Kara Sears
A Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) is a versatile degree that combines legal studies with business and commerce. While it does not qualify graduates to practise law, it provides a solid foundation for pursuing further legal qualifications, such as an LLB. The degree equips students with a blend of business and law knowledge, allowing them to pursue careers in both law and business industries. Graduates may find employment in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies, or in business roles where legal knowledge enhances decision-making, such as finance. The degree's flexibility and diverse skill set make BCom Law graduates attractive candidates for a range of employers and open the door to various career opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree type | Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) |
| Degree focus | Law and economics/management sciences/business |
| Degree length | Three years |
| Skills | Critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, legal research, commercial law, contract drafting |
| Career options | Legal advisor assistant, compliance officer, contracts administrator, junior tax consultant, company secretary assistant, legal researcher, credit risk analyst, compliance analyst, legal assistant, risk and compliance analyst, roles in finance, mining, insurance, retail, and government |
| Further study | Can be used as a foundation for further legal qualifications, such as an LLB, to become a qualified lawyer |
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What You'll Learn
Enter a career in business
A Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) degree combines business and law knowledge, making graduates ideal candidates for roles in finance and banking, consulting, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
The degree provides a solid foundation in commerce-related subjects such as economics, finance, and management, as well as foundational knowledge of legal principles, including contract, corporate, and property law. This blend of skills and knowledge can be leveraged to pursue a career in business, with a particular focus on roles where knowledge of legal frameworks enhances decision-making.
For example, with a BCom Law degree, you can work as a Legal Assistant or Legal Advisor's Assistant, supporting legal departments in big businesses or law firms. Your degree covers legal research, commercial law, and contract drafting, which are directly applicable to this role. Another option is to become a Contracts Administrator, where you will manage the life cycle of company contracts, including drafting, reviewing, and filing.
If you are interested in the financial or investment sectors, you could pursue a career as a Risk and Compliance Analyst. In this role, you would use your legal knowledge to identify business risks and ensure compliance with banking or company law. Your BCom Law degree will also prepare you for a career as a Company Secretary Assistant, supporting the board of directors, keeping CIPC documents up to date, and managing shareholder records.
Additionally, with a BCom Law degree, you can work as a Legal Researcher, compiling reports, reading legislation, and supporting policy development, especially in government or legal NGOs. This role allows you to further develop your research skills and demonstrate thought leadership in the legal field.
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Pursue a career in law
A Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) degree combines a law degree with a business degree, providing a blend of business and law knowledge. This degree prepares graduates for diverse law careers in the legal or commerce sectors. However, it is important to note that a BCom Law degree alone does not qualify you to practice as an attorney or advocate. To pursue a career as a lawyer, you will need to further your studies and obtain an LLB degree, pass relevant exams, and register with a legal professional body.
Law Firms and Legal Departments
With a BCom Law degree, you can work in legal departments of large businesses or law firms as a legal assistant or legal advisor's assistant. Your degree provides you with knowledge in legal research, commercial law, and contract drafting, making you well-equipped to support these departments. You can also pursue roles in corporate law transactions and tax, providing legal and governance opinions and advice.
Compliance and Risk Management
Compliance and risk management roles are also an option with a BCom Law degree. Your legal knowledge, combined with your understanding of commercial subjects, enables you to help companies stay within legal boundaries and manage risks effectively. You will deal with internal policies, risk reports, audits, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Contracts Administration
As a contracts administrator, you will manage the lifecycle of company contracts, including drafting, reviewing, and filing. Your foundation in contract law and commercial transactions from your BCom Law degree will be directly applicable in this role.
Junior Tax Consultant
Many auditing firms hire BCom Law graduates as junior tax consultants. In this role, you will assist with tax returns, SARS compliance, and corporate tax planning. Your degree likely included Tax Law or Accounting, providing you with a solid foundation for this position.
Government Agencies
BCom Law graduates can also pursue careers in government agencies. Roles may include providing legal advice and opinions to government departments, managing legal affairs, and ensuring compliance with commercial law.
While a BCom Law degree offers a broad foundation in law and business, further specialization and qualifications may be required for certain roles within the legal profession. However, the degree provides a versatile qualification that opens doors to various career opportunities in law and related fields.
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Work in government
A BCom Law degree can be a great asset when pursuing a career in government and public service. Here are some options to consider:
Civil Service: Many countries offer civil service positions that require legal knowledge. These roles often involve drafting and interpreting laws, regulations, and policies for various government departments and ministries. You might work in areas like legislative affairs, policy analysis, or administrative law. Civil servants ensure that government actions comply with the law and provide legal advice to ministers and senior officials.
Regulatory Bodies: Government regulatory bodies oversee specific industries or sectors, such as finance, telecommunications, competition, or utilities. As a legal professional within these organizations, you could be involved in developing and enforcing industry-specific regulations, conducting investigations, and resolving disputes between consumers and businesses.
