Legal Counsel Career Guide

Legal professionals often have employee status. They may:

• Be affiliated with a particular department (financial, legal, commercial, etc.)
• Act as a general advisor.

Their working environment depends in part on their specialisation. Lawyers specialising in international law are more in demand by multinational companies, while tax lawyers tend to work in accounting firms.

In large groups, lawyers may sit on the executive board. Their knowledge of the law allows them to actively participate in decision-making by providing legal expertise.

Large companies, as well as medium to large businesses, often call on law firms for support and advice. Lawyers may work in such firms as partners.

Some lawyers, often senior ones, also choose to work independently as self-employed entrepreneurs. They work on a freelance basis, with their own client portfolio, within their own firm or according to the terms of contracts established with their clients.

After eight years as a practising lawyer, this professional may choose to establish themselves as a solicitor. This pathway allows them to enter the profession without taking the CAPA (Certificate of Aptitude for the Profession of Solicitor), but requires an examination to assess the lawyer’s skills and knowledge.

Also known as a ‘legal manager,’ this professional is responsible for all legal matters for a company, corporation, institution, or government department. They often play a managerial role and are required to manage a team of specialists.

With a specialisation in labour law, lawyers can apply for positions as Human Resources Directors.

With a Master’s degree in law and more than one year of experience, a lawyer can apply to become an assistant lawyer. The latter assists magistrates with their organisation and helps them with their secretarial work (drafting summaries and draft decisions, etc.).

An assistant lawyer with more than three years’ seniority can apply to join the judiciary as a judicial auditor. Once accepted, they undergo the standard training provided by the National School of Magistrates to become a judge.
After eight years of career experience, it is also possible to take the National School of Magistrates entrance exam to gain access to this position.