Bioenergy Career Map: Legal Assistant

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Photo courtesy of Sal Falko.

The job of legal assistant is an entry-level position in bioenergy, in the operations, management, and business career sub-sector. Job seekers with operations, management, and business backgrounds or students studying liberal arts could consider this type of entry-level bioenergy job.

Legal assistants help senior level attorneys in providing legal advice and services concerning the laws that relate to the bioenergy sector. People in these positions may hold internships or entry-level jobs in bioenergy law.

Legal Assistant

Alternate Title(s)Paralegal Specialist; Law Clerk; Legal Staff Assistant
Education & Training Level DescriptionAssociates in Paralegal Studies, Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), Associate of Paralegal Studies, or Bachelor of Business Administration.
Experience0–3 years
Job Skills
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process
  • Ability to evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases
  • Ability to interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
  • Ability to prepare and draft legal documents
  • Effective written, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Job ProfileThe legal sector plays a fundamental role in helping the bioenergy industry achieve measurable growth. Legal professionals can provide guidance on financing commercial-scale biorefineries, help the industry in maintaining compliance with state and federal regulatory statutes, and assist investors in making financial decisions related to the bioenergy industry.
 
Attorneys apply their knowledge of applicable legal issues to advise developers, investors, and small businesses within the bioenergy sector. This can include private and public financing; taxation; corporate and joint venture structuring; intellectual property patents; technology licensing agreements; construction and facility operations agreements; logistic and storage agreements; and federal, state, and local permitting, approval, and environmental regulatory laws.
 
At the entry level, the individual assists senior level attorneys in providing legal advice and services concerning the laws that relate to the bioenergy sector. A bachelor of laws (LL.B) or an associate of paralegal studies degree is preferred. Equivalent experience or training may substitute for degree. Employers also value relevant experience gained through undergraduate capstone research projects, part time employment, internships, or volunteer work.