Lawyer / General Counsel

Lawyers and General Counsel advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. They typically give legal advice, review contracts and document approvals, and handle any legal conflicts that arise with clients and other stakeholders.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

A General Counsel works for a government clean energy agency that grants award funding to clean energy projects in the state. The General Counsel is currently reviewing a contract between the agency and a university that is installing an anaerobic digester on campus to provide hands-on learning for agriculture and science majors. They are ensuring that the project will meet the agency’s initiatives and program specifications before awarding the grant.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
  • Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
  • Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
  • Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
  • Represent clients in court or before government agencies.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Assistant Attorney General, Assistant Counsel, Associate Attorney, Attorney at Law, Deputy Attorney General, Partner

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$120,910

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Bachelor’s Degree, Law School, Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Bar Exam, Continuing Education

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

5+ years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Writing Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, Communication Skills, Research Skills, Analytical Skills, Decision Making Skills, Critical-Thinking Skills, Management Skills, Time Management, Negotiating Skills

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Mediators, Law Clerk, Hearing Officers, Judges