Commercial law is a major area of law for lawyers worldwide, covering trade, patents, intellectual property, antitrust and corporate law. Becoming a commercial lawyer requires a long educational process, including standardized tests and internships. Commercial lawyers can work in law firms, as in-house attorneys, or for the government. They must be fluent in complex areas such as contract law, commercial protocol, and government regulations. A successful commercial lawyer can build a lucrative career by building a strong reputation in the business community.
Commercial law is one of the largest job segments for lawyers worldwide. A commercial lawyer can work in a variety of areas of business, including as a corporate lawyer in the private sector or as a regulatory consultant in the public sector. When it comes to matters of trade, patents, intellectual property, antitrust and corporate law, a commercial lawyer is likely to be a legal expert.
Becoming a commercial lawyer is a long educational process that can start right from graduation. While an undergraduate law degree is not required to become a commercial attorney, those with an interest in law may want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as communications, economics or business. After completing college, an aspiring commercial lawyer will often need to take standardized tests, such as the LSATs, to gain admission to law school. After law school is completed, a young attorney may need to pass bar exams in order to practice legally.
However, training for a commercial attorney extends beyond the classroom. Many need to be fluent in a variety of complex areas such as contract law, commercial protocol and government regulations. Law students seeking a career in the commercial end of the profession often try to secure internships or clerk jobs at commercial law firms while completing their studies. This can help them gain the inside scoop on how business law works, as well as help them make important professional contacts.
A fully qualified commercial attorney may work for a law firm that specializes in business-related services. This may include drafting contracts, litigation and negotiating with labor unions. Some may avoid a traditional law firm and serve as an in-house attorney for a particular firm. In this job, a lawyer is responsible for ensuring that the company behaves legally and is treated legally by other companies. Commercial lawyers can also work for universities, non-profit organizations and unions.
The public sector is another area of potential employment for a commercial lawyer. Understanding and creating commercial regulations, national and international commercial law is an extremely complex process that requires top-notch lawyers at every stage. Working with or for the government can also be an excellent job for lawyers who feel a civic duty and want to work to improve the public business system.
The world of commercial law is extremely complex and often controversial. Having a lawyer who can quickly synthesize, contextualize, and explain the ins and outs of business law can be an incredibly valuable asset to a business owner or board who is not well versed in legal matters. A successful commercial lawyer may be able to build an extremely lucrative career by building a strong reputation in the business community.
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