How to become a business lawyer
Dear Management Consultant,
My name is Tadesha Warren. I’m 15 years old. I have read your article that was published on Wednesday, February 25, 2015.
It has really pointed out useful details to me and also reminded me of my goal to become a business lawyer. My query is — what are all the steps to be taken and how long will it take?
Sincerely
TW
Dear TW,
Thank you for your query.
Upon admission to law school, you will devote a further three (3) years studying towards a degree known as the Juris Doctor (or JD). You will spend a significant amount of this time critically reading, analysing and evaluating legal arguments in cases brought before courts in a variety of states and countries. To help you cope effectively, you will be taught the basics of legal research methods, constitutional law, contracts law, real estate law, labour law, family law, intellectual property law and bankruptcy law, among other subjects.
After being awarded the JD degree, you must sit and pass the American Bar Association (ABA) examination. As this varies from state to state, it would make good sense for you to first decide on the state in which you intend to practise as a business lawyer and then sit the ABA examination set by that state.
Passing the ABA examination for the state of your choice becomes your passport to being licensed
to practise as a business lawyer there. So, your next important step is to become licensed. Thereafter, it will be a matter of finding a suitable job with a reputable law firm that has a solid business law department. This will help you gain experience in antitrust law, federal taxation, mergers & acquisitions, environmental law, maritime law, to name a few.
Finally, I do hope that by walking you through the steps required and the time (roughly seven years) it takes to become a business lawyer in North America, you will be further inspired to begin working now towards achieving your goal in this regard. I do wish that you will obtain the support needed from family, teachers and other well-wishers. Best of luck to you, madam!
Sincerely,
Philip Baker
