated from an accredited law or business school. Many of the larger consulting firms also require that their consultants possess an LLM in order to qualify as a lead consultant.