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Business law schools are designed for students who want to complete a masters in business law. Small businesses and corporations alike need the assistance of business lawyers to help with business acquisitions, initial public offerings and the legal issues associated with running a business. Students who study business law learn all of the basic laws, statutes and regulations that govern businesses in their respective state, and acquire the practical skills and experience to work for small businesses, corporate clients, government entities and other organizations.
Types of Business Law Schools
Some business law schools offer a specialized program in the field of business through their regular law school, while others have a separate business law college or university for students who wish to pursue a master's degree and advanced research studies in the field. Most business law schools offer a joint degree of business and law, and not a specific business law degree program.
Most business law schools offer four-year or six-year degree programs, as well as certificates in the fields of business tax law, corporate business law and other specialized fields.
Business Law School Degree Programs
Students interested will need to gain regular law school admission first. This typically requires completing an undergraduate degree and passing the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Getting into law school can be very competitive and students may need to take LSAT preparation courses or work with a tutor in order to prepare for the exam. Business law and commercial law courses are available at many law schools in the United States, but students need to make sure that the college offers a well-rounded educational experience.
Some business law school degree programs include an internship or externship component where students work with lawyers and other professionals to solve real-life problems, review court cases and determine the best course of action. From negotiating contracts to reviewing accounting practices, business law school degree programs prepare students to work with businesses and ensure that operations are compliant with the law.
Getting a Masters in Business Law
The masters program is a one-year master's degree that prepares students to work in the private, commercial or government sector. Students learn advanced critical thinking and creative thinking skills, and can apply their research skills to overcome common business challenges. Most masters in business law degree programs include a foundation unit in law and business decision-making, a research paper, advanced studies in the field, and at least two elective courses.
Students completing a masters program may also have the option to specialize in a particular field, such as corporate law or taxation. Some of the common specializations or areas of focus include:
Types of Business Law Course Programs
Every business law university has its own curriculum, but the majority require the following courses:
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Legal Environment of Business
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Leadership Ethics
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Commercial Law
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Advanced Accounting
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Legal Environment of Business
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Employment Law
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Cyber Law
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Legal Aspects of Financial and Commercial Transactions
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Special Studies in Business Law
Attending Business Law Universities
Students interested in attending business law universities need to have strong communication, accounting, basic math and debating skills. Most students have completed an undergraduate degree in the field of general business, political science, social work or other related fields. Business law universities typically host a number of workshops, seminars and interactive training sessions for students, and some offer study-abroad programs for those who want to specialize in international business law or broaden their scope of skills.
Career Options After Business Law School
Students can choose from a number of attractive careers and jobs in the field of business law. These include:
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Arbitrator
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International Trade Specialist
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Labor Relations Specialist
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General Business Lawyer or Corporate Lawyer
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Financial Analyst
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Lending Officer
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Risk Management Director
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Mergers and Acquisitions Consultant
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wages of all wage-and-salaried lawyers in May 2008 were $110,590. Those that worked for companies and enterprises earned significantly higher, and those that worked for the state government earned significantly lower.
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