What does a Legal Advisor do?
In large companies and organisations, Legal Advisors perform legal analysis and research legal matters. They provide guidance and draft memoranda, opinions and briefing documents to present their cases. In courts, Legal Advisors prepare court sessions and ensure that evidence is ready. They also advise Magistrates and ensure that clients know how the court works.
Legal Advisors may also handle all legal responsibilities, including appearing in courts to assist organisations as Advocates. They often work in an office or courtroom on a 40-hour work-week contract basis. Flexible working arrangements are also available, provided that the Legal Advisors are available during court sessions. Most Legal Advisors are former Advocates and Attorneys who desire to migrate into the corporate environment.
Legal Advisor skills and qualifications
Legal Advisors must be able to translate complex legal documents for all parties involved. They must also have great attention to detail to identify minor clauses and understand their meaning. A successful Legal Advisors candidate will also have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that include:
- In-depth understanding of the court’s legal procedures and government regulations
- Ability to make effective decisions under critical conditions
- A profound understanding of the English language and attention to detail
- Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to self-initialise and perform tasks with minimal supervision
- Computer literacy and the ability to operate common software packages.
- Ability to work well with others and build good relationships with clients and stakeholders
Legal Advisor experience requirements
Legal Advisors need at least three years of working experience as a Solicitor, Barrister, Advocate, Legal Advisors or other law-related roles. They must have experience drafting contracts and negotiating terms to fit any two parties. Some employers may require candidates to have experience in specific industries such as construction, energy or finance. Candidates with previous working experience in law firms are often preferred.
Legal Advisor education and training requirements
Most employers require Legal Advisors to have a law degree and be qualified as a Barrister or Solicitor by taking the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) or the Legal Practise Course (LPC), respectively. Candidates with other degrees such as engineering, finance and sports science can take conversion graduate diplomas in law to become legal professionals. Some employers prefer candidates who specialise in particular fields in law, such as sports or contract law. Candidates with additional certification in computer packages, English or Microsoft Office are preferred.
Legal Advisor salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Legal Advisor in the UK is £29,614 per year, depending on factors like experience, education, location and company.
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