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How to Become a Corporate Lawyer: Career Guide, Courses, Steps, Qualifications, Jobs, Salary 2023

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Ahana Bhaduri

Senior Content Specialist

The corporate sector is the backbone of the Indian economy and contributes approximately 53% of the total GDP in the country. Corporate law involves overseeing legal and external affairs including litigation, compliance, mergers and acquisition, contract matters, and international trade issues. The corporate sector in India has witnessed immense growth in the Indian Market and continues to grow at a rapid speed. 

One of the most crucial eligibility criteria to become a Corporate Lawyer is that aspiring candidates must be a citizen of the country and should not be less than 17 years of age. Apart from this, the basic qualifications required to become a Corporate Lawyer include candidates having completed 3 or 5 years of Law courses such as BA LLBLLB or B.Sc LLB etc. from top law colleges in India such as National Law University, NALSAR and others.

To get admission across top Law colleges, candidates are required to clear various Law Entrance Exams such as CLATAILETSETLSATAP LAWCET etc. After completing the course, candidates can start their practice in the corporate sector. Candidates can also pursue various certification programs for the development of essential and relevant skills such as drafting, mergers and acquisitions etc.

Read More: 

The average salary of a Corporate Lawyer is INR 5.90 LPA. Several important factors play an important role in determining the salary of a Corporate Lawyer such as academics, experience, and skills. As per Upgrade, Corporate Lawyers with corporate governance skills earn 131% more than the average. If we talk about experience, fresh graduates earn INR 4 LPA while candidates with 5 - 6 years of experience earn INR 6.50 LPA. 

Read More:

What does a Corporate Lawyer do

A Corporate Lawyer is responsible for handling a firm’s legal transactions, partnerships and projects while making sure that all laws and regulations are incorporated and followed. They are also in charge of maintaining the best interests of their client while avoiding all possible risks and violations. Some of the duties of a Corporate Lawyer have been mentioned below:

  • They are responsible for preparing all legal documents for a trial and court proceedings.
  • They must represent their company in legal proceedings and avoid legal complications as much as possible.
  • Take on client pitches, comprehend their situation and act in their best interest.
  • A Corporate Lawyer must negotiate deals between companies and prepare all the necessary paperwork.
  • They must also properly and thoroughly research the company before proceeding with any kind of deal. 
  • Guide the company regarding the legal and regulatory compositions to ensure that the company does not land into any complications. 

Check: Types of lawyers

Steps to Become a Corporate Lawyer

There are certain steps that need to be taken in order to pursue a career as a Corporate Lawyer. Some of the important steps are discussed below for your reference, 

  1. Clear the Entrance exam - Candidates are required to clear the entrance exam such as CLATAILETSET etc to get into the top law college in India. The entrance exam will consist of topics such as logical reasoning, current affairs, general knowledge, and English. These entrance tests will evaluate candidates for English, logical reasoning etc. 
  2. Earn Bachelor’s degree - Candidates must pursue a 3-year or 5-year law program. These law programs focus on various laws including case studies. Candidates can choose their specialization as per the choice in which they want to pursue their law career. Candidates will learn to write case studies, conduct research work, undertake moot court programs etc. 
  3. Gain relevant skills - Due to heavy competition in the law field, gaining practical knowledge and work experience will help to gain relevant skills. Candidates can also pursue various certification programs focussing on the development of skills which will help candidates to stand out. Some of the important skills are discussed below for your reference, 
    • Negotiation skills - It is one of the most important aspects of a law career, especially for ones who want to pursue a career in litigation. A good lawyer needs to be a good negotiator too. There are several online programs offering courses in negotiation by Coursera, edX, and Udemy. 
    • Contract Drafting - Contract drafting is one of the most important skills, especially for dealing with corporate law. Candidates might be required to put up new deals on paper, renew old deals, build relationships etc. candidates will get to learn different types of contracts such as Dispute resolution, non-disclosure agreements, MOUs, and employment agreements.
    • Intellectual Property Rights - It is very important for the candidates to understand the basics of Intellectual property rights as now the companies have a large number of intellectual property assets now the market is more innovation-driven.
  4. Register with Bar Council: It is mandatory for the candidates to register themselves provisionally with the bar council of the state. candidates are required to submit all their documents and pay the required fees to get themselves provisionally registered. Post that, candidates are required to appear for the Bar exam to get their permanent practice license.
  5. Take the Bar Exam: In order to practice litigation, candidates are required to clear the All India Bar Exam (AIBE). The Bar Council Of India conducts this examination and issues a permanent certificate of practice.
  6. Pursue a Master’s degree: It would be very beneficial for the candidates to pursue a master’s degree. There are various specializations that this program offers such as in entertainment and media, civil, healthcare, environmental law, and commercial law. Candidates must choose their specializations based on their choice.

