what major to take in college to become a corporate lawyer

1. Earn a bachelor's degree. Earning a bachelor's degree is the first step in becoming a corporate lawyer. There isn't a specific major for you to select.
2. Apply to law school and pass the LSAT. It's important to prepare to apply for law school during the fall semester of your last year of your undergraduate degree.
3. Gain experience while you study. Use your time in your undergraduate program to gain important experience through part-time work and internships.
4. Attend law school. Attending law school to earn your Juris Doctor is the next step in how to become a corporate lawyer.
Pass the bar exam. Once you graduate law school with your J.D. degree, you must pass the bar exam to get your license and practice law.
Consider a specialist course. You may consider pursuing further educational degrees or a specialist course after passing the bar. ...
Complete continuing education courses. Many states require you to complete continuing education courses to maintain your bar membership and practice law.

What courses are needed to become a corporate lawyer?

Students interested in becoming corporate lawyers should focus on courses on business law. For example, Harvard Law School offers a specialty in law and business that includes courses in accounting, corporate financial reports, real estate law, intellectual property law and employment law. Passing the Bar Exam

Is it hard to become a corporate lawyer?

Working as a corporate lawyer can be an exciting career path for those interested in both industries. However, becoming a lawyer involves many years of schooling and hard work. In this article, we discuss what a corporate lawyer is and how to become a corporate lawyer.

What are the requirements to become a lawyer?

Specific requirements vary by state. Many states accept the Multistate Bar Examination standardized test. This test includes 200 questions in the areas of criminal law, constitutional law, torts, real property, contracts and evidence and an essay section. The bar exam is the same for all lawyers, regardless of their specialty.

What is the best major for Law School?

Beyond taking these steps, there is no single best major for law school. You can major in absolutely anything and apply to law school. However, there are schools and programs that do a better job of preparing you for graduate study.

What is the best major for corporate law?

Business. A business major is a great option for those who are entrepreneurial-minded. Students interested in corporate law might find that classes in management and economics are well-suited to their postgraduation career needs. Word of warning, business majors should be careful not to focus solely on the fundamentals ...

What college major should I choose to be a lawyer?

Common undergraduate majors for prelaw students include English, political science, economics, business, philosophy, and journalism. There's no correct major to pursue to get into law school. But according to legal educators, prospective J.D. students who take classes they enjoy report better GPA scores.

Which subject is best for corporate lawyer?

One of the first steps to becoming a corporate attorney is to earn your bachelor's degree in a related discipline, which can include business, finance, political science, legal studies, government and economics, from an accredited college or university.

What majors do lawyers most?

The most popular major of law school candidates is political science. There's a reason why many successful politicians are lawyers—the link between law and political theory is very strong. Political science is the study of government systems, political behavior, and how the judicial system works.

What should I major in before law school?

“You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business,” their website says, “or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer ...

Does your major matter for law school?

Well, the short answer is that your major doesn't have much of an impact on whether or not you gain admission to law school. The type of undergrad degree you earn (BA, BS, etc.) doesn't matter either.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaTax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.Immigration attorney: $84,000.Estate attorney: $83,000.Public Defender: $63,000.More items...•

Is corporate lawyer a good career?

Corporate law is a good career as it offers many options in nearly every industry and a strong salary. As a corporate lawyer, you can work for the government or various business verticals, like retail, marketing, travel, hospitality, insurance, or technology industries.

Is corporate law easy?

You have to study for many years, so be prepared for hard work and sacrifice. You will need to get qualified, gain experience, and then continue your professional development and study for your specialism in corporate law. Corporate Law is a comparatively new field and the growth and career options are ample.

What GPA do you need to get into law school?

Obtain High GPA & LSAT Scores It's also worth remembering that getting into a top law school requires outstanding grades, not just good ones. According to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), students need a GPA of at least 3.59 and an LSAT of 162 or more to get into any top 10 law schools.

What do lawyers study in college?

Key SkillsKnowledge of legal matters, policy, theories and case studies.Understanding of contemporary business, politics, sociology and ethics/morality.Professional expertise in law, including command of technical language.Experience and skills in mooting.Ability to draft legal documents.More items...

What should I major in college?

Top 10 College MajorsComputer Science. ... Communications. ... Government/Political Science. ... Business. ... Economics. ... English Language and Literature. ... Psychology. ... Nursing.More items...

What to do while in school to become an attorney?

While you're in school, attend career fairs your college hosts. You'll have the opportunity to meet with attorneys at various companies and firms and speak with them about your career ambitions and the skills you've already learned while in school. You can ask these professionals if you can schedule an informational meeting with them off-campus to learn more about their firm.

