What Course is Best for a Commercial Lawyer?

Commercial lawyers in the UK play a crucial role in helping businesses prosper and manage risk. Their work often spans diverse commercial projects, which may include advising on the manufacture, sale, supply, and distribution of goods and services, as well as business expansion strategies such as distribution or franchise models. Commercial lawyers may also guide businesses on e-commerce, online trading, or technology-related matters such as setting up an app. Given the dynamic and varied nature of this area of practice, aspiring commercial lawyers must have a strong understanding of commercial law rules and business acumen. This article explores the educational and training pathways needed to become a commercial solicitor.

Do You Need Specific Qualifications to Become a Commercial Lawyer?

To become a commercial solicitor in England, you do not need specific qualifications in commercial law. Instead, you must qualify as a solicitor by completing general legal training and then focus on commercial law.

The traditional routes to qualification include:

• Law Degree (LLB) or Conversion Course (GDL):

Most commercial lawyers start with an LLB degree, which provides the foundational legal knowledge needed. If you have a degree in another field, you can take the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) to convert to law.

• Legal Practice Course (LPC):

Aspiring solicitors who started their training before the introduction of the SQE can still complete the LPC. However, for new entrants, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has now replaced the LPC as the primary route to qualification.

• Training Contract (or Qualifying Work Experience for SQE):

Solicitors will need to undertake a two-year training contract with a law firm. During this stage, or as part of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) under the SQE route, working in commercial law departments is important to prepare for post-qualification work. Training contracts and SQE provide exposure to real-world business projects and transactions. These roles typically involve rotating through different departments, such as corporate law, banking, and commercial contracts, to gain experience in drafting and contract negotiation.

You can learn more about the SQE route  here.

While there is no requirement for specific commercial law qualifications, gaining relevant experience can make you stand out and show your commitment to a commercial legal career. Internships, work placements, or an LLM in Commercial Law can strengthen your expertise and make you more competitive in the job market.

Should You Consider Postgraduate Specialisations in Commercial Law?

While not required, pursuing a Master of Laws in Commercial or Corporate Law can provide a better understanding of subjects such as corporate finance, competition law, and international trade. This specialisation can be advantageous for handling complex commercial transactions. Additionally, practical experience through internships in commercial law firms or departments enhances your legal expertise and career prospects.

What Are the Benefits of Flexible and Remote Learning for Commercial Lawyers?

Many universities now offer flexible online courses covering commercial law topics such as contract law. These courses suit professionals balancing work and other commitments. Short courses on negotiation and risk management can help you develop practical skills relevant to commercial law roles.

What Do Businesses Say About the Importance of Commercial Law Education?

Businesses highlight the importance of commercial lawyers having both strong legal expertise and a solid understanding of business operations. Employers value candidates who have not only a strong academic background but also practical experience and a deep awareness of the commercial landscape. This combination of skills enables lawyers to provide effective legal advice that aligns with business goals.

Internships in corporate legal teams or commercial law firms provide hands-on experience and opportunities to interact with clients, allowing you to develop business acumen. Some firms also offer secondments to in-house legal teams, which give junior lawyers valuable insight into client operations. Additionally, some universities include placement options in their programs, offering students the chance to gain industry experience before graduation, although these opportunities remain highly competitive. You can also develop commercial skills by working in non-legal businesses, which can help you understand the commercial realities and priorities of business owners.

Read more about the role of a commercial solicitor here.

Finding Your Next Commercial Law Role with The Legists

If you are interested in exploring a career in commercial law, The Legists offers a wide range of op portunities across the UK. Recognised as the ‘Best Legal Recruitment Platform’ in 2024 by SME News, The Legists connects legal professionals with top City firms, regional practices, and specialist and boutique law firms.

With our AI-powered system, we provide an efficient job search tool tailored to your skills and ambitions. You can browse a variety of Commercial Law Solicitor positions on The Legists and set up job alerts to receive tailored listings directly to your inbox.

Author: Nasrin Akhter Nadiyat