how to be a business attorney

1. Complete an Undergraduate Degree Program. The first step to becoming a business lawyer is earning an undergraduate degree. ...
2. Take the LSAT Exam. The next step is taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and sending in the scores along with grad school applications.
3. Graduate From Law School. Once you've been accepted to a law program, the third step is to graduate from law school. ...
4. Pass the Bar Exam. Each state has a requirement that lawyers must pass an exam and then be admitted to the bar association so they can practice law.

How hiring a business lawyer can help your small business?

• Have the attorney estimate the cost of each matter in writing, so you can decide whether it's worth pursuing. If the bill comes in over the estimate, ask why. ...
• Learn what increments of time the firm uses to calculate its bill. ...
• Request monthly, itemized bills. ...
• See if you can negotiate prompt-payment discounts. ...
• Be prepared. ...

Does your business need a lawyer?

This is not legal advice. Everything I provide is for informational purposes only. And you should always talk to your own legal counsel about your specific situation. Sound good? Good. Let’s Get To The Freelance Contracts Questions For Today…

How to find the best lawyer for your business?

• “Get a mentor”. “Find somebody that is doing something well and learn from their experiences,” says Basile. ...
• “Believe in yourself”. According to Basile, your personal and professional success will largely be influenced by recognizing the worth of your contributions.
• “Step outside your comfort zone”. ...

How to choose a lawyer for your business?

Write down your impressions.

• How well did the lawyer communicate? Apart from money, most attorney-client disputes arise because of problems in communication. ...
• Are the offices located in a convenient place? You probably need to go to your lawyer’s office frequently in the first year, so find someone who is located near your ...
• Did you feel comfortable talking to the lawyer? ...

How do I start a business lawyer?

Starting Your Own Law Firm ChecklistDevelop a Business Plan. Chalk out a detailed business plan before starting a law firm. ... Choose a Practice Area. ... Name Your Firm. ... Form Your Own Entity. ... Select a Location. ... Get Office Furniture, Equipment and Supplies. ... Build a Network. ... Join Local Organizations.More items...

What type of business lawyer makes the most money?

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.

What kind of lawyers make millions?

Many people assume that the highest-paid lawyers are corporate lawyers. While corporate lawyers can earn millions of dollars, personal injury lawyers, criminal lawyers, and lawyers in other areas of law can also earn millions of dollars.

Who 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...•

Why is a business lawyer important?

The business lawyer plays a very important role at the point where the business and legal worlds intersect, adding value and performing a valuable service for the client.

What are the benefits of being a business lawyer?

In short, business law is incredibly financially and intellectually rewarding. You will likely earn a high salary, and you will work with your clients to help them achieve their business goals (some of which can be as newsworthy as Facebook’s).

What documents do business lawyers need to draft?

For example, a business lawyer representing a bank in a lending transaction must draft the necessary documents, such as the loan agreement, promissory note, and security agreement, with an eye toward protecting the bank and ensuring that the borrower is obligated to pay the loan back in the manner requested by the bank.

What is business law?

Business law covers a wide range of legal areas and applies to many different types of business activities. The legal issues that a business lawyer faces may involve corporate law, partnership law, banking law, sales law, securities law, or some combination of the above.

What are some experiences that might be of particular interest to students interested in business law?

Experiences that might be of particular interest to students interested in business law might include taking a business law clinic, getting involved with a business law academic center, or conducting some business-related pro bono/volunteer work, like helping with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.

What are the skills needed to become a lawyer?

Among them are analytical thinking, problem-solving, critical reading, writing and editing, oral communication, listening skills, and research.

Do business lawyers argue?

Most business lawyers do not get involved in litigation or argue cases in court. Some litigators and trial lawyers specialize in business law, but the typical business lawyer does the bulk of the work at the office or in a conference room meeting with other lawyers and business people. Most of the business lawyer’s time will be spent on negotiation, legal analysis, contract drafting, advising, and writing.

Should You Become a Business Attorney?

This brings us to the next question: should you become a business attorney?

What Education and Training Do You Need?

To become a lawyer of any kind, you need an advanced degree and a great deal of professional training.

How to Become a Corporate Lawyer

With all of this in mind, let’s talk about the process of becoming a corporate lawyer.

Gain Some Experience and Develop Your Specialty

The work isn’t over once you’re in law school. It’s time to pull out all the stops to impress your future employers.

Pass the Bar

The party’s not over yet! Once you get your J.D., you need to pass the bar exam.

Furthering Your Career

Now that you know what a business attorney does, are you ready to take your career to the next level?

What Types of Companies Hire Business Lawyers?

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), lawyers may work in a variety of industries, including construction, intellectual property, insurance, mortgage and waste disposal ( www.bls.gov ).

What does a lawyer do?

Interpret the law and advise clients of legal options and ramifications; conduct legal research and apply law to client's circumstances; research facts and analyze best legal strategy; prepare legal arguments to present orally and in writing

What Education and Training Do I Need?