How much does a corporate lawyer make?

The national average salary for a corporate lawyer in the United States is $130,857 per year, although your years of experience, education, skill set and geographical location can affect your salary. For example, the average salary for corporate lawyers in New York, New York is $186,861 per year, while the average salary for the same position in Montgomery, Texas is $111,973 per year.

What is corporate law?

One is corporate law, which is the area of law concerned with businesses and the activities that go into operating, maintaining and managing an organization. As with other types of law, to secure a position in corporate law requires that you follow certain steps to become qualified and have the knowledge you need to succeed as a corporate lawyer.

Why is it important to be analytical in corporate law?

Analytical: It's necessary that corporate lawyers be able to form reasonable conclusions from the limited amount of information that's at their disposal. Your analytical skills can help you form sound arguments and develop stances and negotiations on behalf of the business.

What is the best skill to have to deal with conflict?

Negotiating: Negotiation skills are good to have so you can help resolve conflicts, talk through the different parts of contracts and other legal documents and come to a mutual agreement with other parties that are involved in the operations of the business.

What does a corporate lawyer do?

A corporate attorney, or company lawyer, works on various legal issues related to corporate business practices. They often handle business, legal and financial functions for their client. For instance, a corporate lawyer might be in charge of corporate taxes or appraise and oversee mergers and acquisitions.

Corporate lawyer vs. commercial lawyer

While corporate lawyers and commercial lawyers handle cases related to business law, there is a difference in their areas of focus.

How to become a corporate lawyer

If you want to become a corporate lawyer, consider following these nine steps:

How long does it take to become a corporate lawyer?

It often takes several years and a lot of hard work to become a corporate lawyer. You can complete the five-year integrated B.A. LL.B or the three-year LL.B degree and then pass the bar exam to start practicing. As you gain work experience and insight in the legal field, you can study further for the one-year LL.M degree.

What qualifications do you need to become a corporate lawyer?

To become a corporate lawyer, you can pursue a five-year BA LL.B course after your 10+2. You can also gain a graduate degree in any discipline and then do an LL.B. degree. You can then specialise in corporate law or study further for a master's degree in corporate law.

Is corporate law a good career?

Corporate law is a good career as it offers many options in nearly every industry and a strong salary. As a corporate lawyer, you can work for the government or various business verticals, like retail, marketing, travel, hospitality, insurance, or technology industries.

Are corporate lawyers in demand?

The demand for corporate lawyers is rising, and it's likely to increase in the future as individuals, companies and governments seek expert legal advice and guidance on various elements of national and international business. With globalisation and an increase in outbound investments, international business transactions have gone up exponentially.

How to become a lawyer in college?

Use your time in your undergraduate program to gain important experience through part-time work and internships. Working at a local law firm may help you build basic skills and real-world experience related to practicing law. Also, consider taking part in student activities like debate or government organizations.

How long does it take to become a corporate lawyer?

Becoming a corporate lawyer requires approximately seven years of schooling and passing multiple exams. Here's a closer look at some steps to become a corporate lawyer: 1. Earn a bachelor's degree. Earning a bachelor's degree is the first step in becoming a corporate lawyer. There isn't a specific major for you to select.

What is the difference between a commercial lawyer and a corporate lawyer?

However, commercial law relates more towards business in general, whereas corporate law relates to the specific actions of certain companies. A commercial lawyer may provide guidance related to specific guidelines and regulations for the sale and distribution of goods. A corporate lawyer may assist with the formation of new businesses, mergers and similar tasks.

What is an LLM degree?

Consider earning your Masters of Law (LLM) degree, which is an advanced qualification that allows you to specialize in one area of the law. LLM programs are often full time and require one year to complete. A corporate lawyer LLM degree program may include coursework related to areas like contracts and commercial law and corporate and securities law.

How much does a commercial lawyer make?

However, the national average base salary for a corporate lawyer is $130,857 per year, and the national average base salary for a commercial lawyer is $142,025 per year.

What is a commercial lawyer?

A commercial lawyer may provide guidance related to specific guidelines and regulations for the sale and distribution of goods. A corporate lawyer may assist with the formation of new businesses, mergers and similar tasks. Also, salaries for corporate and commercial lawyers may vary. Factors like experience, location and payment method may affect ...

What is corporate law?

Corporate law is a diverse legal sector that affects both the legal and business industries. Working as a corporate lawyer can be an exciting career path for those interested in both industries. However, becoming a lawyer involves many years of schooling and hard work. In this article, we discuss what a corporate lawyer is and how to become a corporate lawyer.

