What Does a Corporate Lawyer Actually Do?

Discover the role of a corporate lawyer and understand what does a corporate lawyer do in today's corporate world.
Check Eligibility
Lawyer Loan
Check Eligibility
3 min
23 January 2026

Corporate law is important for how businesses are set up, run, and grown. Corporate lawyers are the professionals who help companies with legal structures, contracts, compliance, and major business deals. This guide explains the role of a corporate lawyer, the skills required, and the steps to become one. It is useful for students, working professionals, and anyone interested in understanding a challenging but rewarding legal career that supports business growth and decision-making.

What is a corporate lawyer?

A corporate lawyer is a legal professional who specialises in corporate law, which includes everything from company formation to compliance, mergers, acquisitions, and more. Corporate lawyers work closely with businesses to ensure that their operations comply with the law and that they avoid legal pitfalls. They act as advisers, guiding companies through the complexities of legal regulations and helping them make informed decisions. In essence, corporate lawyers are the guardians of a company’s legal framework, ensuring that every move the business makes is both legally sound and strategically advantageous.

Lawyer Loan

What does a corporate lawyer actually do?

Corporate lawyers wear many hats, and their duties can vary widely depending on the size and nature of the company they work for. Here is a closer look at what does a corporate lawyer do on a day-to-day basis:

  • Company Formation & Governance: Helping set up companies, prepare legal documents, and advise on how the company should be managed.
  • Contracts: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements such as employment, supplier, and partnership contracts.
  • Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Handling checks, deal structure, negotiations, and approvals when companies buy, sell, or merge.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Making sure the company follows laws related to securities, finance, tax, employment, and intellectual property.
  • Corporate Finance: Supporting companies in raising funds, stock market listings, and other financial arrangements.
  • Litigation: Representing the company in disputes, including court cases and settlement discussions.
  • Strategic Advice: Advising on key business decisions to reduce legal risks and support long-term goals.

How to become a corporate lawyer?

Becoming a corporate lawyer is demanding but highly rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the path:

  • Education: Complete a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) or a related field. Consider a master’s degree (LLM) in corporate law for specialised knowledge.
  • Bar Exam: Clear the Bar Council of India exam to become a licensed lawyer.
  • Internships & Experience: Gain practical experience through internships at law firms focusing on corporate law.
  • Networking & Mentorship: Connect with legal professionals and find a mentor to guide your career growth.
  • Continuous Learning: Keep up with changes in corporate law through ongoing study, training, and professional certifications.

What type of work do corporate lawyers do?

The work of a corporate lawyer can be categorised into various types, such as:

  • Transactional work: Involves drafting and negotiating contracts, overseeing mergers, and managing financial transactions.
  • Advisory work: Offering legal advice to clients on corporate governance, compliance, and risk management.
  • Litigation and dispute resolution: Handling disputes that arise within the company or with external parties, and representing the company in court if necessary.
  • Research and analysis: Conducting legal research to support decision-making and policy development.

Essential skills for corporate lawyers

To succeed as a corporate lawyer, certain skills are indispensable:

Core Legal & Analytical Skills

  • Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of corporate law, regulations, and compliance requirements.
  • Legal Research: Ability to interpret and analyse complex legal information.
  • Analytical Thinking: Applying legal principles effectively in business situations.
  • Contract Drafting: Preparing and reviewing agreements with precision.
  • Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and full compliance in documents.

Business & Commercial Acumen

  • Business Awareness: Linking legal strategies with company operations and market trends.
  • Commercial Insight: Keeping up-to-date with legal and economic developments.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

  • Negotiation: Persuading parties to reach favourable agreements.
  • Communication: Explaining complex legal concepts clearly to different audiences.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Building trust and strong professional relationships.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Understanding client needs and encouraging collaboration.

Soft & Strategic Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Finding creative solutions to legal challenges.
  • Teamwork: Working effectively with multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Time Management: Prioritising tasks to meet tight deadlines.
  • Ethics & Integrity: Upholding high professional and ethical standards.

Conclusion

Becoming a corporate lawyer is a journey that demands dedication, continuous learning, and a strong skill set. From ensuring compliance to handling mergers and acquisitions, corporate lawyers are vital to the success of any business. If you’re considering this career path or are already practising and need financial support, consider exploring a lawyer loan or a professional loan from Bajaj Finance to help you achieve your professional goals.

Frequently asked questions

What is the work of a corporate lawyer?
A corporate lawyer works on a variety of legal matters that affect businesses. This includes drafting contracts, handling mergers and acquisitions, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and offering legal advice to management. Their work is critical in ensuring that a company operates within the legal framework and avoids potential legal issues.

What is the daily work of a corporate lawyer?
The daily work of a corporate lawyer can vary but typically involves drafting and reviewing legal documents, negotiating contracts, advising on legal issues, and ensuring compliance with corporate regulations. They may also be involved in litigation and dispute resolution, depending on the needs of the company.

What is the purpose of a corporate lawyer?
The purpose of a corporate lawyer is to ensure that a company operates within the law and to protect the company from legal risks. They provide essential advice on legal matters, handle transactions like mergers and acquisitions, and represent the company in legal disputes. Their role is vital in helping the company achieve its business objectives while staying legally compliant.

Show More Show Less

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

GET THE APP

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.
For customer support, call Personal Loan IVR: 7757 000 000

Related videos