Legal Advisory Roles: Governments often require legal advisors to provide counsel on a wide range of issues. You could advise government bodies on legislative matters, international treaties, constitutional law, or human rights issues. Legal advisors ensure that government policies and actions are legally sound and defend the government in legal proceedings.
Diplomatic Service: A career in diplomacy could involve representing your country's interests abroad and fostering international relations. Legal expertise is valuable in this field, as diplomats negotiate treaties, handle international disputes, and navigate complex areas like trade agreements and consular affairs.
Local Government: Local municipalities and councils often require legal professionals to advise on matters such as urban planning, zoning laws, environmental regulations, and community development. You could also work in roles related to licensing, enforcement, or compliance, ensuring that local government activities adhere to relevant laws and regulations.
Public Sector Management: With a BCom Law degree, you could pursue management roles in various government departments and agencies. These positions involve overseeing the efficient and effective delivery of public services while ensuring compliance with legal frameworks. You might manage teams responsible for areas like healthcare, education, social services, or infrastructure development.
Remember that specific roles and requirements can vary by country and jurisdiction, so it's always worth researching the opportunities available in your specific region.
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Start your own business
A BCom Law degree can be an excellent foundation for starting your own business. This degree equips graduates with a blend of business and law knowledge, allowing them to pursue diverse career paths across industries. Here are some key considerations and steps to help you start your own business with a BCom Law degree:
Understand Your Degree Advantage:
The Bachelor of Commerce in Law is a versatile qualification that combines legal and business management studies. It provides a solid foundation in both areas, allowing you to work in the law and business industries. With this degree, you can develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for entrepreneurship.
Choose a Business Idea:
Starting your own business requires a clear and focused idea. Consider your interests, passions, and areas of expertise. You can offer consulting services in a particular field where you have experience or knowledge. For example, you could provide legal consulting for startups or small businesses. Alternatively, you could combine your legal knowledge with another area of interest, such as finance, accounting, e-commerce, or tax.
Develop a Business Plan:
A well-thought-out business plan is crucial for success. Define your business goals, target market, unique selling proposition, and financial projections. Identify your ideal clients and understand their needs and pain points. Build a platform and create marketing campaigns to reach your target audience.
Start Small and Adapt:
When starting, it's advisable to keep your day job and begin on a smaller scale. Invest time and resources without risking your entire savings. This approach allows you to learn and adapt as you grow. Test different ideas and be prepared for some failures, as not every idea will succeed. Embrace these learnings as part of the entrepreneurial journey.
Focus on Service and Systems:
In any business, serving others is paramount. Focus on providing exceptional service to your clients. Additionally, implement robust systems and use law firm management software to support your operations. Quality and performance management are crucial for long-term success.
Comply with Legal Requirements:
Ensure you understand the legal requirements for starting and running a business in your jurisdiction. Stay compliant with any necessary licenses, permits, or registrations specific to your industry.
Remember, starting your own business is an exciting journey that requires dedication, adaptability, and a strong understanding of your unique value proposition. With your BCom Law degree, you have a solid foundation to build upon and navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
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Move into the public sector
A BCom Law degree is an excellent option if you want to work in the public sector. The degree blends commerce and the legal system, giving you a solid foundation in both areas. This unique combination of skills makes you an attractive candidate for employers in the public sector.
With a BCom Law degree, you can contribute to the public sector through roles focused on legal, regulatory, and administrative functions. You can work in government departments to draft legislation and review legal frameworks. For example, you can work as a contracts administrator, managing the life cycle of company contracts, including drafting, reviewing, and filing. This role is especially suitable for those with knowledge of Excel and an understanding of how tenders work.
Another option is to work as a junior tax consultant, assisting with tax returns, SARS compliance, and corporate tax planning. Many big auditing firms hire BCom Law graduates for this role. If you have modules in Company Law or Governance, you can also work as a company secretary assistant, supporting the board of directors, keeping CIPC documents up to date, and managing shareholder records.
Additionally, your BCom Law degree can lead to roles as a legal advisor or compliance officer, ensuring ethical business practices and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. These roles are particularly well-suited for those with a strong understanding of the legal system and its implications for public sector organisations.
Overall, a BCom Law degree provides a strong foundation for a career in the public sector, allowing you to apply your legal and business knowledge to a range of roles and make a meaningful contribution to society.
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Frequently asked questions
A Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) degree combines a law degree and a business degree, giving students a solid foundation in both areas.
A BCom Law degree can lead to exciting career opportunities in law, business, industry, commerce, government, and beyond. While it does not qualify you to practice law, it provides a strong foundation for pursuing further legal qualifications, such as an LLB.
A BCom Law degree will equip you with a blend of business and law knowledge, advanced management knowledge and skills, and the ability to make ethical decisions in a rapidly changing business environment.
A BCom Law degree offers flexibility and a broader perspective, allowing you to pursue a variety of careers. It is particularly suitable if you have an interest in both law and business and want to stand out to potential employers with a multifaceted skill set.
A BCom Law degree generally spans three years, with modules carefully balanced between commerce and legal subjects.
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