How many years of law school are there?

Law school typically consists of three years of full-time study, with all students completing the same curriculum during the first year. Typical first-year courses include civil procedure, contracts, constitutional law, criminal and property law, torts and legal writing. Most law schools teach using the case-method.

What do law schools consider when evaluating applications?

In addition, many law schools consider extracurricular activities and personal references when evaluating applications, so students should develop relationships with advisers and professors and pursue activities and volunteer opportunities outside of the classroom.

What are the final two years of law school?

The final two years of law school allow students to choose courses based on their areas of interest. Students interested in becoming corporate lawyers should focus on courses on business law. For example, Harvard Law School offers a specialty in law and business that includes courses in accounting, corporate financial reports, real estate law, intellectual property law and employment law.

How many questions are asked in the multistate bar exam?

Many states accept the Multistate Bar Examination standardized test. This test includes 200 questions in the areas of criminal law, constitutional law, torts, real property, contracts and evidence and an essay section. The bar exam is the same for all lawyers, regardless of their specialty.

How many hours do you have to study ethics?

For example, New York requires 24 hours every two years, while Colorado requires 45 hours every three years. In most cases, states require some of those hours to be in the area of ethics. The remaining hours can be taken in the area of study the attorney wants and needs to keep current in their field.

What is the case method in law school?

Most law schools teach using the case-method. Students review actual cases rather than studying a list of laws, although the students must be familiar with laws relevant to the case. This teaches students how courts interpret laws and how rulings set precedents for other related cases.

Business

A business major is a great option for those who are entrepreneurial-minded. Students interested in corporate law might find that classes in management and economics are well-suited to their postgraduation career needs. Word of warning, business majors should be careful not to focus solely on the fundamentals.

Economics

An economics major spends a lot of time summarizing large amounts of quantitative data. This is great training for law school as an econ major will be well-prepared to sort information and evidence in order to build a case backed by evidence.

English

Lawyers must be well-versed with the English language as they spend a lot of their time researching, writing, and speaking in court. English majors will learn how to analyze and synthesize large bodies of text, developing a command of written and verbal language (sometimes more than one).

Philosophy

Is there a more “prelaw school” major than philosophy? It’s no surprise that students majoring in philosophy dive deep into logic, ethics, and morality, which are all big, existential questions relevant to the study and practice of law.

Political Science

Political science majors should be prepared to study political systems, public policy, and the relationship between types of government and the law. This major is probably the closest to a law school curriculum in undergrad that a student will find.

Psychology

Psychology is the study of human behaviors and this major gives students insight into the human psyche. For instance, students might apply their psych studies to criminal cases, questioning how human error could possibly lead to wrongful convictions or how innocent people sometimes make incorrect judgments.

Bottom Line

For students considering a career in law, some majors are a reliable source of the skills and knowledge central to the profession. However, no major will guarantee a law school acceptance letter — and no major will disqualify a student, either.

What is the best major for a lawyer?

Bachelor’s in Economics . Economics is an excellent major for aspiring lawyers, especially for those intending to work in corporate law, intellectual property, or another niche where an understanding of economic theory and the levers that drive capitalism can be useful.

What are the courses required to take the LSAT?

Courses such as business law, contract negotiations, and public speaking are just a few that have proven to be helpful.

What is a business administration degree?

A bachelor’s degree in business administration is well suited for law school, especially those applicants considering a corporate law track where knowing business fundamentals is helpful . The coursework is rigorous in reading, writing, and quantitative analysis, which is also helpful in preparing for the LSAT.

What is a criminal justice degree?

Because the criminal justice and legal systems are so intertwined, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice serves as an excellent undergraduate major in preparation for law school. Those considering work as a prosecuting or defense attorney may find the degree especially helpful, as the coursework and internships will give students a strong familiarity with the criminal justice system. Potential law students can also form helpful relationships with current lawyers that can provide insight into what it’s like to work in the criminal justice system. Helpful courses include criminology, criminal psychology, law & the criminal justice system, and social science research.

How many pre-law students choose political science?

Approximately 12,000-13,000 pre-law students choose political science as an undergraduate major, making it the most popular major by a wide margin. One in five applicants has a bachelor’s degree in political science.

What is a bachelors in public policy?

Bachelor’s in Public Policy. Public policy is a major component of law. In fact, public policy is nothing more than systems of laws, regulatory measures, and funding allocations that drive the policy out into society. Law shapes public policy and vice versa.

Why is law important?

Laws have material consequences on every person and structure. They influence outcomes across the life course, making the field extremely important to the stability and progress of society. The work done by law professionals is competitive and pays well. Because of these things, students wishing to pursue a career in law are faced ...

