What Skills Does a Business Lawyer Need

How to Become a Business Lawyer

Business law is an exciting yet diverse career opportunity for an aspiring lawyer. Your job could consist of doing anything from company restructuring and mergers to contract or property law. The work is as varied as any business; but in general, your role is to be the guide for businesses and companies in any legal matters.

What Is a Business Lawyer?

A business lawyer is responsible for assisting corporations with legal matters. Their role is to ensure everything done at the company is legal and above board. From mergers and acquisitions to incorporations and bankruptcies, every legal aspect related to the company’s business activity will be under your purview.

What Does a Business Lawyer Do?

While it will vary from company to company, here are some common tasks you might be expected to perform as a company Lawyer.

Starting businesses. Some business lawyers may be asked to help individuals decide what type of business they should run. Sole proprietorship, an LLC, a partnership, or a corporation—there are many options—and ensuring your client establishes the right one means savings and tax benefits for them.

Contract law. When one party fails to live up to its obligations or duties, things can get complicated. And your job will be to negotiate a settlement and sort out whatever problems there may be. This may involve writing employment contracts, NDAs, or even taking those in breach to court.

Property law. Many businesses own or lease properties, and this comes with its fair share of paperwork. Real estate law is a complex web that your business clients might find difficult to navigate, so you’ll be tasked with bringing your legal expertise to hand and guiding them through it.

How Do I Become a Business Lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer is a challenging career path that requires hard work and many years of education. You’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree, get admitted to law school, and pass the rigorous lawyer certification or “bar” exam for your state.

What Skills Does a Business Lawyer Need?

Career counselors who can see beyond what their clients can’t, will find themselves rewarded in not only the success of their role but also emotionally. Career counselors need empathy and kindness just as much as training and technical skill.

If you are interested in becoming a career counselor, you will need a balance of hard and soft skills, some of which include:

An analytical mind: able to quickly solve problems and issues for your business clients.

Clear communication skills: you may be meeting clients from diverse backgrounds and different countries.

Research skills: you need to know or find what laws or regulations apply in each specific matter, no matter how obscure.

Teamwork skills: few lawyers work alone, so being comfortable working in a team is essential.

Excellent written skills: You’ll be charged with preparing various legal documents, so being a confident writer is a must.