Account
Get our app
Account Start free trial Log in

Ask a Lawyer a Question

You'll hear back in one business day.

Ask a Lawyer a Question

Get started

What Does a Corporate Lawyer Do?

A corporate lawyer protects all those invested in your company (you, shareholders, employees, creditors, etc.) by advising in business transactions. Not all corporate lawyers litigate, so you may need to search for a business litigator if you need to take someone to court.

When Will I Need a Corporate Lawyer?

Not all business transactions require a lawyer, and business owners increasingly use the web to achieve more cut-and-dry business needs. Using the internet, you can apply for an employer identification number (EIN), and create documents like Meeting Minutes or a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Daily business operations typically don't require a lawyer.

You may need a corporate lawyer if you want to incorporate your business or you have already incorporated and you need advice on your legal responsibilities.

A corporate lawyer is able to advise you on matters that arise from the c- or s-corp structure. This may include investor rights, acquisitions and mergers, issues involving environmental law, corporate structuring, hiring, and more. You may also want the advice of a corporate lawyer to avoid potential legal complications.

How Much Does a Corporate Lawyer Cost?

Not all lawyers use the same method of billing, but many corporate lawyers charge by the hour. This rate doesn't include filing fees for any paperwork that needs to be submitted. Rates for a good corporate lawyer can be steep, so make sure to establish a price up front with your attorney.

What Should I Expect from Working with a Corporate Lawyer?

After working with a corporate lawyer, you can be confident that you and your investors will be protected from personal lawsuits for business matters.

Please note: This page offers general legal information, not but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.


Written and Reviewed by Experts
Written and Reviewed by Experts
This article was created, edited and reviewed by trained editorial staff who specialize in translating complex legal topics into plain language.

At Rocket Lawyer, we believe legal information should be both reliable and easy to understand—so you don't need a law degree to feel informed. We follow a rigorous editorial policy to ensure every article is helpful, clear, and as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

About this page:

  • This article was written and reviewed by Rocket Lawyer editorial staff
  • This article was last reviewed or updated on Jun 13, 2025

Ask a Legal Pro

Our Legal Pros are here for you.
Characters remaining: 600
Meet our featured Legal Pros

Try Rocket Lawyer FREE for 7 days

Get trusted legal help at a price that works for you. Your free 7-day trial includes:

Unlimited documents & signatures
Personalize, RocketSign®, and share any legal document you need

Business filings made simple
Start your business, stay compliant, and protect your ideas — all in one place

Ask a Legal Pro
Get answers to your legal questions or have your documents reviewed by a Legal Pro

Retain a Legal Pro
Get personalized help for more complex legal matters

Member-only savings
Enjoy exclusive discounts for Legal Pro services and partner offers

Legal help, anywhere
Use our free app to get legal support whenever and wherever you need it