The Company Secretary, an alternative for aspiring lawyers?

In the complex world of corporate governance, the company secretary ("Co Sec") is a role of significant responsibility and influence, as they ensure their business is compliant and follows best practice.

The Co Sec role exists in two main formats. One is within professional services firms, where they service the Co Sec related needs of their clients. The second is within companies, where they act as the Co Sec, or as part of a wider Co Sec team within the company.

Here I examine some of the factors that drive individuals to pursue a career in this specialist field.

1. Responsibility

Whether in a law firm or in-house, the Co Sec role is a crucial one, completing important work to ensure the governance of a company. Within a law firm, you are learning about, and working with, the very nuts and bolts of corporate law and working closely alongside lawyers with their work. The more experienced the individual becomes, the more you become involved in the transactions that the firm is working on and can complete more interesting and challenging work. 

Working in-house, the Co Sec works closely with the board and other senior members of management. The Co Sec is the gatekeeper of corporate integrity and is responsible for ensuring that the board of directors operates within the law. 

2. Variety

The role of a company secretary is one that most within the profession find challenging, diverse and interesting. From managing board meetings and taking minutes, to filing statutory returns and advising on corporate governance, the duties of a company secretary are wide-ranging. One of the members of my Co Sec team stated: 

"For me, working in Co Sec provides opportunities to work on a wide range of tasks, from corporate governance to advising the board of directors. There is huge variety in the role, meaning every day is a challenge, engaging and interesting. The role provides fantastic opportunity for personal and professional development."

Every day is different, and unique, and there is a constant flow of new challenges. 

3. Technical proficiency

This role is far from administrative. For those with a keen interest in law, ethics, and corporate affairs, this role provides a unique vantage point at the heart of a company’s decision-making process. The Co Sec is a highly specialist role, and is recognised accordingly. Practitioners can take professional exams with the CGI UKI, and further their career with this highly regarded professional pathway.

4. High Demand, Career Variety, and Personal Fit

The demand for experienced company secretarial practitioners remains strong, particularly as corporate governance becomes more complex and regulated.

The skills of a company secretary are needed in a wide range of sectors, from multinational corporations to non-profits and government bodies. This flexibility allows professionals to choose the type of organisation that aligns with their personal values and career aspirations. Whether working in a fast-paced corporate environment or a mission-driven charity, company secretaries can find a role that suits their lifestyle and interests.

5. Development

This is the kind of career where you can build the skills from the bottom up and it is a great way for people looking to move into something perhaps more interesting and challenging. There are roles at all levels for people with the right work ethic, drive, and attention to detail. 

Once established with a level of skill as a Co Sec, opportunities will open up and individuals will quickly increase their career prospects and earning potential.

Another team member stated:

"I have chosen a career in Co Sec as it is a unique career path but one that has become of great focus as of recent years, as organisations have become more aware of the benefits of good corporate governance. The career encourages me to continuously build on my knowledge and no day is the same. There are also a range of career opportunities too, which allows individuals to explore."

Conclusion

The career of a company secretary (in private practice or in-house) offers development, challenge, respect, variety, and choice; it is also one which is well compensated. The experienced practitioner operates at board level, and is able to advise on a whole range of legislative governance issues.

Choosing a career as a company secretary is more than just securing a job; it’s about taking on a role that is integral to the success and integrity of an organisation, or their clients. With the ongoing evolution of corporate governance, the demand for skilled company secretaries will continue to grow, making it an exciting time to enter this profession.