Day in the Life of a Corporate Lawyer [The HONEST TRUTH]

Corporate law has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious legal fields. With a high salary, fast-paced work, and the opportunity to work with major corporations, it’s easy to see why many aspiring lawyers are drawn to it. But what does the daily life of a corporate lawyer actually look like? Is it all glamorous boardroom deals and lucrative transactions, or is there more to the story?

In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes to reveal the honest truth about a corporate lawyer’s day, including the realities of the workload, the stress, and the rewards.

Morning: Starting Strong with Emails and Strategy

7:30 AM – Checking Emails and Reviewing the Day Ahead

Most corporate lawyers start their day early—usually around 7:30 or 8:00 AM—because the legal world moves quickly, and so do their clients. Upon waking up, lawyers often check emails to see if anything urgent has arrived overnight. This could be a request from a client, a revision to a contract, or a last-minute change in a meeting. Starting the day by getting ahead of the curve is essential.

By 8:00 AM, lawyers are usually already diving into their to-do lists. Many corporate lawyers work with clients across different time zones, so the morning often consists of reviewing documents, contracts, and project statuses to prepare for the busy day ahead.

Mid-Morning: Meetings, Legal Research, and Drafting

9:30 AM – Internal Team Meetings and Briefing Calls

As the morning progresses, it’s time for internal meetings. These could be with fellow lawyers, paralegals, or clients. Corporate lawyers often discuss the latest developments in deals or ongoing litigation, evaluate legal strategies, and brainstorm the next steps. These meetings are crucial for keeping the team aligned and making sure no detail is overlooked.

11:00 AM – Legal Research and Contract Drafting

After meetings, it’s time for legal research. Corporate lawyers are constantly staying on top of the latest legal developments to ensure their advice and contracts are legally sound. They may be reviewing case law, regulatory changes, or working on a client’s legal documents.

If there’s a deal on the table, the next task is drafting contracts. Corporate lawyers spend a significant part of their day creating and reviewing contracts to ensure everything is airtight. This could mean long hours of reading and rewriting, ensuring that no details are missed.

Afternoon: Client Calls, Negotiations, and More Drafting

1:00 PM – Lunch Break? Maybe Later

A corporate lawyer’s lunch break is often short or even skipped, as they’re usually wrapped up in phone calls or meetings with clients. These lawyers may have lunch at their desk, reviewing contracts or responding to urgent emails while trying to eat. Time management is crucial, as deadlines and last-minute requests come up frequently.

2:00 PM – Client Calls and Negotiations

By early afternoon, the corporate lawyer is likely on the phone or in meetings with clients, discussing strategies for mergers, acquisitions, or business transactions. Negotiations can be intense, as they involve high stakes, large sums of money, and long-term consequences for their clients.

Negotiations often extend for hours. Lawyers are expected to navigate through complex legal terms, balancing their client’s interests with those of the other party. It’s fast-paced, and decisions often need to be made on the spot.

Late Afternoon: Document Review and Deadline Management

4:00 PM – Reviewing Documents and Deadlines

Late afternoons are typically spent on the nitty-gritty: reviewing contracts, revising agreements, and ensuring that everything is ready for the next stage. This can mean checking every clause in a business deal or ensuring compliance with regulations. Lawyers also have to manage multiple deadlines, often having to juggle several high-priority tasks at once.

For example, if a contract is about to close, a corporate lawyer must make sure that everything is aligned perfectly with their client’s objectives. This is also the time when last-minute changes can arise, forcing lawyers to shift gears and make revisions quickly.

Evening: Wrapping Up and Preparing for Tomorrow

6:30 PM – Final Checks and Follow-Ups

As the day winds down, corporate lawyers often do a final check of their emails and make sure that any urgent matters are addressed before calling it a day. This could involve sending last-minute revisions to clients, following up with colleagues on pending issues, or preparing for the next day’s meetings.

8:00 PM – Still Working?

Many corporate lawyers work well into the evening, especially when they’re dealing with high-stakes transactions. It’s not uncommon for lawyers to work 12- to 14-hour days, especially when deadlines are approaching. Sometimes, they’ll have a phone call or a conference call that extends well into the evening.

Despite the late hours, lawyers know that their work is important and that the clients depend on them to get it right.

The Honest Truth: The Corporate Lawyer’s Workload

The life of a corporate lawyer can be thrilling, but it’s not without its challenges. While the financial rewards can be significant, the workload is demanding, and stress is often a constant companion. Long hours, high expectations, and the need to stay ahead of the curve can make it a tough job. But for those who thrive in high-pressure environments and enjoy problem-solving, corporate law can be incredibly rewarding.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

So, is the life of a corporate lawyer all about big deals and prestigious clients? Not exactly. While corporate law certainly has its perks, it’s a demanding job that requires a high level of dedication, time management, and resilience. If you’re considering this career path, be prepared for long hours, intense pressure, and constant deadlines. However, for those who are up for the challenge, the rewards – both professional and financial – can be substantial.