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Commercial law is a practice area that deals with legal issues related to running businesses and commercial transactions. Its primary focus is on contract and tort law, and clients that come to commercial law firms include large businesses, governments, banks, insurance companies and more. Commercial law is crucial because it affects how businesses are run and how they, in turn, work to help and grow society.
Commercial lawyers can work either as solicitors or barristers.Solicitors typically work with clients from the business sector, drafting legal papers, reviewing business mergers, and negotiating on behalf of clients for the terms of a contract, a licensing agreement. In-house solicitors work for one client and are responsible for the legal issues of the organisation they are working for.
On the other hand, commercial barristers are faced largely with business disputes in the typical form of contract/tort claims. The role of commercial barristers is to guide solicitors to help their clients through litigation and help prepare them for what might appear from the opposition.
Corporate law and commercial law are often confused with one another. Corporate law is a practice area that focuses specifically on companies. On the other hand, commercial law is a broader practice area that encompasses areas such as intellectual property, franchising and litigation.
As mentioned earlier, commercial law is a wide area of practice that encompasses legal issues that can occur in the running of businesses and commercial transactions. It’s important to understand the different sub-areas under commercial law when applying for training contracts. Attend seminars, conferences or webinars on commercial law topics, such as those organised by legal associations or professional bodies. Read industry publications and journals, such as The Lawyer, Legal Week or Law Society Gazette, to stay up to date on current legal issues in commercial law. Take online courses or tutorials, such as those provided by Law Society or other reputable institutions.
This may be obvious, but to become a commercial lawyer in the UK, you’ll need to have a law degree or a degree in a related field. Most law firms will require at least a 2:1 in your undergraduate degree, and some may require a postgraduate degree such as a Master of Laws (LLM). Try to apply to reputable law schools or universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge, or UCL, which offer law degrees. Seek financial aid or scholarships to help pay for the cost of education. Attending law fairs or events to learn more about different law schools and their programs will boost your chances.
Work experience is an essential part of becoming a commercial lawyer. It can help you to stand out from other candidates and show your commitment to the field. Apply for internships or work placements at law firms or legal departments of businesses. My commercial law firms also offer summer vacation schemes. Volunteering for legal aid clinics or pro bono organisations is also a good way to gain practical experience in the field.
Networking is a great way to meet potential employers and learn more about the field of commercial law. Attend law fairs, join professional organisations, and connect with people on LinkedIn to expand your network. Attend networking events hosted by legal associations, law firms or industry groups. Join professional organisations, such as the Law Society or the City of London Law Society, to meet others in the field.
Training contracts are the most common route into commercial law. Large firms that specialise in commercial law offer training contracts to law graduates. These contracts provide on-the-job training and give you the opportunity to work on real cases. Research law firms that offer training contracts in commercial law, such as Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance or Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. Attend law fairs or recruitment events hosted by these firms to learn more about their programs and application process. Use online job boards or recruitment agencies to find training contract opportunities.
Commercial awareness is a crucial skill for any aspiring commercial lawyer. Stay up to date on the latest news and developments in the business world, and understand how the law is applied in the commercial sphere. Read business news publications, such as the Financial Times, The Economist or Bloomberg. You can also attend industry events or conferences, such as those hosted by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) or the Institute of Directors (IoD). Join online discussion groups or forums related to commercial law or business trends
Commercial lawyers need to be able to research complex legal issues and provide accurate and insightful advice to clients. Strong research skills are therefore an essential part of the job. Participate in legal research workshops or training programs offered by law schools or professional organisations. You can also utilise online legal research tools, such as LexisNexis or Westlaw, to build your research skills. Seek feedback from mentors or supervisors on your research work to improve your skills.
Commercial law is a fast-paced and high-pressure field. Employers are looking for candidates who are ambitious, intelligent, and willing to work hard.Take on challenging assignments or proactively seek out new opportunities for learning and development. Demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to the job by meeting deadlines and producing high-quality work is something you need to do. Seeking feedback from supervisors or mentors on areas where you can improve your skills or performance is also crucial.
Commercial lawyers need to build and maintain strong relationships with their clients. This involves being able to communicate effectively, understand their needs, and provide excellent customer service. Attend training sessions or workshops on client management or communication skills. Additionally, take the time to understand your clients’ needs and priorities, and tailor your advice or recommendations accordingly. Developing a strong reputation for delivering exceptional customer service and building lasting relationships with clients will serve you well.
Once you’ve gained some experience in commercial law, consider specialising in a particular area. There are many sub-areas within commercial law, such as banking and finance, contract disputes, and tax. Specialising can help you to stand out from other candidates and become an expert in your field. Seek out opportunities to work on cases or projects in specific areas of commercial law, such as intellectual property or competition law. Attending specialised training or certification programs offered by legal associations or professional bodies and pursuing an advanced degree, such as an LLM or a specialised MBA, will deepen your expertise in a particular area of commercial law.
Commercial law is a broad area of practice with numerous sub-areas of specialisation including:
The term The Magic Circle is often associated with commercial law; this is the name that describes the top five law firms in England. These include: Allen & Overy, Linklaters, Slaughter and May, Freshfields and Clifford Chance. These are the most prestigious firms, and are all commercial law firms. It is without a doubt a competitive area of law that many undergraduates hope to be a part of in their futures. The bonus aspect that it can be a very well-paid job makes it highly attractive to many people.
The future of commercial law in the UK looks highly positive, with a growing demand for legal services in areas such as technology, finance, and data protection. As the UK economy continues to grow and diversify, businesses will require more legal support to navigate complex legal frameworks and comply with regulations.
Advances in technology are also creating new opportunities for commercial lawyers. The rise of e-commerce and digital platforms has led to an increase in cross-border transactions and the need for expertise in areas such as data protection and cybersecurity.
Additionally, the UK’s departure from the European Union has created new challenges for businesses operating across borders, which has led to increased demand for legal advice and support in areas such as trade and regulatory compliance.
Overall, the future of commercial law in the UK is bright, with growing demand for legal services in a range of sectors and specialisms. As the UK economy continues to evolve and new challenges arise, commercial lawyers will play an essential role in helping businesses to navigate legal frameworks, manage risks, and achieve their goals.
Becoming a commercial lawyer requires a combination of education, work experience, networking, and personal development. The top ten tips outlined in this guide will help aspiring lawyers to stand out from other candidates and show their commitment to the field.
Aspiring commercial lawyers should take the initiative to learn and grow in the field, seek out mentors, and be proactive in their approach. Practising commercial law can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, and with the right mindset and work ethic, you can achieve your goals. So, start taking the first steps towards becoming a successful commercial lawyer today!
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