How to Become A Corporate Lawyer: A Complete Roadmap to Success

A corporate lawyer holds a position of prestige in organizations. If you too are wondering how to become a corporate lawyer, you must know that a corporate lawyer does a lot more than just handle legal issues. Their job involves overseeing legal decisions related to a company’s management and business. They also help with administration and ensure compliance.

Their legal acumen helps ensure the management makes strategic decisions without worrying about legal or regulatory ramifications.

The title “corporate lawyer” may give the impression that they only practice in areas related to corporate issues. However, their responsibilities often extend beyond purely legal matters. They play a crucial role in a company’s overall operation and decision-making process.

To become a corporate lawyer, you can enroll in programs such as-

• LLB
• BBA LLB
• B. Com LLB

In this blog will walk you through the journey and the skills needed to become a successful corporate lawyer succeed in this interesting industry.
Also Read: Types of Law in India: Everything to Know

How To Become a Corporate Lawyer?

Corporate lawyers are of utmost importance to all modern-day organizations and companies. With stricter regulations and legal complexities, it becomes crucial for organizations to meet the required legal standards where they seek the guidance of corporate lawyers, who specialize in this field.
Read along as we explore the key steps on how to become a corporate lawyer in India: 
The following eight stages are worth considering if you wish to work as a corporate lawyer:
[1] Pass your 10+2

To become a lawyer, first finish 10th and 12th grade. You must choose arts in 12th grade. It can help you learn about law and related subjects. But don’t worry if you pick science or commerce - you can still study law after that. The main thing is to complete your high school education before starting your journey to become a lawyer.
[2] Take the Law College Entrance Test

After finishing 12th grade, you can take different law entrance exams in India. Besides CLAT, there are other national and college-specific tests. These exams usually have multiple-choice questions. They test your English, general knowledge, and math skills. Some options include:

• Maharashtra Law CET
• Allahabad University LAT
• Andhra Pradesh Law CET
• Delhi University LLB Entrance
• CLAT (national exam)
• LSAT India
• BHU Undergraduate Entrance
• Telangana Law CET

These tests help you get into law colleges across India. Choose the ones that fit your goals and preferences.
[3] Search for law colleges

After your exams, you should start looking into good law schools. Consider these key points:

1. Reviews
2. Faculty
3. Campus facilities
4. Job opportunities for graduates

Think about whether you might want to get a master’s degree later - check if the school offers this option. Also, decide if you prefer:

• Just a law degree, or
• A combined degree (like BA LLB, B. Com LLB, B.Sc. LLB)

This choice will help narrow down your options. Combined degrees typically take longer but give you knowledge in two fields.
[4] Earn a bachelor’s degree

To start a profession in law, first get a bachelor’s degree. This step generally requires 3-4 years. You can study any course. However, legal studies or business courses may be more helpful.
When you finish your bachelor’s with at least 45% marks, you can require a 3-year law degree (LL. B). In law school, you will study topics that combine arts, business, and law. You will learn:

• How to write about real court cases
• Do legal research
• Practice mock courts

Most students also get hands-on experience working at law firms during their studies.
[5] Acquire important legal competencies and references

As the legal profession is often competitive, you must have practical work experience as soon as possible by taking an internship in one of the local law firms. Experience is beneficial, it allows you to acquire or polish useful attributes such as:

• Speaking and writing skills
• Confidence
• Research skills
• Fluency in speech
• Legal knowledge
• Your ability to debate on any issue

It also helps you build up your list of contacts within the legal profession. This can lead to opportunities, jobs, and contacts.

[6] Complete the three-year LL. B course

In the three-year course of LL. B, you will cover various legal subjects, usually including the following areas:  

The study also includes legal drafting, Jurisprudence, ethics, and the civil procedure code.
 [7] Take the bar exam

To become a lawyer in India, there’s one more step after finishing law school. You must pass the All India Bar Exam (AIBE). This test is conducted by the Bar Council of India also known as BCI. When you pass, they give you a certificate of practice. You need this certificate to work as a lawyer in India.
 [8] Consider a master’s degree

After you pass the AIBE, you can start working as a lawyer. But you might want to study further. You could do a one-year master’s degree or LL.M. course. To get into these courses, you need to take some tests.

• LSAT India
• All India Law Entrance Test
• CLAT
• TS PGLCET
• MH CET Law
• AP PCLCET
• ILICAT

You can pick various areas to focus on, like:

• Entertainment and media law
• Civil law
• Healthcare law
• Environmental law

If you want to be a lawyer for businesses, you could study:

• Commercial law
• Corporate law
• Company law
• Business law

This can help you become an expert in a particular area of law.

Why Choose a Career in Corporate Law?

Are you thinking about becoming a corporate legal counselor? Here are some good reasons to do it:

[1] Intellectual Challenges & Career Growth

Working as a corporate lawyer keeps your mind sharp and helps you grow in your career. You will face interesting legal issues that require clever solutions.

Each challenge helps you become better at analyzing problems and giving precise solutions. Over time, you will build valuable skills and knowledge that make you an expert.

[2] Exciting High-Profile Cases

As a corporate lawyer, you will:

• Handle important mergers and company deals
• Work with big corporations
• Meet and work with top executives
• Build relationships with influential clients
• Deal with interesting compliance challenges
• Have better career opportunities

[3] Stable Job  

Corporate law offers great job security and excellent pay. You can work either:

• At law firms
• In companies’ legal departments

Both options come with competitive salaries and good benefits.
Also take a look at this comprehensive insight into the Average Corporate Lawyer Salary in India.

