Corporate Paralegal
Rather than working in traditional law firm settings, corporate paralegals are legal professionals who work alongside lawyers in the legal departments of corporations or other businesses. Typically, a corporate paralegal does not interact with the business’s customers. Instead, the business itself is the legal department’s primary customer.
WHAT KIND OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING IS NEEDED TO WORK AS A CORPORATE PARALEGAL?
If you want to work as a corporate legal assistant or paralegal, you will need to meet your state’s requirements to become a paralegal, in addition to meeting any employer-specific requirements. In general, corporate employers prefer candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to the career by earning two- or four-year degrees in Paralegal Studies or a Paralegal Studies certificate along with a degree in another field.
You can improve your chances of getting hired as a corporate paralegal by taking courses toward your degree that cover business disciplines such as real property (real estate), business law, contracts and intellectual property (trademarks, copyright, and patent).
WHAT DOES A CORPORATE PARALEGAL DO?
If you are considering this career path, you may be asking, “What do corporate paralegals do?” Corporate paralegal responsibilities depend, to a great extent, on the business’s industry, as well as the products and services it offers. Generally speaking, corporate paralegals conduct legal research, handle paperwork and filings for the attorneys they work with, prepare legal contracts and agreements, update company records and assist the business in other ways.
Some corporate paralegals also get involved in litigation at the corporate level. Others are responsible for organizing and coordinating meetings of the company’s board of directors, including preparing materials and exhibits, maintaining meeting minutes and preparing corporate resolutions.
WHY MIGHT YOU CONSIDER BECOMING A CORPORATE PARALEGAL?
When you work as a corporate paralegal, you will likely get to participate in a variety of projects and tasks. This can help you avoid the monotony that can come with doing the same type of workday in and day out. Some corporate paralegals also prefer that their “clients” are the corporation they work for or other businesses, rather than individual clients.
Corporate paralegals also report base salaries higher than many other types of paralegal roles. In fact, as of March 29, 2021, the average base salary for a corporate paralegal is typically between $60,818 and $77,552 annually. Many corporate paralegals also enjoy generous benefits packages.
EARN YOUR PARALEGAL STUDIES DEGREE WITH Generations COLLEGE
Generations College offers a two-year Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies, designed to prepare students to work as paralegals after graduation. Our program includes classes offered year-round, small class sizes, internship opportunities with some of the area’s most prominent firms and corporations, the flexibility to complete coursework on campus or online, and much more.
Discover for yourself why paralegals in the greater Chicago area, across the state of Illinois and even across the country, have been choosing Generations College for their education since 1973. Please note that paralegals may not practice law or otherwise provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. To learn more about our Paralegal Studies program or any of our other exciting degree programs, contact us today! When you’re ready to take your education and training to the next level, you can also apply online to be admitted into any of Generations College’s associate degree programs!