Read More: Steps to Become a Lawyer

How Long does it Take to Become a Corporate Lawyer

It might take years and a lot of hard work and patience to become a Corporate Lawyer. If one is directly pursuing a 5-year integrated BA.LLB, B.Sc LLB, BBA LLB etc then it will take 5 - 6 years. However, if the candidate is pursuing a 3-year LLB program, then a minimum of 6 - 8 years (including 3 - 5 years in graduation and 3 years of LLB programs) will be the total duration of becoming a Corporate Lawyer. 

After completing their education, candidates are also required to register themselves in the Bar Council. Post that, candidates get a license to practice in court or a corporate environment. As one gains some experience, it would be beneficial for the candidates to pursue a master’s degree i.e LL.M and choose their specialization accordingly. 

Qualifications to Become a Corporate Lawyer

There are several educational as well as other necessary prerequisites that the candidates must fulfil in order to become a Corporate Lawyer. Some of the qualifications are listed below for your reference.

  1. Candidates must have completed 10+2 from a recognized institute in any discipline with a minimum aggregate of 50% or above.
  2. Candidates need to clear the entrance exam such as CLAT, AILET, SLAT, etc to get into top law colleges in India.
  3. After 10+2, candidates can pursue a 5-year integrated law program such as BA LLBBBA LLBB.SC LLB etc. 
  4. If the candidate is pursuing a bachelor's degree in any discipline other than law, they need to pursue a 3-year LLB program.
  5. In order to pursue a 3-year LLB program, candidates need to clear the entrance exam such as CLATAILETSETLSATAP LAWCET, MH CET, etc.
  6. Candidates need to choose their specialization such as labour, family, criminal, constitutional, environmental, company, property law, intellectual property law etc. 
  7. Candidates need to get themselves provisionally registered with the Bar Council of any state by submitting the required documents and fees in order to start practising.
  8. Within a 2-year period from the date of registration in the bar council, candidates need to pass the All India Bar Examination to get themselves permanently registered with the Bar Council of India. 
  9. Candidates can also pursue master’s degrees such as LLM in Corporate law, corporate and securities law, corporate and commercial law, etc. if the candidate wants to make their career in corporate law.

Are Corporate Lawyers in Demand

Corporate Lawyers are in high demand because almost all companies and government bodies need them for legal advice and guidance on various issues. Moreover, since the private sector is expanding rapidly with the emergence of new companies, the demand for Corporate Lawyers has increased manifolds. A qualified Corporate Lawyer is the need of the hour for newly established firms or for already existing firms as they need legal support.

In the private sector, a merger between companies and buying and selling of companies is also a common practice which requires the vigilance of a Corporate Lawyer who can look into the legalities of the matter and thoroughly research the company’s positive and negative aspects. They guide the buyer company about the benefits of buying another company and ensure that they do not make a deal that would bring them a loss. In the case of mergers as well, the lawyers look into the legalities of the merger and prepare all the paperwork that is necessary.

Therefore, it is due to the above-mentioned reasons that the demand for Corporate Lawyers is growing and there is an increased need to hire Corporate Lawyers, especially in the private sector. Read MoreHow to become a Lawyer

Corporate Lawyer vs Commercial Lawyer

Corporate Lawyers and Commercial lawyers perform almost the same duties related to the business world but their areas of focus can be different. Corporate Lawyers work with specific corporations in legal departments but commercial lawyers work in all business-related matters.

Corporate Law Commercial Law
Corporate law deals with the purchase and distribution of goods, corporate law is the area of law that regulates the creation of companies, shareholder rights, mergers, and acquisitions. The central government and state governments have various responsibilities when it comes to regulating corporate law. To regulate stock purchases and workplace safety and security, the federal government has laws in place, and when necessary, the states enact additional legislation. Commercial Lawyers are responsible for establishing commercial law across various entities such as government bodies, private organizations or even mergers between the two. Commercial Law controls the buying and selling of goods in the United States. The states use it as a guideline when drafting new laws to control commerce. It is crucial to have a Commercial Lawyer who is knowledgeable in the specific state's business rules because the majority of states have UCU regulations that have been drastically amended.
Corporate Law has a wider impact on businesses. Contracts, taxation, and employment law are some of the topics that corporate law attorneys deal with. Contrary to commercial law, this type of law is more prevalent. Commercial Law has a huge impact on corporate enterprises. Legal disputes involving the breach of crucial components of business law are the subject of involvement by numerous organizations.
Corporate Lawyers usually make less money than commercial lawyers but it also depends on qualifications, skills, experience, location, company and experience. The average salary of a Corporate Lawyer is INR 10 LPA The average salary of a commercial lawyer is INR 12 LPA.

