what should a corporate lawyer major in

by Yasmin Waelchi 5 min read

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree. 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, ...
  2. Complete an internship. Explore your internship opportunities at local law firms, government offices or legal clinics. ...
  3. Apply for law school. The next step in becoming a corporate lawyer is to apply for attendance at an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
  4. Earn your juris doctor degree. Law school prepares you to earn your juris doctor (J.D.) degree, the degree you must hold to become an attorney.
  5. Pass the bar exam. Even if you do well in law school, you'll still need to pass the American Bar Association's (ABA) bar exam.
  6. Get licensure in your state. Upon passing the bar exam, you can apply for licensing in your state. ...
  7. Meet with professionals in the field. When searching for a position as a corporate lawyer, you may find more success if you've taken the time to connect with current ...
  8. Develop your resume. A strong resume can convince a hiring manager that you're the best candidate for the open position, or at least that they should interview with you ...

Earn a bachelor's degree
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.
Jul 23, 2021

Full Answer

How do I become a corporate lawyer?

Oct 20, 2021 · Students who want to pursue corporate law programs may opt to focus in finance, accounting, marketing, or management. Bachelor of Business Administration Program Business, management or business administration are common majors offered at many 4-year colleges and universities. Students can find programs that are offered fully or partially online.

What is it like to be a corporate lawyer?

Jul 23, 2021 · Here are some skills that corporate attorneys possess that help them find success in their career: Knowledge of corporate law: It's important to have a solid foundation of corporate law topics like civil procedures,... Ambition: Becoming and working as an attorney is a lot of hard work, and ambition ...

What is the job outlook for a corporate lawyer?

Jan 03, 2022 · Here are seven majors for the lawyers of tomorrow, all recommended by the lawyers of today. 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.

What does a corporate lawyer actually do?

Oct 20, 2021 · Corporate Lawyer Career Information and Education Requirements Essential Information. Corporate lawyers are experts in business law and all related concepts. They defend clients and... Corporate Lawyer Career Info. Corporate lawyers are responsible for understanding, defending and upholding any and ...

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What major is best for corporate law?

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.Jan 3, 2022

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.

Which course is best to become a corporate lawyer?

To become a corporate lawyer, one needs to get a degree in law by taking up a five-year Bachelor of Law(B.A. LL.B) degree course after completing their higher secondary education(Class 12), or by pursuing the three-year B.A. LL. B after obtaining a bachelor's degree in any discipline.Jul 2, 2019

Is a BA or BS better 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.Jun 13, 2021

What do corporate lawyers do?

Corporate lawyers structure transactions, draft documents, negotiate deals, attend meetings and make calls toward those ends. A corporate lawyer works to ensure that the provisions of an agreement are clear, unambiguous and won't cause problems for their client in the future.Oct 10, 2016

Do corporate lawyers need math?

In general corporate law practice does not require higher math skills. However, good math skills are very helpful in any area of the law that deals with damages or financial transactions .

What lawyers get paid the most?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

Do corporate lawyers need to pass the bar?

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.Jul 24, 2021

What is a corporate lawyer?

A corporate lawyer is an attorney who represents the company they work for. It's common for a larger business, and small companies too, to hire corporate attorneys to make sure it's in compliance for its industry and following all rules and regulations.

Corporate lawyer salary

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.

Skills for a corporate lawyer

Here are some skills that corporate attorneys possess that help them find success in their career:

Jobs for a corporate lawyer

If working in the law field is something you're passionate about, there are many jobs to consider. Here are 10 jobs similar to a corporate lawyer:

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.

Essential Information

Corporate lawyers are experts in business law and all related concepts. They defend clients and provide legal advisement, assistance and advocacy to corporations or government agencies in financial, securities or real estate law and other similar areas.

Corporate Lawyer Career Info

Corporate lawyers are responsible for understanding, defending and upholding any and all legal matters related to business and corporate affairs.

Education Requirements

Becoming a corporate lawyer requires at least seven years of undergraduate and graduate education. Prior to entering law school, students must earn a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject and from an accredited institution.

Why do I need a corporate lawyer?

Because a corporate lawyer can help you structure and plan your business for success, even if you end up going with a business structure other than a corporation. It's always a good idea to have a lawyer on board to craft your business' managing documents, review contracts, and help you make other strategy decisions.

What does a corporate lawyer represent?

When a corporate lawyer is hired by a corporation, the lawyer represents the corporate entity, not its shareholders or employees. This may be a confusing concept to grasp until you learn that a corporation is actually treated a lot like a person under the law. A corporation is a legal entity that is created under state law, ...

