4 Reasons Why Being a Corporate Lawyer is Stressful
Are you an aspiring corporate lawyer? Do you want to build a career out of corporate law? Then, brace yourself for what this article holds!
My dad worked for one of the corporate law firms in Karachi. Growing up, I witnessed the bitter truth of a corporate lawyer’s life. It is not all fun and games, honestly! We often watch mass media portray corporate lawyers as the suited men in big black cars. While the financial prospects for corporate lawyers in Pakistan are great. Yet, corporate law has its dark side as well.
The aim of this article is to inform you about the career of a corporate lawyer. Especially if you are a law student. You need to weigh your options to make the right decision.
But first, what does a corporate lawyer do?
- Who is a Corporate Lawyer and What is His Role?
Corporate lawyers practice corporate law. They draft contracts for corporations, supervise corporate decisions and a company hierarchy. Corporate lawyers have a responsibility to guide their clients in handling the businesses.
For example, you are a corporate lawyer at a corporation. Your job will be to keep your clients out of any ‘fishy’ business. This fishy business points towards litigation. You will ensure that your client stays out of the court. If there is a lawsuit filed against your client, you will try to have it resolved outside litigation. In short, it is all about keeping your client out of the court.
Also, another job of a corporate lawyer is to maximize value for their clients. For instance, if a company is merging with another. You will overlook that process. Your job will include reviewing the offer and transfer of funds carried out. In case anything is missing, you will report it. Reviewing, editing, and drafting contracts from start is hard. However, that’s what a corporate lawyer does.
To avail the best corporate legal services, contact corporate law firms like Ramdays!
● 4 Challenges Every Corporate Lawyer Faces
For all those aspiring to be a corporate lawyer one day, here are 6 disadvantages of being one:
- Stress, Stress and Stress!
Working for one of the biggest corporate law firms in Karachi was hard for my father. He was always working. Even during holidays his clients called him. He had to attend meetings. It might appear that a corporate lawyer might not have emergency situations. However, that’s not entirely true.
You’ll be shocked to know that doctors are not the only ones that have emergencies from work. Corporate lawyers are called by their clients for urgent contract drafting. Also, to attend meetings about big company decisions. So, if your client is not taking an off, you mightn’t as well.
- Long-hours, Too Much Work!
You might also have to stay up nights. Because your tasks for the day will not finish within an 8-hours shift.
It is possible that you have a lot of clients. Having a lot of clients means well for your financials. However, it means increased responsibility. If you hire someone, you will have to pay them. Many corporate lawyers like to work alone for this reason. Also, finding someone with the same expertise can be hard. So, they work alone. This is why corporate lawyers are working all the time.
- Lack of Jobs
The job market in corporate law firms is pretty rigid to penetrate. The job market is scarce. There is an increased competition for corporate lawyers for this purpose. My father had to struggle for years to land competitive positions.
Therefore, this constant grind to get a well-paying job can be stressful. If you think you can take it, you should opt for corporate law.
- Technology
Technology is not your friend if you are a corporate lawyer. From making spreadsheets to reviewing contracts online will be your life. Also, technology has made it easier for people to find cheaper legal solutions. So, your potential clients will choose technology over you. That’s what also adds to the competitive job market around you.
The point of sharing these 4 reasons is to give you a heads up. Finding a place in a top corporate law firm can be life changing. But it can be life-changing in a ‘bad’ way too.
So brace yourselves for that roller coaster life if you are an aspiring corporate lawyer.