Salary of a Corporate Lawyer

The average salary of a Corporate Lawyer is INR 5.90 LPA. There are certain factors determining the salary based on their qualifications, skills, experience, location and firm they work in. Freshers can expect a starting salary of INR 4.11 LPA which can go up to INR 26 LPA. If the candidate opens his own firm then in that case the candidate can make a good amount of money. Tabulated below is the salary of a Corporate Lawyer based on their job profile for your reference.

Specialization Average Annual Salary (INR)
Environmental Lawyers 5.56 L
Family lawyers 5.61 L
Labour lawyers 6.04 L
Constitutional Lawyer 7.56 L
Intellectual Property Lawyers 7.60 L
Tax Lawyer 6.00 L
Criminal Lawyer 5.40 L

How to Become a Corporate Lawyer: FAQs

Ques. Can I become a Corporate Lawyer after completing BBA LLB?

Ans. Yes, one can become a Corporate Lawyer after completing BBA LLB by joining law firms. 

Ques. Do Corporate Lawyers get paid well?

Ans. Yes, Corporate Lawyers with an experience of 0-4 years earn an average salary of around INR 5.50 LPA. The highest salary a Corporate Lawyer can earn can go in crores.

Ques. How long does it take to become a Corporate Lawyer?

Ans. To become a Corporate Lawyer, it takes 5 years of study and 1 year of internship experience to become a Corporate Lawyer.

Ques. Which are the top law schools to become a Corporate Lawyer?

Ans. The top law schools to become a Corporate Lawyer are:

  • National Law University, New Delhi
  • Symbiosis Law University
  • National Law School of India University, Bangalore
  • National Academy of Legal Studies and Research University, Hyderabad 

Ques. Which entrance exams can be taken to join law school?

Ans. Entrance exams that can be taken to join law school are:

  • CLAT
  • AILET
  • MCET
  • SET

Ques. What are the different fields of corporate law?

Ans. There are many domains within corporate law like:

  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Merger & Acquisition 
  • Banking
  • Business

Ques. Do Corporate Lawyers earn in crores?

Ans. Yes, Corporate Lawyers with qualifications, skills and more than 15-20 years of experience can earn in crores.

Ques. Can a Corporate Lawyer become a high court judge?

Ans. No, only lawyers practicing under the government like high court and supreme court lawyers can become judges. 

Ques. Is LLM compulsory to become a Corporate Lawyer?

Ans. No, LLM is not compulsory to become a Corporate Lawyer but a LLM degree with specialization in corporate law can benefit employment.

Ques. Is BA LLB better or BBA LLB better?

Ans. The subjects taught in both the courses remain the same except for the fact that BA LLB is more humanities oriented and BBA LLB is more business oriented. However, the employment opportunities after completing both courses shall remain the same. 

Ask your question

Answered Questions

IB

Indira Banerjee

14 May 21

A few years back a friend of mine was in a situation when he had to make a choice between lower ranked NIUs and Bennett University. After much consideration he chooses Bennett. According to him, it was the best choice. He had a great experience at the institute. 

Here is his input about the BBA LLB course at Bennett University. 

  • Faculty- In the School of Law particularly, the faculty appointed is unmatchable even by the top National Law Schools. Bennett has the best faculty with professors holding PhDs from top institutions such as the London School of Economics, and in India, such as IIM’s, NLS Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad. They impart education in the most modern ways.
  • Tech Learning- All the learning is E-learning through modern methods acquired from international universities such as Cornell University, New York, USA. one simply needs pen and paper only during the exams.
  • Association - Bennett University is associated directly with Johnson Cornell University, New York, USA. The teachers from The Partner University visit Bennett University for teaching. Bennett has exchange programs and other international cultural programs with these partner institutes.
  • Law School Events- The Law school in its 1st year of formation conducted various events and even an Intra-Law School Fest with sponsors such as The Times of India, Manupatra, Law Skills, Contrario, etc. The fest involved the participation of Professors as well as Students. 
  • Student Bar Association- The Student Bar Association is a student-run body that takes care of the student’s aspects and the running of the School of Law alongside the administration. There are many clubs and committees under SBA which are managed by student moderators with the members. 
  • Law Library- The BU SOL has a Law Library inaugurated by Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji. The library is vast. In addition to the books and e-books, it contains various law Databases such as West Law.

