How to Be Business Law Attorney - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 28, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The absence of a business law attorney can have serious consequences for a business. Without the guidance of an experienced attorney, businesses may be exposed to potential legal issues, such as contract disputes, employee disputes, or regulatory compliance violations. In addition, businesses may find themselves in the difficult position of having to pay significant legal fees to resolve disputes, or worse, face costly litigation. Therefore, businesses should always seek the advice and counsel of an experienced business law attorney to protect their interests and minimize their legal risks.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. A business law attorney must have a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A student should focus on courses such as economics, finance, accounting, business law, and other related topics.
Take the LSAT. After completing a bachelors degree, aspiring attorneys must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This test is used to measure a students aptitude for law school.
Attend Law School. Most business law attorneys must attend law school and receive a Juris Doctor (J. D. ). During law school, students should focus on courses pertaining to business law, such as contract law, tax law, business organizations, and bankruptcy law.
Obtain Bar Certification. After graduating from law school, aspiring attorneys must pass the bar exam in their state of residence. The bar exam is an extensive test that tests the lawyers knowledge of state and federal laws.
Consider Specialization. After passing the bar exam, lawyers can focus on a specific area of business law. For example, some attorneys specialize in mergers and acquisitions or international business law.
Obtain Work Experience. Most employers prefer attorneys who have experience working with business law. Lawyers can gain experience by working in private firms, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

To stay updated and qualified as a business law attorney, it is important to stay abreast of changes in the law and relevant topics. This can be done by attending continuing legal education seminars, reading legal journals, networking with legal professionals, and keeping up with legal news. Furthermore, it is important to stay current on technology and trends that may impact the practice of business law. By staying informed and knowledgeable, a business law attorney will be able to provide quality advice to their clients and remain qualified to practice in their area of law.

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Job Description

Drafting legal documents, such as contracts, leases, non-disclosure agreements, and other documents related to business law.
Advising clients on legal matters pertaining to business operations, including compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.
Representing clients in court or before administrative bodies to present evidence and arguments on their behalf.
Negotiating settlements between parties in dispute resolution proceedings.
Researching and interpreting legal documents, such as statutes and court rulings.
Providing legal advice on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and other business matters.
Identifying and assessing potential legal risks for clients.
Counseling clients on how to structure business transactions to minimize risk and maximize returns.
Preparing for and attending meetings, hearings, mediations, and other proceedings.
Keeping abreast of changes in business law and staying up-to-date with new developments in the field.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of business formation and dissolution procedures
Familiarity with contract law and general negotiation techniques
Understanding of relevant industries and the laws that govern them
Ability to provide advice on corporate governance matters
Proficiency in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex business documents
Expertise in tax law, securities regulations, and intellectual property rights
Ability to represent clients in litigation and dispute resolution proceedings
Knowledge of antitrust laws and regulations
Ability to provide counsel on mergers and acquisitions
Experience in advising clients on employment and labor matters

Having an experienced and knowledgeable business law attorney is essential for any business. Business law attorneys are able to provide legal advice and help navigate complex legal matters such as contract negotiations, business formation, labor and employment laws, and intellectual property protection. Experienced business law attorneys also understand how to apply laws of different jurisdictions and can be instrumental in resolving business disputes.

Having a business law attorney with the right skills is essential in order to ensure that businesses are able to efficiently and effectively run their businesses while protecting their interests. A good business law attorney must possess strong communication skills, a deep understanding of the legal system, and the ability to think strategically and analytically when assisting clients with their legal needs. having a business law attorney who is dedicated to providing quality representation will ensure that businesses are in the best position to protect their interests.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in business law?
What challenges have you faced in your past business law cases?
How do you deal with complex and rapidly changing legal issues?
Can you explain the process of drafting contracts and agreements?
What strategies do you use to resolve business disputes?
What experience do you have with litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods?
How do you stay abreast of changing laws and regulations?
How do you approach the task of researching case law and legal opinions?
How do you keep clients informed and involved in their legal matters?
What strategies do you use to negotiate successful settlements?

Common Tools in Industry

Legal Research Software. This software helps attorneys research legal cases and statutes quickly and accurately. (eg: Westlaw, LexisNexis)
Document Management Software. This software helps attorneys store, organize, and access documents securely. (eg: PracticePanther, Clio)
Accounting Software. This software helps attorneys track and manage finances, invoices, and client payments. (eg: QuickBooks, Xero)
Case Management Software. This software helps attorneys keep track of client information, case details, and court documents. (eg: MyCase, AbacusLaw)
Time and Billing Software. This software helps attorneys track time spent on cases and generate invoices for clients. (eg: Tabs3, Timeslips)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Bar Association (ABA)
American Association for Justice (AAJ)
American Corporate Counsel Association (ACCA)
International Bar Association (IBA)
The National Association of Lawyers (NAL)
National Conference of Lawyers and Corporate Counsel (NCLCC)
International Association of Corporate and Business Lawyers (IACBL)
The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL)
Corporate Law Society (CLS)

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Common Important Terms

Contract Law. The area of law governing the formation, interpretation, and enforcement of legally binding agreements or contracts.
Commercial Law. A body of law that governs business and commercial transactions. It includes laws related to the formation, sale, and operation of businesses, as well as laws related to consumer protection, product liability, and intellectual property.
Business Torts. A tort is a civil wrong that causes an injury to anothers person or property. Business torts involve wrongful or negligent acts committed in the course of business such as interference with contract, false advertising, and misappropriation of trade secrets.
Corporate Law. The body of law that governs the structure and operations of a corporation, including its formation, governance, and dissolution.
Securities Law. The body of law that governs the issuance and trading of securities such as stocks, bonds, and other investments.
Intellectual Property Law. The area of law that deals with the protection of ideas, inventions, and artistic works such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
Tax Law. The body of law that governs taxation, including federal and state income tax, estate tax, sales tax, and other taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of services does a Business Law Attorney Provide?

A Business Law Attorney provides expert legal advice and representation on matters related to business law, including advising on mergers and acquisitions, contract drafting and negotiation, corporate formation, intellectual property protection, securities law compliance, and various other areas of business law.

How Much Does a Business Law Attorney Cost?

The cost of a Business Law Attorney can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case and the experience of the attorney. Typically, hourly rates range from $150 to $550 per hour.

How Long Does it Take for a Business Law Attorney to Negotiate a Contract?

The time it takes to negotiate a contract varies depending on the complexity of the contract and the parties involved. On average, it may take anywhere from one week to several months.

What is the Difference Between a Business Law Attorney and an Intellectual Property Attorney?

A Business Law Attorney provides legal advice and representation on matters related to business law, while an Intellectual Property Attorney specializes in matters related to protecting intellectual property rights such as copyrights, trademarks, and patents.

Is it Necessary to Hire a Business Law Attorney?

It is always recommended to seek legal advice from a qualified professional when engaging in business transactions. A Business Law Attorney can provide valuable guidance and representation in order to protect your legal rights and interests.

Web Resources

What Does a Business Lawyer Do? - Western Governors University www.wgu.edu
Business Law Courses | Harvard University pll.harvard.edu
New York Business Attorneys - LII Attorney Directory - Cornell University lawyers.law.cornell.edu