Today’s world moves at breakneck speed. With 24 hour contact possible around the globe, business decisions have to be made instantaneously. Delay and you could miss out on that crucial contract.
But who protects the businesses? Who makes sure all the I’s are dotted and the T’s crossed? Who makes sure a business is operating within the law? And who keeps pace with the ever-changing legal landscape? That is the role of a commercial lawyer, the expert who guides a business through a range of challenges – and away from potential legal pitfalls.
Commercial law covers areas of the law relating to business, whether that is the buying and selling of goods, products and services and includes, among others, the complex areas of consumer protection and intellectual property.
A career in commercial law is appealing to many solicitors, not least because of its importance to the business world.
While business leaders concentrate on their day-to-day challenges, commercial lawyers will be in constant demand to provide their invaluable legal advice and expertise.
Good commercial lawyers must have excellent attention to detail. The smallest error in an agreement could result in a huge – and expensive – problem for the business. By contrast, a well-constructed contract will provide clarity and security for all parties.
Commercial lawyers must also have an innate desire to learn. Laws are constantly changing and updating as the legal world endeavours to keep pace with changes in society. It is the lawyer’s job to keep up with those changes – ignorance is never an excuse.
The field of commercial law is vast. The remit includes copyright, competition, contract and environmental law as well as business regulation. As a commercial lawyer, one day you could be examining the issue of intellectual property, a crucial issue for creative industries and manufacturers. The next, you may be called on to draw up a contract for a distribution agreement. And by the end of the week, you could be called upon to determine liability for a post on a social media site. Commercial lawyers can also provide tax advice and guidance on contract law.
Commercial lawyers might find themselves in boardrooms or courts, offering legal counsel during legal disputes. You could also be at the heart of key decisions, reviewing business mergers and negotiating multi-million pound contracts.
While the work is varied, there is also the opportunity to become more specialised as your knowledge and reputation grows.
The road to becoming a successful commercial lawyer might be long. It is a competitive field but once qualified, the best lawyers will be well paid for their work – their knowledge really is a valuable asset. Whatever the state of the world, as long as there are businesses, commercial lawyers will always be needed.
When considering your next move as a commercial lawyer, a legal recruiter can be instrumental in guiding you towards the right role. With our in-depth knowledge of the legal job market, the team at Origin Legal can help you identify key opportunities in areas such as corporate transactions, commercial contracts, or regulatory compliance. We pride ourselves on matching your experience and ambitions with firms looking for talent in your specialism, whether you’re seeking to join a top-tier firm or move into a niche area.
For more information on legal recruitment for commercial lawyers and other key roles in the profession, contact us today.
