Entry-Level Attorney, Corporate Salary

An entry-level corporate attorney works to assist businesses and corporations in handling legal affairs (typically related to business operations). These attorneys typically work for law firms dedicated to this specialty, but they may also work directly for the company they represent. An entry-level corporate attorney's tasks may include drafting contracts, drafting and reviewing memoranda and correspondence, and conducting research on due diligence, large transactions and civil litigation. They may also participate in contract negotiations, financial reporting, intellectual property issues, and tax- and securities-related issues. An entry-level corporate attorney is likely to be assigned to a team or work as a junior attorney to a senior-level lawyer. As an entry-level attorney, much of their job often involves researching, reviewing and editing official documentation for a senior attorney to give final approval.

An entry-level corporate lawyer must have at least a bachelor's degree and have graduated from an accredited law school, as well as pass the bar exam in the state in which they wish to work. Typically, many corporate attorneys focus on business- or finance-related disciplines at the undergraduate level. Entry-level corporate attorneys typically work long hours during the week, and they generally work in a law office or corporate office.

Entry-Level Attorney, Corporate Tasks

• Advise clients in business transactions, claim liablility, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits or legal rights and obligations.
• Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
• Represent clients in court or before government agencies, present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
• Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions; evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments for presentation of cases.
• Analyze and interpret laws, rulings and regulations with probable case outcomes for individuals and businesses.