Corporate Paralegal Job Description and Career Outlook

Corporate paralegals are responsible for assisting lawyers with all of the organization and planning of corporate transactions and business matters. Corporate paralegals also make sure that companies have all the necessary paperwork (filings with the Secretary of State, for instance) completed and filed for all applicable Federal, State and SEC (Securities and Exchanges Commissions) laws for any type of business (non-profit’s. Inc., LLC’s, etc.).

Corporate Paralegal Qualifications, Requirements and Common Tasks

Several different aspects will qualify a person to be a corporate paralegal.

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As with any paralegal position, in addition to a two or four year degree, paralegal training from a college or other training center is essential. Although certification such as through NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants), is not required, it greatly increases the value of an individual’s paralegal training and chances for employment. A paralegal specializing in corporate law, should have a thorough understanding of issues such as mergers and acquisitions, investments, employment laws, contract law, banking, finance and securities.

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Corporate Paralegal Salary, Job Outlook and Employers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for all paralegals was $46,680 per year as of 2010.¹ Some senior corporate paralegals make six figures annually and often have supervisory responsibilities. The job market for paralegals seeking to specialize in corporate law is somewhat limited in terms of entry level positions. Private firms are the largest employer of paralegals in this field and typically hire only experienced paralegals, due to the high risk of client lawsuits against the firm. The SEC and Federal and State governments can fine corporations for not following regulations; and corporations can sue their lawyers if the lawyer was responsible for the company getting fined (paperwork not filed with the S.E.C. for instance).