Essential Skills for a Corporate Lawyer

A successful corporate lawyer needs a number of skills. Here are a few of them–

1. Communication Skills
2. Negotiation skills
3. Research skills

Let’s examine these skills a business lawyer needs to succeed:

[1] Communication Skills

Being able to explain lawful issues in basic terms is crucial. Whether talking or writing, corporate attorneys should be clear and straightforward, particularly while managing clients who are not familiar with lawful terms.

[2] Negotiation Skills

Corporate lawyers spend their time negotiating and drafting contracts. Great negotiation assists them with getting the best client results while keeping up with positive relations with other parties.

[3] Research Skills

When faced with tricky legal problems, corporate lawyers must find solutions quickly. Strong research abilities help them discover solutions and handle unexpected issues that companies face.

These skills work together to make a corporate lawyer effective in their role. While legal knowledge is significant, these skills help attorneys prevail in the corporate world.

Enhance your professional portfolio with upGrad’s Free Soft Skills courses and explore courses on Communication, Public Speaking, Problem Solving and more!

How Long Does it Take to be a Corporate Lawyer?

Becoming a corporate attorney needs commitment to the career. There are two main paths:

1. Direct path: You can take a 5–6-year combined degree (like BA.LLB or BBA LLB).
2. Longer path: First, do a regular 3–5-year college degree. Then, take a 3-year law program. This way takes about 6-8 years total.

After finishing school, you need to:

1. Sign up with the Bar Council
2. Get a license to work in courts or companies

As you acquire experience, you could opt for a master’s degree and focus on a specific area of law.

Remember, becoming a decent corporate lawyer takes time and patience.

What are the Qualifications to Become a Corporate Lawyer

To become a Corporate Lawyer, you need to fulfill a few academic and other relevant requirements. Following are the qualifications you require to become a corporate lawyer: 

[1] Complete 10+2 with 50%+ marks from a recognized institute.

[2] Pass entrance exams e.g., CLAT, AILET.

[3] Choose between:

• 5-year integrated program (BA LLB, BBA LLB, etc.) after 10+2
• 3-year LLB after completing a bachelor’s degree in another field

[4] For 3-year LLB, clear exams like SET, AILET, CLAT, LSAT, etc.

[5] Select a specialization (e.g., criminal, constitutional, intellectual property law)

[6] Obtain provisional registration with a State Bar Council.

[7] You need to clear the All India Bar Exam within two years of registration for the permanent Bar Council of India.

If you plan to build a career in law, you can seek a master’s degree. You can consider options like LLM in Corporate Law. You may also check avenues like Corporate and Commercial Law.

Where Can I Work After Graduating From Law School?

Let us look at the main places where new lawyers can work today. These options can fit different interests and skills, from working with big companies to helping everyday people with their legal problems.

[1] Law Firms

Working at a law firm is what many new lawyers choose to do. Some firms are small and focus on helping local people, while others are huge and work with MNC clients. You could help defend people in court or protect inventors' rights.

[2] Corporate Litigation

Being a corporate lawyer means helping businesses solve their legal problems. You will work on big cases and help companies follow the law. New lawyers in this field often start with good pay. It is exciting work that keeps you on your toes.

[3] In-House Counsel

Working as a company's own lawyer means you will be part of one business full-time. Big companies like Apple, Microsoft, or even your local hospital need their own lawyers. You will get to know one business well and be part of their team. The job is steady and you will learn much about how businesses work.

Are Corporate Attorneys In Demand?

Corporate legal advisors are important for business and government entities. They provide crucial legal advice and guidance. Their demand has surged due to rapid private sector growth and the emergence of new companies. Established firms and startups benefit immensely with the help of qualified corporate lawyers.

They are the backbone of any merger and acquisition deal. They look into the legalities and research organizations’ strengths and weaknesses. For mergers, they ensure legal compliance and handle the necessary paperwork. Thus, becoming a corporate lawyer has great scope in terms of employment and professional demand.

Corporate Lawyers are particularly in demand in the private sector due to:

• Increasing number of new businesses
• Complex legal requirements in corporate operations
• Need for expert guidance in mergers and acquisitions
• Significance of legal compliance in business deals

The growing complexity of corporate law and the growing business landscape drive the requirement for talented corporate legal advisors.

What is the Salary of a Corporate Lawyer

A corporate lawyer in India usually earns about 8 lakh rupees annually. The amount they get depends on things like:

• What they studied
• What skills do they have
• How long they’ve been working
• Where they work
• Which company they work for

New lawyers just starting might earn around 4.11 lakh rupees per year. Highly experienced attorneys can make up to 26 lakh rupees each year.

If a lawyer starts their own business, they could add more to their earnings.

The table below shows how much corporate attorneys can make in various jobs.

Conclusion 

By now you have developed a good understanding of how to become a corporate lawyer with out comprehensive guide on the path to a successful corporate lawyer career. A profession in corporate law offers challenges and various opportunities. While the path requires commitment and hard work, the potential for a satisfying and worthwhile profession is significant.

As businesses continue to evolve, the job of corporate legal counselors stays essential. This guarantees substantial job opportunities for those entering the field. Corporate law could be a magnificent career decision if you are enthusiastic about law.

Considering higher education in law? Check out upGrad’s Law Programs focusing on in-demand law specializations.

Also explore our range of Free Law Courses and learn fundamental legal concepts!

Explore our Popular Law Courses

Dive into our must-read Law articles—packed with tips and trends that every legal enthusiast should know!

Read our Popular Articles related to Law