What is the most popular law school major?

So much of politics is high-quality legislation that it is no wonder this field tops our list of most popular majors for law school students. Political Science offers an invaluable framework for the laws you will be studying in graduate school. If you know you want to be a lawyer but are still deciding which major to choose, you cannot go wrong with Political Science.

How to become a patent lawyer?

For industry-related law, take classes on your industry. Patent lawyers require a firm grasp of the natural sciences in order to practice. Similarly, entertainment and international law rely on an extensive understanding of media and current affairs, respectively. Use your undergraduate years as an opportunity to strengthen your foundation in the industry in which you hope to practice law.

How to get a good law school recommendation letter?

To receive great letters, it is important to cultivate strong relationships with your instructors. Small class sizes make it easier for your professor to get to know you. If you want to major in a subject with large lectures, that is okay too. Simply make a point of attending office hours regularly to foster relationships with your professors and teaching assistants.

What language do you need to be a pre-law student?

English is another famous choice for pre-law students, since so much reading and writing is required to perform well in this field. Learning to synthesize a lot of content and becoming sensitive to careful word choice will make you a stronger applicant and a better lawyer.

Is there a law school major?

Beyond taking these steps, there is no single best major for law school. You can major in absolutely anything and apply to law school. However, there are schools and programs that do a better job of preparing you for graduate study.

Is it easy to get into law school?

Graduates go on to be judges, prosecutors, professors, legislators, mediators, and so much more. But getting into law school is no easy matter.

Is philosophy a pre-law major?

Traditionally, philosophy is considered the ultimate pre-law major. In this field, you wrestle deeply with logic and reasoning as you consider questions about knowledge, existence, and other fundamental concepts. The same skills directly improve a lawyer’s ability to do their job well.

What do law schools look for in a lawyer?

Law schools look for candidates with abstract thinking skills, the ability to interpret written texts, and high reading comprehension. They want candidates that have fine reasoning abilities, the ability to think logically.

What is the most popular major in law school?

The most popular major of law school candidates is political science . There’s a reason why many successful politicians are lawyers—the link between law and political theory is very strong. Political science is the study of government systems, political behavior, and how the judicial system works. This is where a political science degree shows its advantage in law school. Students in this field often have a better understanding of how laws are created and executed as well as the history behind them. Political Science courses often cover foreign political and legal systems, as well as historical cases. These programs emphasize developing reading comprehension and writing skills in addition to public speaking skills.

Why do lawyers need an English major?

The English major is a very popular major for law school because of its immediately obvious benefits: advanced reading comprehension and persuasive writing skills. Students of the English major study dense and complex literature and are then required to process the information, make connections and create organized analytical arguments and defend positions. In this light, the critical thinking skills required of English majors mirror the skills required by law students. Strong reading and writing skills are required by all lawyers, so the English major is a no-brainer when it comes to selecting a major for law school.

Why is English a good major for law?

The English major is a very popular major for law school because of its immediately obvious benefits: advanced reading comprehension and persuasive writing skills. Students of the English major study dense and complex literature and are then required to process the information, make connections and create organized analytical arguments and defend positions. In this light, the critical thinking skills required of English majors mirror the skills required by law students. Strong reading and writing skills are required by all lawyers, so the English major is a no-brainer when it comes to selecting a major for law school.

What is a communication major?

Students with a passion for writing, public speaking, or negotiation often gravitate to the communications major. This major focuses on team building, organizational communication, and conflict management as well as developing critical thinking skills. These are all transferable skills when it comes to transitioning into law studies. Communication majors are often required to stay abreast of current events and report on them in classes. This habit lends itself well to law school because it allows students to understand different trends and political climates.

Why is economics important in law?

This is because many laws are enacted to adjust and correct economic behavior by businesses and individuals in the marketplace. Legal studies focus on topics that are rooted in economic analysis—torts, contracts, property rights, antitrust, business organizations, and regulations. In short, a study of economics is a study in the financial impact of the law. Because of this, economics is a great area of specialization for many potential law students because it remains a great area of focus after law school as well.

Why is history important in law school?

A significant part of being a lawyer is understanding past precedent on different legal cases in the past. Is it any surprise then that history is a great major for law students? History students not only study the events of the past, but also study the way different legal systems have evolved, court rulings, treaties, and other legal agreements. Through the course work of a history major, students gain experience in writing research papers and learn how to draw on history to establish logical, concise, and clear arguments. They analyze diverse writings and conduct research into many dense, and difficult to comprehend texts—skills that are essential in law school.