Hope this gives you an idea about the course.

...Show More

AR

Alankrita Rajbhar

27 Jul 22

If you want a career in litigation, then Allahabad University is a good option. You will get ample time and resources to build required skills. Allahabad High Court and lower courts will assist in clearing your basics and make you a professional. It is a good option for judicial services too. You will be able to manage your preparations, as attendance rules aren’t strict. 

But for corporate sector jobs, Allahabad University isn’t a good option. Very few companies visit the campus placements. 

Allahabad University law degrees are cost-effective compared to NLUs. The total tuition fee for LLB at the university is only INR 2.3 Lakhs. Also, Allahabad isn’t a costly city.

...Show More

SK

Saloni Kaushik

29 Sept 21

SOL DU is recognized by UGC, so you will be eligible to apply for a regular LLB from Delhi University. The following are the requirements for admission to Delhi University's law school for the LLB degree program.

  • You must have a Graduate/Post-Graduate Degree from the University of Delhi or its equivalent with at least 50% marks if you are from General and Other Backward Classes (OBC). However, the cut-off marks for OBC applicants in the Entrance Test will be up to 10% lower than the marks announced for general candidates.
  • OBC category students are granted a 5% relaxation in the minimum eligibility requirements. 
  • The widows/wards of defense personnel (CW) category are granted a 5% relaxation in the minimum eligibility requirements for general candidates. 
  • Candidates belonging to the physically handicapped (PH) category are granted a relaxation of up to 5% in the minimum eligibility prescribed for general candidates.

You will also need to give an entrance examination if you are applying for this course. I recommend that you contact the relevant university for more information. 

...Show More

SG

Sakshi Gupta

29 Sept 21

Exams are simple to pass, however gaining necessary information is a little tougher. It's the right technique to make your concepts obvious, mentioning sections and focusing on the bare act. Doing the following would be a lot easier method:

  • Classroom lectures are always the most effective.
  • Making running notes entails writing down what you believe is important.
  • Choose a standard reading book (textbook/reference book) for each subject. 
  • This is the only book you should read if you want to pass your examinations. 
  • An author’s book, often known as a "Commentary," would be beneficial for conceptual clarity as well as legal expertise and terminology.

Presentation is another useful tool. You could present the answer in your own distinct style. Make a clear format for how you'll write your answers. The following is an example of a possible response:

  • A brief introduction (A line or two introducing the answer to the question)
  • The case's/facts questions (if any)
  • Provision of the law (Includes Section, Article, Clause if you know it)
  • The inference made by you (the actual answer that is examined)
  • Jurisprudence (if any)
  • Conclusion

If the issue is for lower marks, your structure can be simplified, but the Section, Article, Clause, and Case law should still be included.

If recalling Sections and other details is tough, focus on the most important ones. When a topic is presented, the rest of the book can be read leisurely with consistent and pertinent references.

...Show More

NY

Naveen Yadav

26 Aug 22

Maharaja Agrasen (MAIMS IPU) does offer a BBA LLB. It is a 5-year long course offered by the Department of Law. MAIMS IPU BBA LLB has a student intake of 60. Admission to this five-year course is through CLAT (Common Law Aptitude Test). The prerequisite for the course is at least 50% in 10+2. 

MAIMS offers placement support to BBA LLB students. The average CTC for the course is around INR 1-2 LPA. 

...Show More

SS

Shikha Singh

05 May 21

Amity University, Gwalior, provides two courses in Law. One is BA LLB and another one is B.COM LLB.

Let’s know more about each course separately and what scope of both these programs:

B.A LL.B- 

  • B.A LL.B is an undergraduate program that is of five years duration. This is an integrated course with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law. Its syllabus includes Arts subjects including History, Political Science, Economics, Law, Legislature. 
  • The curriculum of the course is designed in a way that will give you knowledge of the law along with general aptitude. 
  • The scope of B.A LL.B is vast, it gives immense opportunity to students. After obtaining a license from the Bar Council, local, or state, law graduates may also work privately. After some experience, they further promoted to Attorney, Associate Attorney, Solicitor General, etc.
  • After graduating from the University may also go to practice law in District, High, or Supreme Court of India. They can also go for higher studies. They may also make their career as a government lawyer in Defence, Tax and Labour, or as a Public Prosecutor.

