Corporate Counselor Onboarding Checklist

Corporate Counselor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Corporate Counselor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Legal onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Corporate Counselor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Corporate Counselor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Corporate Counselor Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new corporate counselor should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with legal department: The new corporate counselor should be introduced to the legal department, including meeting key team members and understanding their roles and responsibilities. This task is usually performed by the head of the legal department or a senior attorney.

3. Review of company policies and procedures: The new corporate counselor should be given access to and thoroughly review all relevant company policies and procedures, including those related to legal matters, ethics, compliance, and confidentiality. This task can be performed by the HR department or the legal department.

4. Understanding the company’s business operations: The new corporate counselor should gain a deep understanding of the company’s business operations, products, services, and target market. This task can be facilitated through meetings with various department heads, business unit leaders, and key stakeholders.

5. Review of ongoing legal matters: The new corporate counselor should be provided with an overview of any ongoing legal matters the company is involved in, including litigation, contracts, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property issues. This task is typically performed by the legal department, specifically the attorney responsible for the respective matters.

6. Training on legal software and tools: The new corporate counselor should receive training on any legal software, tools, or databases used by the company for legal research, contract management, document storage, or case management. This task can be performed by the IT department or the legal department’s technology specialist.

7. Introduction to external legal counsel: The new corporate counselor should be introduced to the company’s external legal counsel, if applicable, and understand their roles, areas of expertise, and how to engage them when needed. This task is typically performed by the head of the legal department or a senior attorney.

8. Compliance training: The new corporate counselor should undergo comprehensive compliance training, including anti-bribery and corruption, data privacy, insider trading, and other relevant legal and regulatory requirements. This task is usually performed by the compliance department or the legal department.

9. Review of contracts and legal documents: The new corporate counselor should review and familiarize themselves with the company’s standard contracts, legal documents, and templates, ensuring they understand the terms, conditions, and legal implications. This task can be facilitated by the legal department or a senior attorney.

10. Shadowing experienced corporate counselors: The new corporate counselor should have the opportunity to shadow experienced corporate counselors, observing their day-to-day tasks, client interactions, and legal strategies. This task is typically arranged by the head of the legal department or a senior attorney.

11. Introduction to key stakeholders: The new corporate counselor should be introduced to key stakeholders within the company, such as senior executives, department heads, and board members, to establish relationships and understand their expectations. This task can be facilitated by the head of the legal department or a senior attorney.

12. Review of insurance coverage: The new corporate counselor should review the company’s insurance coverage, including general liability, professional liability, directors and officers liability, and any other relevant policies. This task is typically performed by the legal department in collaboration with the risk management or finance department.

13. Understanding corporate governance: The new corporate counselor should gain a thorough understanding of the company’s corporate governance structure, including board meetings, shareholder relations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This task can be facilitated by the legal department or the corporate secretary.

14. Introduction to internal policies and procedures: The new corporate counselor should be familiarized with internal policies and procedures that are specific to the legal department, such as document retention, conflict of interest, and attorney-client privilege. This task is typically performed by the head of the legal department or a senior attorney.

15. Collaboration with other departments: The new corporate counselor should be encouraged to collaborate with other departments, such as finance, human resources, and operations, to gain a holistic understanding of the company’s operations and legal needs. This task can be facilitated through cross-functional meetings and introductions arranged by the legal department.

16. Performance expectations and goal setting: The new corporate counselor should have a clear understanding of their performance expectations, key performance indicators, and goal setting process. This task is typically performed by the head of the legal department or a senior attorney in collaboration with HR.

17. Ongoing professional development: The new corporate counselor should be informed about the company’s commitment to ongoing professional development and provided with resources, such as legal publications, webinars, conferences, and training opportunities. This task can be facilitated by the legal department or the HR department.

18. Introduction to company culture: The new corporate counselor should be introduced to the company’s culture, values, and work environment, ensuring they feel welcomed and integrated into the organization. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated culture ambassador.

19. Performance feedback and evaluation: The new corporate counselor should understand the company’s performance feedback and evaluation process, including regular check-ins, performance reviews, and opportunities for growth and advancement. This task is typically performed by the head of the legal department or a senior attorney in collaboration with HR.

20. Introduction to company resources: The new corporate counselor should be provided with information about company resources, such as employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, employee resource groups, and any other support systems available. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Corporate Counselor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Corporate Counselor up to speed and working well in your Legal team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.