Lawyer Job Description Template

Lawyer reviewing her case or conducting research on a laptop computer.

Time is money. When new business outpaces a law firm’s ability to keep up with it, or you’re short-handed and find yourself turning down work, that’s money out of your pocket. It’s time to find a new lawyer. But finding the right candidate from the available talent pool in this in-demand profession also takes time.

Small businesses and startups can also find themselves in sudden need of full-time on-staff legal expertise. Say, for example, your business is taking off so fast that you’re encountering legal questions and concerns faster than you can find outside counsel to field them. It may be time to hire in-house counsel. After all, you shouldn’t spend precious time managing legal matters in the hands of various law firms that could be focused instead on your product and customers.

A complete, well-researched lawyer job description can expedite your search process by focusing on relevant qualities you need to consider, while eliminating candidates who don’t have the right expertise or work style for law firm or business. The description sample below should help you draft a job posting that will attract candidates who are the right fit for your needs. For even more ideas about how to word your post, you can browse Monster’s lawyer job listings.

Lawyer reviewing her case or conducting research on a laptop computer.

Lawyer

[Intro Paragraph] Use the first section of your lawyer job description to sell your workplace to the right prospective candidates. Are you the best litigation team in town? Or do you have a dynamic practice made up of sub-specialists who work together in a collegial atmosphere? If you‘re a business seeking in-house counsel, spotlight your multiple locations, vast workforce, and array of opportunities. Whether you’re a small firm or a fast-growing startup, then say so. Mention your pro bono work or community involvement. Lawyers have a lot of options. What makes this opportunity stand out from all the others?

Lawyer Job Responsibilities:

  • Drafts, assesses, analyzes, negotiates, and finalizes contracts and agreements.
  • Negotiates transactions and agreements governing licensing, leasing, partnerships, and strategic alliances with outside business entities and organizations.
  • Develops, implements, and maintains asset protection strategies and legal risk.
  • Manages and mentors junior legal staff.
  • Guides strategic and financial decision making.
  • Helps to guide and shape policy regarding personnel.
  • Advises staff on intellectual property and privacy law.
  • Models ethical decision-making to coworkers and staff.
  • Oversees and negotiates interactions with outside counsel.
  • Guides business on property leasing and purchasing agreements.
  • Advises senior staff on regulatory policy as it relates to business operations.

[Work Hours & Benefits] In this section, you need to sell the position the way your opening paragraph sold your workplace. Specify whether the position is full or part time, contract or permanent. Describe the workplace as fast-paced or emphasize its focus on work-life balance. You can provide a salary range or, using a salary tool that allows you to input job title and location, you can mention that the salary is competitive or lucrative for your area. Be sure to mention benefits, especially any that are not likely to be offered by your competition.

Lawyer Qualifications/Skills:

  • Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, including consensus building.
  • Working knowledge of laws, regulations, financial compliance, and best practices in the field.
  • Knowledge of contract law, intellectual property law, real estate law, employment law, etc.
  • Effective at communicating complex information to stakeholders with a wide array of expertise in an accessible way.
  • Customer or client-service experience.
  • Excellent persuasive writing skills.
  • Credible and discrete, with a high level of integrity and the ability to work with highly confidential and privileged information.
  • Impeccable written and spoken language skills.
  • Track record of nourishing and maintaining client and coworker relationships.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
  • Strategic thinker who can prioritize and integrate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Ability to prioritize and meet multiple and competing deadlines.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Familiarity with billing software.
  • Administrative skills and attention to detail.

Education, Experience, & Licensing Requirements:

  • JD degree from an accredited law school.
  • Valid license to practice law in the state where the job is located.
  • Member of the state bar in good standing.
  • State registered in-house counsel in good standing.
  • 2-3 years’ experience at a law firm or as an in-house counsel.

[Call to Action] End your lawyer job description with a call to action where you urge applicants to send a resume, along with a cover letter, or take similar action to indicate their interest in the position.

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