Gavin Howe
Lawyers are not limited to a single field of practice, and their work can span various sectors of business and industry. After obtaining a Juris Doctor (JD) and taking the bar exam, a lawyer can choose to specialize in a particular field of law, such as business law, or work as a general practice lawyer handling a range of legal issues. Business law, also known as corporate law, is a broad field that covers legal issues and practices involved in building and running companies and organizations. It includes areas such as finance, contracts, securities regulation, mergers and acquisitions, and more. Lawyers working in this field ensure that companies comply with local, state, and federal laws and provide expertise in specific industries. However, the path to becoming a lawyer in any field is not always clear-cut, and strategic career moves, internships, and additional schooling can help individuals gain the necessary knowledge and expertise to specialize in their chosen field of law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | A bachelor's degree is required, with a wide range of subjects accepted for entry to law school. A Juris Doctor (JD) is then obtained, followed by a state bar exam. |
| Specialization | Business law is one of many legal specializations, including tax, intellectual property, criminal defense, and more. |
| Work Setting | Lawyers typically work in offices, but may travel to meet clients or appear in court. |
| Job Roles | Business lawyers can work as litigation officers, corporate counsel, patent attorneys, managing attorneys, and more. |
| Duties | Creating legal documents, providing legal advice, guiding businesses on legal issues, and representing clients in court. |
| Salary | The national average salary for a business lawyer is $110,216 per year. |
Business law
To become a business lawyer, one must first obtain a bachelor's degree in law or a related field, such as economics, criminal justice, or political science. Enrolling in undergraduate courses related to business, such as finance, accounting, or business administration, can provide a solid foundation for a career in business law. The next step is to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and apply to law school, where students can focus on business law or joint programs that offer a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a master's in business. During law school, gaining practical experience through pro bono cases or internships in law firms or courts can be advantageous.
After completing their legal education, aspiring business lawyers must pass the bar exam in the state where they intend to practice. This licensing exam, known as the "bar exam," is a requirement to become a practicing attorney. Business lawyers can then find employment in law firms, companies' legal departments, or as in-house counsel. They may also work as litigation officers, representing clients in court, creating legal documents, and handling confidential corporate information.
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Education law
Lawyers are required to have a broad understanding of business law, which covers the legal issues and practices involved in building and running companies and organizations. However, lawyers can choose to specialize in a specific field of law, such as education law.
To become a practicing attorney in the United States, one must first obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and then pass the state bar exam. While there is no set path to specializing in a particular field of law, strategic career moves, internships, and additional schooling can help develop the necessary knowledge and expertise. For instance, some law school graduates pursue a judicial clerkship before working as a lawyer, which helps them develop the skills required for a legal career.
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Entertainment law
Lawyers are required to have a broad understanding of business law, which covers the core legal areas involved in building and running companies and organizations. However, they can also choose to specialize in a particular field of law, such as entertainment law.
The role of an entertainment lawyer often overlaps with that of a client's agent, manager, or publicist. They are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and are responsible for negotiating compensation and profit participation for their clients. Entertainment lawyers also assist in building their clients' careers and managing their public image.
To become an entertainment lawyer, one must first obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and then pass the state bar exam to become a licensed attorney. While there is no set path to specializing in entertainment law, strategic career moves, internships, and additional schooling can provide the necessary knowledge and exposure to the field. It is also crucial to stay informed about legal developments and emerging issues influenced by technological advancements in the entertainment industry.
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Environmental law
Lawyers are an integral part of any business field, and their understanding of the law is vital for companies and organisations. While business law is a broad term, it covers all the legal issues and practices involved in building and running companies and organisations. Lawyers who practice in this field must have a deep understanding of business law policies and regulations.
Attorneys in this field must also deal with the environmental challenges posed by climate change. They must convince politicians, the public, and the courts that environmental problems, which often have effects that are not immediately obvious, are worth solving. They are also involved in crafting legal and financial frameworks to promote solutions to climate change.
Public interest attorneys in this field work for non-profit organisations, community groups, and environmental justice coalitions. They may support the development of new local, state, or federal laws or regulations, participate in international negotiations, or bring lawsuits on behalf of individuals or communities impacted by environmental harm.
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Bankruptcy law
Lawyers are required to have a broad understanding of business law, which covers all the legal issues and practices involved in building and running companies and organizations. However, some lawyers choose to specialize in a specific field of business law, such as bankruptcy law.
Bankruptcy cases are handled in federal courts under the rules outlined in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, also known as Title 11 of the U.S. Code. While bankruptcy laws are federally regulated, state laws may govern other aspects of the debtor-creditor relationship. Bankruptcy courts, which are part of the Federal District Court system, have limited jurisdiction. For example, in the case of Midland Funding, LLC v. Johnson, the Court ruled that debt collectors could use bankruptcy proceedings to collect debts so old that the statute of limitations had expired, depending on state law.
To become a practicing attorney specializing in bankruptcy law, one must first obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) and pass the state bar exam. While there is no set path to specializing in bankruptcy law, certain jobs and internships can provide valuable exposure and knowledge in this field. Additionally, further training and expertise can be gained through additional schooling or certificate programs, such as the online Business Law Certificate offered by USC Gould.
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Frequently asked questions
The steps to becoming a lawyer are to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, take the bar examination, and begin practicing. However, there are many different types of lawyers, so deciding what kind of law you want to practice is important.
Business law is an umbrella term that covers the core legal areas relating to business organizations' structure and operations. This includes business operations, such as management, finance, and accounting, as well as various forms of business entities like corporations and partnerships. Other areas of business law include securities regulation, mergers and acquisitions, and emerging topics like privacy, cybersecurity, and ESG.
Business lawyers, also known as corporate lawyers, can further specialize in areas such as banking and finance law, bankruptcy law, and intellectual property law. They can also work as litigation officers, creating legal documents, and representing clients in court.
There are many different types of lawyers, including constitutional lawyers, criminal defense lawyers, entertainment lawyers, tax lawyers, and environmental lawyers, to name a few. Each type of lawyer has its own unique responsibilities and areas of expertise.
