What is a corporate lawyer in the UK called?

In the UK, a corporate lawyer is typically called a solicitor specialising in corporate law or simply a corporate solicitor. When working inside a company, they may also be known as in-house counsel, company solicitor, or by senior titles such as General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer depending on their role and level of responsibility.

The Legal Titles Behind Corporate Lawyers

The term “corporate lawyer” broadly describes legal professionals who advise businesses on company law, mergers, acquisitions, and governance. However, in the UK legal system, the official titles differ depending on their role and setting:

• Solicitor: Most corporate lawyers qualify as solicitors. They provide legal advice, draft contracts, and handle corporate transactions. Solicitors often work at law firms or as external advisors to companies.
• In-House Lawyer or Company Solicitor: When a corporate lawyer works directly within a company’s legal department, they are often called in-house lawyers or company solicitors. These lawyers focus on the company’s internal legal affairs and strategy.
• General Counsel (GC): The General Counsel is usually the most senior lawyer in a company’s legal team. They oversee all legal matters, advise the board, and often sit on the executive team.
• Chief Legal Officer (CLO): In larger organisations, the CLO title may be used interchangeably with General Counsel. This role carries broad responsibility for the company’s entire legal function and strategic legal risks.

Why the Title Matters in the UK Legal System

Unlike some countries, the UK does not use “lawyer” as an official job title. Instead, “lawyer” is an umbrella term that includes both solicitors and barristers. Corporate lawyers almost always qualify as solicitors because solicitors handle transactional work and client advisory roles, which are central to corporate law.

Barristers, by contrast, primarily represent clients in court and rarely engage in the day-to-day legal work of companies. Therefore, when people refer to corporate lawyers in the UK, they usually mean solicitors specialising in corporate law.

Corporate Lawyer Roles and Responsibilities

Corporate solicitors advise businesses on legal compliance, contracts, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and finance. They draft and negotiate agreements, conduct due diligence, and guide companies through complex legal frameworks. In-house lawyers focus on supporting their employer’s business goals while managing risks.

Senior roles like General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer combine legal expertise with leadership, overseeing legal teams and advising company executives on strategic decisions.

The Path to Becoming a Corporate Lawyer in the UK

To become a corporate lawyer, you typically complete a qualifying law degree (LLB) or a conversion course, followed by passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). After this, you must secure a training contract with a law firm or legal department to gain practical experience.

Many corporate solicitors start their careers at law firms before moving in-house, where they may advance to senior titles such as General Counsel or CLO.

How Corporate Lawyer Titles Reflect Career Progression

The legal world uses various titles to reflect seniority and specialisation. Junior solicitors handle routine legal work, while senior solicitors or associates take on more complex matters. Partners in law firms lead teams and manage client relationships.

In-house legal teams also have hierarchies, from junior lawyers to senior counsel, General Counsel, and Chief Legal Officer. These titles indicate responsibility levels and influence within the company.

In the UK, a corporate lawyer is most commonly called a corporate solicitor or simply a solicitor specialising in corporate law. When working inside a company, they often carry titles like in-house lawyer, General Counsel, or Chief Legal Officer, depending on their seniority and role. These titles reflect the lawyer’s duties, from advising on transactions to leading the company’s legal strategy. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the roles corporate lawyers play in the UK’s business and legal landscape.