What Do Corporate Lawyers Do? Complete Guide for Philippine Aspiring Lawyers

Corporate lawyers in the Philippines assist businesses in staying compliant with the law, drafting contracts, and addressing corporate governance issues.

Imagine yourself fresh out of law school, eager to make a mark in the bustling world of business and law. You wonder: what exactly does a corporate lawyer do in the Philippines? How can you chart a successful path in this exciting, demanding field? 

If you’re an aspiring lawyer with a passion for corporate affairs and a keen eye for legal strategy, this guide is tailored for you. Corporate law governs business formation, transactions, and compliance in the Philippines.

It can be highly rewarding, but like any legal career, it has unique challenges. This article will walk you through what to expect and prepare, and how AI tools like Digest AI can give you an edge in your journey.

TL;DR

Corporate lawyers in the Philippines advise businesses on legal matters, ensure compliance with laws like the Revised Corporation Code, and handle contracts and transactions. Becoming one requires a law degree, passing the Philippine Bar exam, and honing key business skills. Salaries vary by experience and firm size, and the lifestyle involves long hours and high stress, but offers strong career growth.

What is a Corporate Lawyer in the Philippines?

A corporate lawyer specializes in the legal aspects of businesses and corporations. Their work covers corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, compliance with the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, securities regulations, and contract negotiations. 

They are crucial in advising companies on operating within the legal framework set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulatory bodies.

Corporate Lawyer vs Corporate Counsel: Key Differences

Though often used interchangeably, corporate lawyers and corporate counsels have distinctions. 

A corporate lawyer typically works for a law firm or as an independent practitioner, serving various corporate clients. A corporate counsel, on the other hand, is an in-house lawyer employed directly by a corporation, focusing on the legal needs of that particular company.

Here is a table presenting the key differences between a Corporate Lawyer and a Corporate Counsel for precise and quick reference:

What Does Corporate Law Cover in the Philippines?

The Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines provides the primary legal framework governing the formation, organisation, and regulation of corporations in the Philippines. It introduces key reforms aimed at simplifying corporate governance and promoting business growth.

Key Features of the Revised Corporation Code

This law brought significant improvements, including:

• One-Person Corporations (OPC): Corporations may now be formed by a single stockholder, easing incorporation requirements.

• Perpetual Corporate Existence: Corporations can exist perpetually unless otherwise stated, encouraging long-term investments.

• Remote Communication: Shareholders and directors can use remote communication technologies for meetings and voting, modernizing corporate governance.

These changes foster ease of doing business and enhance corporate accountability.

Other Relevant Laws

Corporate lawyers should also master other critical statutes, such as:

• The Securities Regulation Code governs securities offerings, trading, and investment disclosures.

• The Philippine Tax Code, enforced by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), regulates corporate taxation and compliance.

Key Responsibilities of Corporate Lawyers in the Philippines 

Corporate law practice involves advising corporations and business entities on their legal rights and obligations across many areas. This includes:

• Drafting and negotiating contracts and agreements.

• Ensuring compliance with laws and regulatory requirements from agencies like the SEC and BIR.

• Guiding clients through complex transactions such as mergers and acquisitions.

• Providing counsel on corporate governance best practices, intellectual property protection, competition laws, and risk management strategies.

Additional Functions: Due Diligence and Dispute Resolution

Corporate lawyers perform due diligence to assess legal risks and liabilities before transactions. They handle regulatory filings to maintain good corporate standing and assist clients in resolving disputes arising from business operations.

The Goal: Business Growth with Legal Protection

All these tasks aim to support sustainable business development and innovation while safeguarding the legal and financial interests. Successful corporate lawyers combine deep legal knowledge with business insights to help clients comply with the law and seize growth opportunities in the evolving Philippine corporate environment.

What Does a Corporate Lawyer Do?

The role of a corporate lawyer extends far beyond what is often taught in Corporation Law subjects in law school. In reality, corporate law practice covers a broad and diverse range of legal issues, driven primarily by the needs of corporate clients, mainly juridical entities like corporations and business organizations.

Broad and Diverse Scope of Practice

Corporate lawyers apply corporate statutes and work across many legal fields. These include intellectual property, insurance law, competition law, securities regulation, and civil law—especially matters involving obligations and contracts. Their work adapts to the industries they may handle, such as environmental issues for mining companies or transportation law for common carriers.

Exposure for Junior Lawyers and Specialization for Seniors

At the entry level, corporate law associates gain exposure to multiple areas by handling various cases related to corporate clients. They must be versatile and proficient in many legal matters critical to these clients. With experience, lawyers specialize in particular commercial law fields, becoming experts in niches like mergers and acquisitions, securities compliance, or intellectual property.

Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Housekeeping

Corporate lawyers must stay updated on memoranda, circulars, and opinions issued by government agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Mastery of SEC systems like eFAST, used for electronic company filings, is essential for proper corporate housekeeping. This ensures that companies comply with legal requirements and maintain accurate submissions for reports such as General Information Sheets and Annual Financial Statements.

