Business law careers may be available in a number of industries, including insurance, banking and real estate. People who pursue these professional options often need a specific level of education. Paralegals with business specialties, for example, may only need four-year degrees, while practicing business attorneys often need professional or law degrees and licensing from local or national providers. Business attorneys may specialize in a number of areas, including patents, copyrights and trademarks, corporate law, private practice and international trade. In each position, paralegals or lawyers are likely to focus their work on business rules and regulations.
There are many different fields that offer opportunities in business law. One factor that may help people select their professional path is the amount of education they receive. A practicing attorney, for example, often needs a bachelor’s degree followed by a law degree, which is known as a Juris Doctor in the United States. Additional requirements may need to be met before a business lawyer begins to practice, often depending upon local or national laws. In Spain, for example, a lawyer must register with one of the 83 local bar associations for legal practice.
People who do not want to pursue legal degrees but still wish to find business law jobs may be able to work as paralegals. These professionals usually offer assistance to business lawyers in many different tasks. Examples may include conducting legal research, interviewing clients and handling correspondence or other paperwork. Educational requirements may vary for this position, with some employers expecting candidates to hold four-year degrees.
Unlike paralegals, practicing business attorneys often need to be licensed. One example of business law careers may be found in patents, copyrights and trademarks. Lawyers who specialize in this area often help business owners or individuals obtain government-issued protection for their inventions, written materials or names and logos. These professionals are often found in many parts of the world.
Corporate attorneys are often ingratiated in business matters and usually employed with a specific corporation. One primary function of a corporate attorney may be to represent the company in court during criminal and civil law proceedings. Other functions may include drafting or reading business contracts and handling routine business transactions like tax filings, mergers and foreclosures. Some corporate attorneys steer their work in a specialized field, such as real estate or intellectual property.
Large companies may employ a team of corporate counsel members who directly manage the company or advise senior managers. Tasks may include creating company policies, reducing legal risks with employee training and ensuring the company complies with local and national regulations. Counsel members may or may not represent the company in court proceedings, although they do likely need law degrees and legal licenses.
Some people in business law careers may also open private practices. Routine functions may be to help clients organize their businesses, fulfill national or local legal obligations and maintain accounting standards. A small business attorney may also help business owners complete the necessary paperwork to become licensed and offer advice on employment laws. These professionals may further review business documents and negotiate business contracts on a periodic basis for business owners.
International trade may be another area of specialization for business lawyers. People in these business law careers may work with the interpretation of international agreements as well as the regulations necessary to conduct business in another country. International lawyers may also advise people or businesses on the risks and benefits of foreign relationships. International trade laws and business customs may be additional areas of counsel from these business lawyers.