What Is a Deputy General Counsel and How to Become One
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What Is a Deputy General Counsel?
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.
How to Become a Deputy General Counsel
The primary qualifications for getting a job as a deputy general counsel are a law degree and several years of experience working as an attorney. General counsels typically study corporate and securities law, corporate governance, litigation, risk management, executive compensation, legal compliance, and employment laws. The many areas of expertise required for success as a general counsel mean that rotating between positions that focus on these areas earlier in your career is particularly helpful. This can help you acquire the skills you need. Depending on the company you work for, you may need to gain admission to the bar in multiple states. Be sure to talk to employers about their requirements.