B.COM LL.B-

  • B.COM LL.Bis an undergraduate program which is of five years duration, run by Amity University, Gwalior. This is an integrated course with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Law. Its syllabus includes Cost Accounting, Principle of Auditing, Market study, Corporate Tax, Micro-Macro Economics, Principles of Auditing, Law, Legislature.
  • The curriculum of the B.COM LL.B is designed in a way that it gives students knowledge of both practical and theory. Students go through moot court exercises and practices. 
  • The scope of B.COM LL.B has immense opportunity for students. After obtaining a license from the Bar Council of India, State Council of India, law graduates may work privately, or practiceinDistrict, High, or Supreme Court of India. They can also go work higher studies or practice under law firms. 
  • Law graduates can also work in government sectors, defense, Constitution and Labour department, consultancy, politics, or as a public prosecutor. 

Therefore, doing a Law degree from Amity University, Gwalior, is a good option. If you are thinking to join the university then go ahead with it. 

...Show More

VM

Vijay Mishra, 

30 Oct 21

Once you enroll yourself for any law course with KSLU, you will have to complete the course within the prescribed time by the university. 

For example, if you are in the 3 years course of LLB then you will be given +3 years to finish the course (i.e, 3+3). If you surpass the time you will have to enroll for the fresh batch.

Otherwise, you can also keep the course going and be enrolled, take a year's break, and get back. But it is difficult to catch up with the academics considering a break since they take time to follow up. 

Also, it is heard in rumors that KSLUs evaluation system is unfair and has left students in much agony.

...Show More

AG

Anuj Gulati

22 Apr 22

Bharati Vidyapeeth New Law College is better for a BBA LLB. The college is reputed and well-known all across the country. BVP fees are less. The BBA LLB course cost around INR 1.78 Lakhs. There are 120 Govt. aided seats. These seats have fees of around INR 40k per annum. 

It also has a good placement record. Students of this college have got placements in High Courts of India, Indian Army Judiciary, Supreme Court of India, and top corporate firms. 

...Show More

SS

Somdatta Satpati

12 Jan 21

According to my fellow classmates at Amity University Raipur, they have integrated law courses offered by the University that are reliable as well as flexible. It is one of the best private universities in Raipur and elsewhere.

Category

BBA LLB

BA LLB

Total Fee

1,36,000

6,95,000

Entrance Mode

10+2

10+2

Hostel fee

60,000

60,000

Eligibility Criteria –

  • To get admitted to BA LLB or BBA LLB at Amity University, Raipur, you need to clear 10+2. 
  • The student needs to score a minimum of 50% in their Class 12.
  • Students who obtain 80% or more in their Class 12 are exempted from the admission process.

Students can fill in the application form online if they are eligible. An application fee of 1,100/- is to be paid. A form number and Password will be generated. With the help of this you can track your form and check if you have been selected or not. If admitted, download the Admission letter and pay the fee through the link provided.

Amity University, Raipur is one of the excellent colleges in Chhattisgarh, and it offers good education and proper placements. It is a 5 year course, the final 2 years will be dedicated solely to complete LLB.

...Show More

AP

Arunima Patil

17 Oct 20

Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, and Chandigarh University are well-known colleges of India and are well ranked. Bharati Vidyapeeth is ranked 38 for BBA by India Today 2019, whereas Chandigarh University is accredited by NAAC ‘A’ Grade.

Both the colleges provide good placements under the course BBA LLB. However, if a college has to be chosen, one can look at their placements for the course BBA LLB in the academic year 2019.

College

Bharati Vidyapeeth

Chandigarh university

Highest CTC

12 LPA

6 LPA

Average CTC

7 LPA

3 LPA

Lowest CTC

3 LPA

2 LPA

Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune-

  • It provides a 90% placement rate.

  • The top recruiters include Amazon, Fidelity, ITC, India bulls, Fin serve, Justdial, Indusland bank, Yes bank, Axis bank, Naukri.com, and Quick heal.

The placements offered in this college are on par with other colleges. Apart from the placements, the college has a good faculty with the majority of the teachers having a Ph.D. degree in their respective fields.

Chandigarh University-

It provides a brilliant placement opportunity to its students, many top companies visit the college.

  • In the year 2019, the college had a placement record of 85%.

  • Some of the top companies that recruit the students include Amazon, Apollo, Dell, Bajaj Allianz, Google, Geico, HCL, HP, and Genpact.

Chandigarh University is very famous for its placements, even in the Covid-19 times, the college has offered over 80% of placements in various fields. The faculty of this college is student-friendly.

Therefore, if one has to choose the college solely upon the facts of the placements, they can refer to the table mentioned above and choose the college.

...Show More

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