Your Guide to Becoming a Corporate Law Attorney

Corporate law offers a dynamic career path for those interested in the intersection of business and law. Corporate law lawyers are essential advisors who guide businesses through complex legal landscapes, ensuring compliance and facilitating growth. From startups to multinational corporations, these legal professionals play a crucial role in managing a business’s legal obligations and risks, structuring deals, and shaping the future of commerce. This field provides a unique opportunity to engage with high-stakes transactions and strategic business decisions, making it an exciting specialization for aspiring attorneys. 

If you're considering the rewarding field of corporate law, understanding what’s involved is your first move toward a successful career. 

What Does a Corporate Lawyer Do? 

A corporate law attorney acts as a primary legal advisor to businesses of all sizes. However, corporate lawyers often work in large or mid-size firms with actual Corporate Law departments. Their work is proactive and transactional, focused on facilitating business operations and preventing future legal disputes. Unlike litigators who handle lawsuits, corporate lawyers spend their time advising, negotiating, and drafting, and rarely step into a courtroom. 

Their responsibilities are diverse and can include: 

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Guiding companies through the process of buying, selling, or merging with other businesses. 
• Corporate Governance: Advising a company's board of directors and executives on their duties, responsibilities, and compliance with regulations. 
• Securities Law: Assisting companies with public offerings of stock (IPOs) and ensuring compliance with SEC regulations. 
• Contract Negotiation: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of contracts, from employment agreements to vendor contracts. 
• Venture Capital: Helping emerging companies secure funding from investors. 
• Real Estate: Handling legal aspects of property leases, purchases, and sales. 

Corporate lawyers help businesses navigate legal complexities, allowing them to operate smoothly and achieve their strategic goals. 

Steps to Becoming a Corporate Law Attorney 

The journey to becoming a corporate lawyer is a structured process that requires significant dedication and academic achievement. Each step builds upon the last, equipping you with the knowledge and credentials necessary to practice in this area. 

1. Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree 

The first step is to earn a four-year undergraduate degree. It's a requirement to apply to law school and get your law degree. Law schools do not require a specific major. However, students often choose majors in fields like business, finance, economics, political science, or history to build a strong foundation of analytical and communication skills relevant to corporate law. Focus on achieving a high GPA, as it is a critical component of your law school application. 

2. Pass the LSAT 

Once you've completed your bachelor's degree, most schools will require you to take an admissions test.  The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized exam designed to assess your reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical skills. A high LSAT score is crucial for gaining admission to a competitive law school. Ample preparation is key, and many prospective students spend several months studying for the exam using dedicated prep courses and practice tests. 

PowerScore LSAT prep from BARBRI is the way to ensure a comprehensive LSAT prep experience. Our expert guidance is coupled with powerful strategies for mastery of all LSAT concepts.   

3. Select a Law School + Obtain Your Juris Doctor (JD) 

After successfully passing the LSAT, you can apply to law schools to earn your J.D. degree. Attending an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law school is essential for being able to practice in most states. The JD program is typically a three-year, full-time course of study. During this time, you will take foundational courses like Contracts, Torts, and Constitutional Law.  

Admissions consulting services from BARBRI help you get noticed by your target law school(s) and ensure you never miss an application deadline. 

To specialize in corporate law, you should take elective courses in corporate law, securities regulation, and M&A to build expertise. Your aim here is to acquire a skill set in essential areas of corporate law that will provide a solid foundation for your future career.  

4. Earn an LLM (Optional) 

If you seek an even deeper specialization, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) can be a valuable asset. While not required for most U.S. attorneys, this one-year, advanced law degree allows you to specialize in a specific area like corporate or tax law. An LL.M. can be particularly valuable for foreign-trained lawyers who want to practice in the U.S. or for J.D. holders looking to pivot into a highly specialized corporate practice. 

5. Pass the Bar Exam 

After graduating from law school, you will then prepare to pass the bar exam in the state where you intend to practice. This comprehensive exam tests your knowledge of general legal principles and the specific laws of that jurisdiction. Passing the bar is the final academic hurdle before you can become a licensed U.S. attorney.  

BARBRI has prepared more students for this critical test than all bar review courses combined. Our tailored programs give you the confidence and knowledge to succeed. Explore BARBRI bar prep or U.S. bar exam prep for international lawyers.  

6. Participate in Continuing Legal Education 

Once licensed, most states require attorneys to complete Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses to maintain their licenses. CLE ensures you stay current with the latest legal developments, regulations, and best practices. Focusing your CLE on corporate law topics is an excellent way to deepen your expertise and advance your career. 

BARBRI offers specialized CLE courses for corporate law that provide the in-depth knowledge needed to remain a trusted expert. 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Corporate Lawyer? 

The traditional path from starting your undergraduate studies to becoming a licensed attorney typically takes around seven years. This includes four years for a bachelor's degree and three years for a J.D. degree. Post-graduation, you will need another few months for bar exam preparation and admission. This timeline does not account for an optional LL.M., which would add another year of study. 

What Skills Does a Corporate Law Lawyer Need? 

Success in corporate law requires a specific blend of hard and soft skills. Beyond legal knowledge, you need practical abilities to serve your clients effectively. 

• Analytical and problem-solving skills to dissect complex business problems and develop sound legal strategies 
• Attention to detail  
• Communication and writing skills 
• Business acumen to understand operations, finance, and market trends  
• Negotiation skills 
• Teamwork 

How to Build Expertise in Your Corporate Law Career 

Your professional development doesn’t stop once you've entered the field. To build expertise, actively seek out mentors—senior attorneys who can provide guidance, share insights, and help you navigate career opportunities. As you gain experience, focus on building expertise in a niche area of corporate law, such as M&A, venture capital, or compliance. This specialization can make you a more valuable and sought-after expert in the field. 

Stay engaged with professional organizations and never stop learning with CLE for Corporate Law. 

How Much Do Corporate Attorneys Earn? 

Salaries for corporate law lawyers can be very competitive, though they vary based on location, firm size, and years of experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for all lawyers was $145,760 in May 2023. Attorneys working in corporate law, particularly at large firms in major metropolitan areas, often earn significantly more, with starting salaries at top firms frequently exceeding $200,000. 

Help at Every Stage of Your Legal Learning Journey 

Embarking on a career as a corporate law attorney is a challenging yet fulfilling pursuit. From preparing for the LSAT and excelling in law school to passing the bar exam and meeting your continuing education requirements, each step demands focus and the right resources. 

BARBRI offers a unified and best-in-class experience to help you succeed at every stage. We provide premier bar review courses, LL.M. resources, and a comprehensive suite of professional development courses in corporate law to help you build and maintain your expertise. Let BARBRI be your partner on the path to becoming a successful corporate lawyer. 

Be empowered at every step of your legal learning journey with BARBRI.