The BLS states that there isn't a preferred or recommended pre-law degree; however, you may want to consider a multi-disciplinary program. Accounting, business administration and finance are just a few possibilities for relevant majors.

What Happens After I Complete My Juris Doctor?

Once you've earned a J.D. from an American Bar Association-approved institution, you will need to take and pass the Bar exam. In general, you will take the Bar in the state where you plan to work . If you're interested in working for an international firm or in another country, you will need to determine the specific licensing requirements for that country.

What Does a Business Attorney Do?

A business attorney specializes in business law and advises businesspeople or corporations on issues such as taxation, intellectual property rights, and labor relations. As a business attorney, you may work with clients at a law firm or act as in-house counsel for a company or organization.

How to Become a Business Attorney

To pursue a career as a business attorney, you must earn a bachelor’s degree and take the LSAT to apply for law school. Once you complete law school, you need to pass the state bar exam to earn your license. You also need to gain corporate law experience in areas like contract law, bankruptcy, and zoning.

What is the role of a business attorney?

The primary role of a business attorney involves providing advice and other legal services that affect various aspects of a business. In general, business attorneys ensure that companies are in compliance with various business regulations and that all operations in a company are aboveboard. Business attorneys typically assist with matters, such as ...

What Types of Cases do Business Attorneys Handle?

Generally speaking, business attorneys typically possess a broad range of skills and are thus equipped to handle various types of business-related matters. Some examples of common legal issues that business attorneys may encounter on a daily basis include:

How to narrow down a search for an attorney?

Thus, to narrow down a search, start looking for attorneys who specialize in the area of law that the issue falls under and determine whether their credentials (e.g., what law school they graduated from) matter.

Why do attorneys help companies?

Additionally, your attorney can also explain why a particular business structure may work better for your specific company, which may lead to creating a more successful company as well as can help prevent future losses.

Do business attorneys work for corporations?

On the other hand, business attorneys who work for large corporations may specialize in certain areas of the business. For instance, there may be an entire in-house team of legal professionals who only handle compliance matters, or the corporation may choose to only hire outside counsel for litigation purposes.

Do business attorneys handle employment?

One important thing to keep in mind about business attorneys is that they do not specialize in handling the same legal issues as employment lawyers. Remember, business attorneys are concerned with business operations and the overall structure of a business. Employment, lawyers, on the other hand, deal with issues like employment discrimination ...

Is it better to hire a lawyer in the same state?

This way they will not have to search for a new business lawyer if a dispute occurs and they need to appear in court. Also, depending on the issue, a local lawyer may be a better option if the matter involves the laws of a specific jurisdiction.

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.

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.

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.

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 a company representative?

Representing the company they work for in court, during regulation meetings and to administrative boards

What Does a Lawyer Do?

Lawyers will consult with clients and provide legal advice on how to address their issues. They may prepare filings for court, represent their client in a mediation or court proceeding, or other negotiations. Lawyers may also need to prepare for a trial and present evidence to support their client's position in order to achieve the most positive outcome for their client that's possible.

What do lawyers do in court?

Lawyers may also need to prepare for a trial and present evidence to support their client's position in order to achieve the most positive outcome for their client that's possible. Degree Required.

What degree do paralegals need?

Paralegals and legal assistants need an associate's degree, and typically work in law offices. They assist lawyers by preparing documents and information related to the cases they're working on. Judges and hearing officers are responsible or hearing the arguments of both sides in a case or dispute.

Do you need a bachelors degree to become an arbitrator?

Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators are only required to have a bachelor's degree and they do not take sides, but attempt to work with opposing sides in a dispute to reach an agreement about how to resolve the dispute.

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.

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.

What does a corporate lawyer do?

The day-to-day duties of a corporate lawyer can vary. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the client they represent or the specific case they're working on. However, some things a corporate lawyer does may include:

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 the first step to becoming an attorney?

The first step towards becoming a lawyer in any jurisdiction is to obtain pre-law education, or get your undergraduate degree. There are no undergraduate majors that are guaranteed to ensure your future success in law school or as an attorney. However, the ABA suggests certain undergraduate majors over others, such as English, history, political science, philosophy, business, or economics. When choosing your undergraduate institution, make sure that it is accredited by a regional or national accreditation agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).

What is the next step to become a lawyer?

If you hold a bachelors degree, the next step to become a lawyer is the LSAT Exam. Find information on exams. Lawyer Education. A bachelors degree will be your first step. There are pre-law degrees along with online legal studies programs. Or view ABA accredited universities. The State Bar Exam. The bar exam is the next step to become a lawyer.

How many states are there to become a lawyer?

Over the following pages, you will learn how to become a lawyer in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in the Canadian provinces and territories. All of the educational, experiential, entrance and licensing requirements as well as other factors needed to qualify to become a licensed attorney in each jurisdiction and to maintain that licensure are explained here.

How much do lawyers make in a year?

As of May 2019, lawyers in the United States averaged $122,960 per year. However, this comfortable salary does not come easily. Becoming a lawyer in any jurisdiction requires years of undergraduate and graduate education, passing challenging examinations, and maintaining licensure through continuing education.