Corporate Law Degree

Corporate law deals with the formation and operations of corporations. Aspiring corporate lawyers typically pursue the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which takes around three years to complete and allows students to select a concentration in different areas, including corporate law.

Corporate Law Programs

Becoming a corporate lawyer would typically require around seven years of post-high school education. Students who wish to go on to attain a degree in corporate law, first need to earn a bachelor’s degree. While law school admission committees do not prefer one major over the others, some prospective corporate lawyers major in pre-law or business. Generally, students who wish to go into corporate law, go for an undergraduate major in business, economics or finance.

To get admitted into a law program, the law school is likely to make it mandatory for you to submit letters of recommendation, LSAT scores and all relevant transcripts. Many schools also offer pre-law advice services to assist students in selecting the right courses and degree program in accordance with their professional goals.  

The common corporate law courses you will be taught as part of this degree include the likes of:

• Acquisitions and mergers
• Bankruptcy
• Business law
• Corporate taxation
• Ethics and morals
• Foreign investments

Juris Doctor Degree

After earning their bachelor’s degree, students are eligible to apply for a Juris Doctor program. Once admitted, they will be given the opportunity to explore foundational legal concepts, such as torts, court procedures, civil, criminal and constitutional law, legal communications and judicial processes. They might also take elective courses in business or corporate laws.

Aspiring corporate lawyers may pursue a joint degree, combining legal and business studies, such as the JD/MBA degree. This degree can typically be completed in 4 years, with full-time enrollment. To be eligible for this program, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Some universities might also require you to have at least one year of relevant work experience prior to application for enrollment.

In the first year, students enroll in compulsory or mandatory courses while in the last two years, they have the option of selecting the courses of their own choice.

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

After completing a J.D., corporate law students may also pursue the Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree. This is an advanced legal degree which also gives international corporate attorneys the opportunity to practice in the United States.

While the LL.M. is not a requirement for taking a state’s bar exam; however, possession of this degree can help corporate lawyers enhance their expertise in their chosen field.  The topics covered at this advance level of education include trademark and patent law, income tax law, antitrust law, corporate conflict resolution and white collar crimes.

PhD in Corporate Law

The PhD in corporate law degree may not be offered; instead many law schools offer the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degree in the same field. This is the highest level of legal education available in the country. The degree is ideally for those who intend to pursue a career in academia or research. Law professors, intellectuals, jurists and scholars hold this degree.

Licensure Requirements

Upon successful completion of any of the abovementioned degrees, graduates would have to sit for their state’s bar exam to receive the license to practice. The examination is administered by the American Bar Association (ABA).  The prerequisites to sit for this exam include a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from an ABA-approved institution. In addition to that, there are several states that require potential candidates to pass a mandatory ethical examination before the issuance of the license.

Corporate Law Certificate

A corporate law certificate program is also referred to as a business law certificate program. This allows students to be recognized for their advanced training in corporate law.  Holders of this certificate have the opportunity to become legal advisors to businesses, NGOs and various other public and private agencies. The program enables students to develop a broad understanding in fundamental concepts of law, along with exposing them to advanced training opportunities in various important business skills and practices.

Potential courses in a corporate law certificate program could include:

• Bankruptcy Law
• Complex Civil Litigation
• Energy Project Development and Finance
• Corporate Tax
• Securities Regulation
• International Business Negotiations
• New Business Counseling Practicum
• Partnership Tax
• Regulation of Capital Markets and Financial Institutions

Online Corporate Law Degree 

There are law schools that offer corporate law degrees online, or in hybrid settings. Before you decide to enroll in such a course or program, make sure that it is ABA approved.

Career as a Corporate Lawyer

Corporate lawyers are responsible for understanding, defending and upholding all legal matters related to businesses and their corporate affairs. They may advise individual clients or corporations in matters relating to mergers, patents, taxation, global economics, business contracts, securities and accounting.

These professionals are considered to be well-versed in areas of business and finance law, corporate disputes and resolutions and white collar crimes. Their typical job duties include meeting with clients, dealing with other attorneys, drafting opening and closing courtroom arguments, conducting required research and putting together relevant evidence.

Corporate lawyers typically work in private law firms or run their own private practice. They may also work for the government as well as corporations.

Did You Know?

2 of the Biggest Scandals of the World of Corporate Law

Enron Scandal (2001): Houston based commodities, energy and service corporation, overstated earnings, and modified its balance sheet to indicate favorable performance. The Big Five Audit Firm, Arthur Anderson, was also involved. Both giants suffered a downfall, with the Enron’s CEO getting 24 years in prison, and the company declaring bankruptcy.

WorldCom Scandal (2002): Telecommunications company, inflated its assets by as much as $11 billion, underreported line costs and made fake accounting entries, among other things. The CFO was subsequently fired, while the CEO got 25 years in prison for fraud.