Everything You Should Know About Becoming a Legal Consultant

Are you interested in laws and everything related to legislation, such as communicating with stakeholders and resolving complex issues? Or are you a practicing lawyer looking to change your career path a little? Then the profession of a legal consultant can be an excellent and promising choice.

In this article, I will talk about:

• What is a legal consultant?
• How to become a legal consultant?
• Skills you need to get the job.

Additionally, if you can’t distinguish between a lawyer and a legal consultant, that is also something that I will talk about in this article. So, if these are some of the things that you want to know about, keep on reading till the end…

What Is A Legal Consultant?

A legal consultant is a skilled professional who provides expert opinion and guidance on various legal matters to clients, whether they are individuals, corporations, or businesses. They masterfully conduct research and analysis, ensure compliance, manage legal risks, formulate plans, and assemble the required documents.

It’s worth mentioning that legal consultants offer their expertise in multiple sectors, including:

• Labor and employment law
• Technology law
• Real Estate Law
• Financial law
• Intellectual Property law (IP law)
• Corporate law
• International affairs
• Contract law

A considerable advantage of being a consultant in the legal field is that there are various work environments, including law firms (from small to large), in-house, other industries (such as government and banking), and independent consulting.

A career expert Attorney Brian White announces that there are nearly 20.000 legal consultants currently working. 

Independent legal consultant firms of various sizes, as well as corporations, hire them for specialized expertise and an objective external perspective. This is due to several factors, including:

• Agility and speed.
• Additional capacity.
• Economic efficiency.

A highly qualified legal consultant possesses the following skills:

• Cognitive and analytical skills: issue resolution, due diligence, critical and analytical thinking
• Communication skills: negotiation, clearness and accuracy, influential speaking, and written communication
• Personal skills: meticulousness, adaptability, teamwork, time management, self-organization, client engagement, and confidentiality
• Professional skills: legal proficiency, law firm marketing, drafting and documentation, negotiations, regulatory compliance, and legal research

The Difference Between A Lawyer And A Legal Consultant

Now that you know what is a legal consultant, let me tell you how they are different from a lawyer.

A lawyer and a legal consultant are professionals who work in the legal field using legal knowledge and having a law degree.

However, these two professions have more differences than similarities.

Lawyers must pass the bar exam to practice law, whereas it is not required for a legal consultant. The same applies to court representation. A legal consultant provides expert guidance and can’t represent a client in court, in contrast to a lawyer.

The scope of practice also differs. A lawyer possesses practical skills in the legal landscape, including investigating cases and participating in legal proceedings. A legal consultant offers legal advice, counsel, and helps to meet regulatory standards.

The work schedule flexibility of a lawyer leaves much to be desired. These skilled professionals spend time in court, meet with clients in person or in conferences, and have a fixed amount of time spent at their firm.

Legal consultants have high autonomy and control over task load, are outside fixed working hours, and don’t need to visit the courtroom.

Those who decide to become legal consultants have a few routes:

• Obtain a law degree, become a licensed attorney, and shift into consulting
• Start a career directly in consulting without legal credentials

How To Become A Legal Consultant?

Let’s explore some key steps that individuals can take to become successful professionals in the legal landscape.

1.  Get Your Bachelor’s Degree 

The first step on your career path is to earn a bachelor’s degree. This stage lays fundamental knowledge that will be useful in law school.

College admissions and course selection should include required courses for further admission to law school. It is necessary to study political science, legal studies, history, sociology, economics, and English.

However, during this period of life, you have the right to study whatever you want. Focus on increasing your erudition, improving your skills in critical and analytical thinking, research activities, and other abilities relevant to your future career.

Besides, it wouldn’t be amiss to gain legal-related experience during one’s studies. Do not hesitate to pursue an internship or clerkship at law firms like Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum while you’re still a student. It will give you a head start in the future and an opportunity to get industry insights.

Possible internship locations include the following:

• Government agencies
• International organizations
• Volunteer organizations
• Law firms
• Non-profit organizations
• Corporations

To find an internship program that contacts a university’s career center, check websites of government agencies such as USAJOBS, and feel free to visit internship platforms like The Intern Group.

2.  Take The LSAT exam

The next step a person should take is to take the Law School Admission Test (the LSAT). That is vital for Law school admission.

Although challenging, the LSAT measures reading comprehension, persuasive writing, analytical reasoning, and logical thinking.

3.  Complete Your Law School

After successfully passing the test, you are enrolled in a law school that provides expert legal knowledge and the opportunity to gain a Juris Doctor (J.D.).

During a study, students explore constitutional and contract law, property law, torts, civil procedure, legal research, and writing. The study takes 3 years.

4.  Take The Bar Exam

The Bar Exam is what truly distinguishes a legal consultant from a lawyer.

Although this examination is not required for legal consultancy, it is still worth considering, particularly if you intend to work as a lawyer.

So, why is it useful?

• Professional advancement. Allows for enhancing professional credibility, increasing earning potential, and building a strong reputation.
• Increased marketability. The availability of the Bar Exam allows a specialist to become a strong candidate who provides expert knowledge in the legal field.
• Client acquisition. Having a license boosts credibility and attracts more potential clients.

5.  Build Your Legal Experience

It is not enough to just be a qualified legal consultant. If you want to expand your client base and handle cases of varying complexity, you need to enhance your legal experience.

To build experience in the consulting sphere, consider entry-level positions such as a legal assistant or paralegal. Pursue pro bono work and volunteer at various legal aid organizations. 

Take The Right Steps And Get Your Dream Legal Job!

Working as a legal advisor is an ideal option for individuals who wish to:

• Enhance their communication skills.
• Demonstrate a passion for the law.
• Willing to tackle challenging legal matters.

Through this career, you are allowed to select your working hours and the people with whom you want to share legal assistance.

Moreover, a legal consultant’s job is highly profitable, as the legal advisors’ clients become aware of the right decisions and are protected from legal errors. In today’s world, they become a crucial tool in the execution of the right business practices and the safeguarding of the clients’ interests.