How to Become a Corporate Lawyer in the Philippines

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Begin by completing a bachelor's degree in any discipline. While no major is required, degrees in business, legal studies, or related fields can provide a helpful foundation.

2. Attend Law School and Earn a Juris Doctor (JD) Degree

Enroll in a recognized law school accredited by the Legal Education Board. Complete three to four years of study, focusing on core legal subjects and specializing in business law, corporate governance, tax law, contracts, and finance.

3. Pass the Philippine Bar Examination

Complete the Philippine Bar exam, which is the essential licensure requirement to practice law in the country. The exam tests knowledge across various legal disciplines and requires rigorous preparation.

4. Take the Lawyer’s Oath and Register

After passing the bar, take the lawyer’s oath and register with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to legally practice law.

5. Gain Practical Experience

Seek internships or associate positions at law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. Gain hands-on experience drafting contracts, conducting due diligence, and advising clients on corporate matters.

6. Specialize and Develop Skills

Over time, develop expertise and skills in corporate law areas such as mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, and compliance. Attend workshops, seminars, and continuing legal education programs to stay updated.

7. Network and Join Professional Organizations

Join organizations like the Philippine Bar Association and network with corporate law professionals to advance your career and open opportunities in the field.

How Much Do Corporate Lawyers Make in the Philippines?

Entry-level corporate lawyers in the Philippines typically start with monthly salaries ranging from PHP 25,000 to PHP 50,000, depending on factors like the size and prestige of the law firm or company they work for. 

As they gain experience, mid-career corporate lawyers earn between PHP 70,000 and PHP 150,000. Senior corporate lawyers or partners at top-tier law firms or multinational corporations can command salaries exceeding PHP 250,000 monthly.

Salary levels are significantly influenced by firm size and location. Large multinational law firms and corporate legal departments based in Metro Manila usually offer higher pay than smaller local firms or those in provincial areas. 

Bonuses, benefits, and profit-sharing opportunities vary widely depending on the employer’s policies and client portfolio, making the total compensation package an important consideration beyond base pay.

What is the Lifestyle of a Corporate Lawyer?

The lifestyle of a corporate lawyer in the Philippines is a balance of high responsibility and demanding work hours. While the role offers professional excitement and financial rewards, it also requires managing stress and maintaining work-life balance amidst challenging deadlines.

How Can Digest AI Help Aspiring Corporate Lawyers?

Legal research made efficient with Digest AI

Digest AI helps streamline the tedious process of researching case digests and Philippine Supreme Court decisions by providing quick, accurate summaries and relevant jurisprudence. This saves time and reduces manual effort, enabling you to focus on legal strategy.

AI-supported drafting and compliance tools

Drafting corporate documents such as memoranda, contracts, and compliance reports is simpler with AI tools that suggest templates, check legal phrasing, and ensure regulatory compliance based on Philippine laws.

Enhancing your skills with AI-driven learning

Aside from research and drafting, Digest AI offers learning modules for developing legal skills, including writing legal opinions and demand letters. Using these tools throughout prep and practice can accelerate your path to becoming a proficient corporate lawyer.

Key Takeaways

• Corporate lawyers in the Philippines advise businesses on legal compliance, contracts, and governance.

• Becoming a corporate lawyer requires passing the Philippine Bar after completing a recognized law degree.

• Salaries vary widely, influenced by experience, firm size, and location.

• The career involves long hours and stressful deadlines, but offers rewarding growth opportunities.

• AI tools like Digest AI can enhance research efficiency, document drafting, and continuous learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest-paid type of lawyer in the Philippines?

Generally, corporate lawyers, particularly partners in large firms, and litigation specialists in wealthy practices tend to be the highest paid.

How much does a corporate lawyer make in the Philippines?

Entry-level corporate lawyers earn around PHP 25,000 to PHP 50,000 per month, with senior lawyers making significantly higher salaries based on firm and experience.

What degree is best for a corporate lawyer?

A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a recognized Philippine law school is required.

Which type of lawyer is the richest?

Corporate lawyers in top firms and those specializing in lucrative practice areas like mergers and acquisitions or intellectual property usually earn the most.

What field of law is most in demand?

Corporate law remains in high demand due to ongoing business activities and regulatory changes in the Philippines.

Take the Next Step in Your Corporate Law Career

Starting a career as a corporate lawyer in the Philippines means embracing challenges, continuous learning, and adapting to fast-paced business environments. With clear goals, education, and tools like Digest AI, you can navigate this path confidently.

Subscribe to Digest PH today and use the code LEXDIGEST to access exclusive discounts on resources designed to help aspiring corporate lawyers achieve success. Begin your journey with expert knowledge and AI-powered support now.

Here are some recommended related reads to support your journey:

• Become a lawyer in the Philippines

• Writing a legal opinion

• Demand letter guide

• Memorandum writing

• Explore AI-powered legal research with Digest AI and enhance your practice today.

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