Seven years of post-high school study are needed to become a lawyer before being eligible to obtain a corporate law job. Educational requirements for a corporate law job involve a bachelor's degree from a university and a juris doctorate from an accredited law school. Following this, you must successfully take a regional exam that tests your knowledge of law rules and regulations. Being both persuasive and a good communicator are advantageous. Excellent logical reasoning abilities and the capacity to cope with stress are traits that will serve you well in this career.
Undergraduate requirements may involve a pre-law major, or a broad spectrum of studies from major disciplines including corporate law. Most colleges require a pre-law major to complete basic liberal arts courses, as well as those in public speaking, government, business, and economics. Special attention should be given to composition and language courses, as the ability to communicate through the spoken and written word are central in a corporate law job.
Once a bachelor's degree is obtained, admittance to a law school is dependent upon several factors. Scholastic achievement as displayed on an academic transcript and the quality of the undergraduate school will be considered. In addition, applicants are required to take an admissions test to prove their competence and preparedness for the rigorous study that will follow if accepted.
The first half of the three-year law school period involves courses in basic law fundamentals. The second half involves specific courses in corporate law. Law school studies that equip for a corporate law job include tax, business, and insurance law. Instruction in trade agreements and creditors' rights are essential. In addition to classroom studies, some law schools provide clinical opportunities where the student will have a chance to shadow or apprentice in a law firm.
Following graduation, lawyers must keep apprised of legal changes that affect their profession. Local and regional regulations concerning continuing education will help them stay up-to-date. Some regions allow this through participation in internet seminars while others require formal classes.
Duties of the profession consists of providing assistance to businesses needing legal intervention. Such activities may include mergers and corporate reorganizations. A corporate law job involves dealing with areas such as bankruptcy and financial regulations. Law school graduates with further training in corporate law have many different professional opportunities from which to choose. They can have a private practice or work for large corporations.
Corporate lawyers defend their clients against lawsuits and protect them from patent violations. They assist their clients in keeping abreast of business laws, and provide advice on a wide range of issues. Their advisory role involves such areas as employees, product contracts, and labor issues. Members of this profession ensure that the practices and transactions of the corporation comply with all local and regional laws.
