Business Attorney Job Description

Business attorneys provide legal counsel to corporations, assisting them in understanding business laws pertaining to tax, security, licensing, bankruptcy, contracts and labor, among others. Whenever a lawsuit is filed, they also act as first line of defense by representing their clients in civil and criminal courts. Basically, the job of a business attorney is to guide company executives on legal proceedings on variety of matters.

Work Environment

The setting is similar to other office based jobs. Typically, large companies hire an entire team of lawyers and attorneys. Usually, the head of this legal team is offered a VP status who also attends official board meetings. Although rare but a business attorney is sometimes expected to work on weekends and even holidays. Apart from private companies, a large number of business attorneys also work for hospitals, non-for-profit organizations and private practice firms. Most of these jobs are located in major metropolitan cities where headquarters of large companies reside.

Education & Professional Requirements

Nowadays, a four years Bachelor degree is required by almost every employer to be considered for a job as business attorney. Although most job advertisements will indicate Bachelors as a minimum requirement but large and reputable organizations only consider Master degree holders as serious candidates. In spite of such emphasis on high level degrees, companies are ever willing to induct people who have real world experience rather than just a degree. All law students must take specialized courses including business law, taxation, insurance law and e-business courses. Apart from holding professional degrees, business attorneys must pass the State Bar exam in order to qualify for legal practice in that particular State.

Beginnings of a Career

Many business attorneys start by working as junior corporate attorney which does not require Master level degree and also provide the necessary career track needed to excel. Moreover, it is not uncommon for students to locate internships and continue their studies while advancing on the corporate ladder.

Students also find it convenient to enroll in reputed law organizations which make it easier for them to gain credibility and build important contacts. Local law libraries also provide opportunities to become a research assistant. Becoming a junior court clerk is another pathway to experience court proceedings, firsthand. Still, others locate opportunities to work with lawyers and attorneys as an assistant.

Self employment

Self employed business attorneys are hired by companies to work on a contract or on case by case basis. Often, these self employed business attorneys work for several clients, in conjunction. Many large multi-national corporations hire dedicated team of lawyers to guide them, accordingly. It is also not uncommon to find full time business attorney working for small to medium sized companies.

Salary & Future Prospects

As companies find themselves dealing with ever increasing number of corporate lawsuits, the need to hire business attorneys have also increased. Although getting a degree and passing all professional exams may take time but once a business attorney gains full credentials, the rumination package gets attractive. As of 2010, basic starting salary for most business attorneys exceeds $55,000. A fresh graduate is expected to earn anywhere from $45,000 to $90000. The pay scale increases with years of experience.

Typically, major differences in pay scale become imminent after five years of practicing when most business attorneys can expect at least a 50% increase from their original pay. Apart from this basic pay structure, business attorneys working for corporations are entitled to health, insurance and retirement packages, as any other employee. As for self employed business attorneys, they do not get these benefits but they get compensated by making their own work schedules and demanding higher pay per case.