The general counsel of a company is the lead attorney in a company or organization. A deputy general counsel is second-in-command, helping the general counsel oversee the other lawyers in the department and provide legal advice to cases affecting the business. As a deputy general counsel, your job duties include conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, reviewing contracts, and appearing in court for legal proceedings. You report directly to the general counsel. Attorneys aspiring to become a deputy general counsel typically work in the business sector for several years before moving into this career.