Expert tips to become a Corporate Lawyer

“This is a profession in which experience is important and mere book learning is not adequate,” says Vijaya Sampath




You may be aware of famous corporate lawsuits, where men dressed in black and white with their powerful debating skills help their respective clients in either minimizing the loss or gaining the profits.

While the profession of corporate law is emerging, Careers360 brings you another interview from the series of expert insight on career as a corporate lawyer.

In this special interview series, Vijaya Sampath, Senior Partner, Lakshmi Kumaran & Sridharan shares his views on the emerging scenario, challenges and scope of the profession.

Sampath, who is also a Legal Advisor to Chairman, Bharti Enterprises advises tips to become a successful corporate lawyer.

Careers360: Please share insights on the current scenario of the profession as a corporate lawyer.
Vijaya Sampath: Until over a decade ago, law was only a default option as a career with some joining law colleges as a precursor to a political or civil services career. With the opening of national law schools across the country imparting a higher quality of education, it has become a career of choice for young students who wish to specialize in corporate law or in litigation. The globalization of the economy and its rapid growth has also contributed to the phenomenal growth of corporate law, both in house counsel and in law firms as a good career opportunity.

Careers360: What key qualities do a corporate lawyer should have?
Vijaya Sampath: Besides a sound knowledge of corporate and commercial law, analytical ability, attention to details and negotiating skills are some of the key qualities that are required to become a successful corporate lawyer.

Careers360: How challenging is life as a corporate lawyer?
Vijaya Sampath: Challenges as a corporate lawyer include an ability to achieve work life balance, understanding business and financials and trying to stay relevant and updated on all-important matters.

Careers360: What is the earning potential?
Vijaya Sampath: Advantage of corporate law is that even in the initial years, earning potential is quite high as compared to other professions including litigation. However, like all other professions, it is always the cream that rises to the top and hence with experience and time, very high and lucrative remuneration will be limited to a few.

Careers360: What other career options, a corporate lawyer may approach apart from joining law firms and corporate houses?
Vijaya Sampath: Corporate lawyers can become general business managers and even aspire to become CEOs. It is not very common in India but in the US, many lawyers and legal counsels become CEOs of companies by switching careers mid stream and getting a strong business orientation.

Careers360: What advice would you like to share with the aspirants who are seeking a break in this field?
Vijaya Sampath: While impatience seems to be the new virtue, this is a profession in which experience is important and mere book learning is not adequate.  Since trends, practices and law change constantly, the importance of reading and keeping up dated with the profession cannot be overemphasized.

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