The basic job of a corporate lawyer is ensuring the legal viability of commercial transactions. Thus, corporate lawyers must fully understand the laws and regulations pertaining to businesses in the jurisdictions where they work. Business transactions involve several different areas of law, including contract, intellectual property, and tax law.
When the average person thinks of a lawyer, the image that arises is that of a litigator. Unlike trial lawyers, corporate lawyers generally work as a part of a team to ensure that transactions comply with local, state, and federal laws. Client representatives seek common ground in any given transaction. Thus, corporate lawyers must understand the needs and flexibility of their clients before entering into structuring and negotiations.