Legal Counsel
What's it like to be a Legal Counsel?
A Legal Counsel protects the reputation and integrity of a person, company, or entity by ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. They guide individuals or executives on legal matters such as labour law or partnerships, and also represent their clients in court.
Tasks and duties
- Providing legal as well as strategic advice and guidance.
- Working closely with members of a legal team, if any.
- Assessing individual, company, or organisation’s potential legal risk.
- Providing updates on any changes and amendments to relevant laws or regulations.
- Documenting legal processes and developing reports.
- Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts.
- Managing disputes and litigation issues.
- Sharing recommendations on policies being developed.
- Representing clients to third parties or in court.
How to become a Legal Counsel
To work as a Legal Counsel, formal education is required.
Take a bachelor degree in law. Alternatively, you can take a relevant pre-law bachelor course such as political science, philosophy, or economics and proceed with a Juris Doctor degree after graduation. Depending on the industry, some companies may also require a Master of Science or PhD in a particular field on top of a law degree.
Pass the Singapore and/or Malaysia Bar.
Gain six to eight years’ worth of relevant Post-Qualified Experience (PQE) in a law firm or as an in-house counsel. Familiarity with certain processes, industries, and policies is advantageous.
Progress to a role such as a Senior Legal Counsel.
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