Is a corporation a person?

A corporation is treated as a unique entity or "person" under the law, separate from its owners or shareholders. Corporate law includes all of the legal issues that surround a corporation, which are many because corporations are subject to complex state and federal regulations.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

How do psychology and law intersect?

Psychology and law intersect well, as both deal with human thought and behavior. Psychology experts are relied upon heavily as witnesses and experts in many different legal cases and contexts. Having an understanding of psychological theory and its application can be helpful when it comes to preparing for law school.

What is corporate attorney?

A corporate attorney is one of the highly misunderstood areas of law. But what they do is actually a very important practice that affects many aspects of daily life.

Why is corporate law interesting?

A corporate attorney or business lawyer has an interesting job, which is saying a lot because the whole law industry can be interesting. One thing that makes the responsibilities of a corporate attorney stand out is that they need to have a lot of outside knowledge in order to do their job right.

What is corporate law?

Corporate Law. Corporate law is the study of the rights and standards of conduct for businesses, corporations, or organizations. It is sometimes called business or enterprise law as well. Basically anything pertaining to the inner workings and dealings of a company fall within this study of law.

What is the best way to broker a business deal?

Having a moderate understanding of financing and business is really crucial to brokering good deals. Often a corporate attorney will be the one who drafts proposals and things of that nature so compelling writing skills are also necessary.

What is an attorney at law?

An attorney at law is someone who is trained in law and practices. This means that they have gone through the schooling process, passed the bar exam, and met any other requirements to work in the court system in their area. A lawyer, on the other hand, is someone who has been trained in law but is not practicing.

Can an attorney work full time?

In the law firm setting, an attorney may be able to become super-specialized in one type of transaction and be able to do that full-time. Generally, law firms offer a variety of law specialities and that can also be interesting. The second place a corporate attorney can work is in-house at a company.

Should I consult with an attorney about my business?

But it is critically important to at least consult with an attorney on your business dealings to make sure that things are in order. That is much less of a hassle than dealing with problems that may come as a result of not following the law.

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 sociology a good major?

Sociology is a great major for potential law students because it studies the big picture of society. It looks at the social issues we face in our society like poverty, economic justice, racial discrimination, and LGBT rights. Sociology looks at the way the law can help, and how to develop solutions to fight inequality. In this light, sociology is a great area of focus for students that hope to one day end up using the law to affect public policy.

What are the skills required for an English major?

In this light, the critical thinking skills required of English majors mirror the skills required by law students.

What is psychology major?

Through the psychology major’s coursework, students develop a solid understanding of how people can make correct or incorrect judgments that can lead to things like stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination. Psychology courses also teach students how to network and prepare for negotiations.

Is philosophy a difficult major?

Philosophy is a difficult major.

Does the law school test for legal understanding?

Since the test doesn’t actually test for legal understanding, but rather reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, then your choice of an undergraduate degree is up to you to decide. That said, law schools tend to prefer students that have a wide range of course work.

Is criminal justice a good fit for law school?

Criminal justice is a natural fit for law school since coursework focuses on criminal justice topics. These programs often include courses on court proceedings, the correction systems, and many other aspects of the legal system. Criminal justice degrees emphasize strong research, analysis, and writing skills which are a necessity in law school. Yet despite this being a natural fit for law, many law schools prefer specializations in other areas of study. In fact, some schools scrutinize academic records far harder in the criminal justice major than any other major.

What is the best language for pre-law students?

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. 4. History. Admitted Students: 2,657.

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 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.

Why is it important to have a corporate law attorney?

Across the legal profession, advanced technical skills are needed. Data privacy and data security are top concerns for corporate legal departments. This is because most businesses rely heavily on technology not only for everyday operations but also to build their brands, interact with customers, innovate and more. It is therefore essential for corporate law attorneys to understand the many ways technology supports the business, and the potential risks that devices, systems, applications and new ways of working, such as cloud computing, may pose.

Why do lawyers choose corporate law?

Some legal professionals choose the corporate law path specifically because they want to improve their work-life balance, which can be hard to do in a traditional law firm environment.

Why are corporate legal departments growing?

Many corporate legal departments are growing their teams because they need to watch the bottom line in a post-recession environment where businesses remain highly cost-conscious.

Is a corporate lawyer a 9 to 5 job?

So, although a corporate law career may provide more flexibility to manage both business and personal obligations compared to a law firm position, it is unlikely to be a 9-to-5 job.

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