Wondering how to become a corporate lawyer? Many aspiring and new attorneys have the same thought.
But first, congratulations! You’ve crossed the finish line of law school, survived the grueling bar exam, and now you’re a licensed attorney.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely looking to take your career in a specific direction – corporate law.
How to become a corporate lawyer
Whether you’re a newly minted lawyer, a seasoned attorney considering a shift, or someone looking to deepen your expertise in the corporate legal world, the path to becoming a successful corporate lawyer is filled with opportunities and strategic decisions.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the steps you can take to become a successful corporate attorney.
From identifying the right specialization within corporate law to gaining relevant experience and building a professional network, we’ll walk you through what it takes to carve out a successful career in this important field.
Step 1: Identify your area of interest within corporate law
Corporate law is a broad field, encompassing everything from mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to compliance, securities law, corporate governance, and intellectual property. To build a successful career, it’s crucial to identify which area resonates most with your interests, skills, and long-term career goals.
Exploring specializations
Start by exploring the different specializations within corporate law. Each area requires a unique set of skills and offers distinct career paths.
For example, if you’re fascinated by the intricacies of business transactions, M&A might be your calling. If you’re a staunch rule-follower, regulatory compliance or securities law could be a better fit.
Corporate governance is ideal for those who want to work closely with boards of directors and executive management, while intellectual property is a great fit for those of you who are fascinated by innovation.
Research and self-assessment
To make an informed decision, conduct thorough research on each specialization. Read industry publications, attend webinars, and talk to experienced corporate lawyers to gain insights into what each area entails.
Consider taking personality and skills assessments to understand better which specialization aligns with your strengths and preferences.
It’s also beneficial to look at the market demand for each specialization. Some areas, like compliance and corporate governance, are increasingly in demand due to growing regulatory scrutiny and the need for transparency in business operations. By aligning your interests with market needs, you can position yourself for a rock-solid career.
Step 2: Gain relevant experience
Once you’ve identified your area of interest within corporate law, the next crucial step is gaining relevant experience. Whether you’re transitioning from another legal field or just starting out, hands-on experience is essential to building your expertise and credibility in corporate law.
Transitioning from other legal areas
If you’re coming from a different legal background, such as litigation or criminal law, you likely already possess many transferable skills, like contract negotiation, client communication, and legal research.
It’s still important, however, to supplement these skills with experience directly related to corporate law. You might start by taking on pro bono corporate work, which allows you to gain practical experience while contributing to your community. Additionally, consider joining a corporate law practice group within your firm or seek out temporary contract assignments that focus on corporate law matters.
Pursuing opportunities
Internships, externships, and temporary jobs within corporate legal departments are also invaluable for gaining practical experience. These roles provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of a corporate lawyer and allow you to work on real cases under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
If you’re already employed by a firm with multiple practice areas (including corporate), consider requesting assignments that align with your desired specialization. Even short-term projects can offer significant learning opportunities and help you build a portfolio of relevant work.
If you’re not at a firm that practices in the corporate realm, start researching firms that do the sort of work you’re interested in. At the very least, you can contact attorneys within that firm for guidance. And, who knows? Those types of relationships can lead to job opportunities down the line.
Step 3: Pursue continuing education and certifications
As with any field of law, corporate law requires continuous learning in order to stay competitive and advance your career. Pursuing further education and obtaining certifications can help you deepen your expertise and stand out in the job market.
Advanced legal education
One way to enhance your qualifications is by pursuing an LLM (Master of Laws) in corporate law or a related field.
An LLM can provide specialized knowledge in areas like securities regulation, international business transactions, or corporate finance, making you a more attractive candidate for high-level corporate law positions.
If an LLM isn’t feasible, consider enrolling in executive education programs that offer intensive, short-term courses on specific topics within corporate law.
Certifications
Certifications can also boost your credibility and marketability. For example, obtaining certifications in areas like compliance, securities law, or international business law can demonstrate your expertise to potential employers and – perhaps more importantly – clients.
These certifications often require passing an exam and completing continuing education courses, ensuring that you stay updated on the latest legal developments in your chosen field.
And while these programs typically aren’t cheap, you should think of them as an investment in your future.
Corporate law is a highly competitive field, so the more you can boost your résumé with meaningful certificates, the more you’ll have a leg up over all the other people vying for those jobs.
Step 4: Build a strong professional network
Networking is an essential component of career development, particularly in the legal profession.
For corporate lawyers, building relationships within the corporate law community can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable relationships, and help you stay connected with industry trends.
Networking within the corporate law community
Effective networking involves more than just attending events; it requires actively engaging with others in your field. Attend corporate law conferences, join corporate law sections of bar associations, and participate in industry-specific networking events.
These settings provide opportunities to meet potential mentors, peers, and even future employers. Additionally, consider writing guest blogs or speaking at events to establish yourself as a thought leader in your area of specialization.
Mentorship and sponsorship
Mentorship is invaluable in the legal industry and finding a quality mentor within corporate law is no exception. Seek out mentors who are established corporate lawyers and can offer guidance, support, and introductions to key industry contacts.
Beyond mentorship, having a sponsor – someone who actively advocates for your career advancement within a law firm or corporate setting – can significantly impact your career trajectory.
Stay updated on industry trends and developments
Like business itself, corporate law is always evolving. Consequently, staying informed about the latest industry trends and regulatory changes is essential for maintaining your expertise and providing superior legal services. As laws and business practices change, continuous learning ensures that you remain a valuable asset to your clients or employer.
Keeping abreast of legal and regulatory changes
Corporate law is heavily influenced by shifts in government regulations, economic conditions, and global markets. To stay ahead, subscribe to industry newsletters, follow corporate law blogs, and participate in online forums or discussion groups where experts discuss the latest developments.
Staying informed allows you to anticipate changes that might affect your clients or your practice and enables you to advise on cutting-edge legal issues. Even if you don’t yet have any corporate clients, the time you spend educating yourself about the changes impacting your ideal clients will help you develop your initial book of business.
Continuous learning
Beyond staying updated on the latest news, engage in continuous learning through continuing legal education (CLE) seminars, webinars, and workshops that focus on emerging issues in corporate law.
These events not only keep you informed but also provide networking opportunities with other professionals who share your interests. Additionally, following thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter can help you stay connected with the latest discussions and innovations in the field.
Study the Court
We live in a time when the United States Supreme Court is consistently faced with corporate law issues that shape the way business is conducted in our country. Therefore, if you want to understand the deepest trends in corporate practice, study the latest Supreme Court rulings and inform yourself on how the current Justices view issues impacting business.
Conclusion
Becoming a successful corporate lawyer requires more than just passing the bar and starting your practice; it involves continuous growth, strategic decision-making, and active engagement with the legal and business communities.
By identifying your main areas of interest within corporate law, gaining relevant experience, pursuing further education, building a strong professional network, and staying updated on industry trends, you can carve out a rewarding and successful career in corporate law.
Remember, the journey in corporate law is both challenging and exciting. If you’re committed to your professional development, the opportunities are endless.
With the right approach, you can position yourself as a trusted advisor within your firm, with your clients, and within the business community where you live.