Are you a law student who aspires to be a corporate lawyer one day? At SMS Law College, we polish our BA LLB students in every aspect of the law, including corporate law. In this guide, we will offer all that you need to know to work for top corporate law firms in India (like Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, Trilegal, Luthra & Luthra, Khaitan, Talwar Thakore and Associates, Pathak and Associates, and more).

How does this guide help you as an aspiring corporate lawyer?

BA LLB students have different aspirations. Some want to freelance, work as an independent practitioner, or even dream of starting their own law practice. Others want to assist high-growth startups (like Ola, Make My Trip, Google, Oyo, Zomato, Paytm or Cred) with their corporate needs. Still others might be looking for options where they can work three to ten times their peers while doing remote work!

Corporate law is a great field to fulfil all these dreams. And that’s not all.

We have seen corporate lawyers working for startups from Silicon Valley (in India and the actual one in the US). Those who cater to international clients need to be experts in regulations applicable to cross-border transactions. 

We believe that this guide will help all kinds of BA LLB students who think Corporate Law may open up an ideal career path for them.

Benefits of Learning Business Laws Today as a Law Student

1. Enhanced Employability and Earning Potential: Corporate law seems to be a field with strong demand in India. Corporate lawyers handle a wide range of responsibilities essential to businesses, from formation to complex transactions. This indicates a continued need for their expertise, especially as India’s business landscape grows. Specialized skills, like those in mergers & acquisitions, can further increase employability.

According to LinkedIn, fresh BA LLB graduates entering corporate law can expect a starting monthly salary range of Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. As they gain experience (and potentially specialized skills), the potential to earn significantly increases to Rs 987,342 or even Rs 1,463,872 annually.

It is also seen that corporate law careers in major business hubs like New Delhi, Bangalore, or Mumbai offer salaries higher than the national average.

2. Improved Client Acquisition and Business Development

Knowledge of business law allows you to speak the language of your corporate clients, helping you build trust and better understand their challenges. You’ll be able to provide a wider range of services to clients, making you a more valuable asset for law firms or for attracting clients to your own independent practice.

A good understanding of business principles makes you a more strategic advisor – and you will be able to provide insights beyond purely legal matters.

3. Opportunities for Global Practice and Remote Work

Corporate law is inherently international. Knowing business laws across jurisdictions opens up opportunities to work on complex deals and represent global clients.

Also, technology and globalization are enabling more corporate lawyers to work remotely, offering flexibility and the potential to tap into lucrative international markets. According to JD Supra, 30% of work in law firms is being done remotely. A 2024 Industry Trends Report also emphasised that 89% of legal professionals are recognising the importance of remote-supportive technology. A 2023 report from Thomson Reuters Corp. found that 64% of 246 law firms in the US transitioned from fully in-person to hybrid or remote work models.

So, for law students interested in working remotely, corporate law might offer good options.

4. The Global Economy is Creating New Demand for Corporate Lawyers

The interconnectedness of the global economy means businesses are increasingly engaging in cross-border deals. Understanding business laws across different jurisdictions is crucial for navigating these complex transactions, advising clients effectively, and mitigating risks. BA LLB students who prepare themselves for this challenge will surely get a chance to excel.

Besides, the rise of the startup ecosystem has also created a surge in demand for lawyers who understand venture capital funding, intellectual property protection, and other legal aspects crucial to emerging businesses. This is the right time to get familiar with business laws and stay updated about them as governments are constantly updating regulations related to data privacy, cybersecurity, environmental protection, and other areas that directly impact businesses. Companies need people who know about all this to remain compliant and avoid legal trouble.

Why do 90% of BA LLB students fail to get jobs in big corporate law firms? 

Securing a job at a big corporate law firm is undeniably competitive. BA LLB students face high competition for limited spots in top corporate law firms. These firms receive far more applications than they have positions for, especially for entry-level roles. Big corporate firms, especially, often attract the most ambitious graduates with top academic credentials.

Corporate law involves complex legal areas like mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property, and securities law. Law students who have done internships, clinics, or work in these areas have an edge over their peers and stand out from the crowd. While strong grades are important, big firms look beyond just exam scores. They want well-rounded candidates.

SMS Law College offers several opportunities and resources for the holistic development of its BA LLB students. You can use them to specialise in areas that align with your interests and skills. You should also seek internships or pro bono work to gain hands-on legal experience in related areas if you want to be a corporate lawyer.

Fresh law graduates are advised to explore smaller firms, in-house legal departments, or adjacent legal roles to gain experience and build their network while waiting for the right opportunity.

To read about common mistakes to avoid, career opportunities for corporate lawyers in India and abroad, and a step-by-step roadmap to build a career in corporate law, read the next part of the article here:

How To Become A Corporate Lawyer As A BA LLB Student? – Part 2