Is an oral contract legally binding? What should you watch out for in a merger? How is the fine print in the sales contract to be understood? When does a company have to file for bankruptcy? Most entrepreneurs turn to a lawyer for questions like these. To be more precise, to a commercial lawyer. This legal expert is not only familiar with laws and paragraphs, but also has commercial knowledge.
The major in business law
Studying business law includes content from the fields of business and law, in particular labor law and (international) business law. It differs from a classic law degree in two ways. On the one hand due to its economic focus and on the other hand because it does not end with the second state examination. Accordingly, graduates cannot work as lawyers, judges or notaries. The practical business law studies prepare her specifically for activities in commercial law firms, management consultancies or legal departments of commercial companies.
Bachelor degree
The bachelor’s degree in business law usually includes at least half of the legal content. In the other half of the course, economics and soft skills such as foreign languages or rhetorical skills are taught. At the beginning of their studies, the students learn the basics of business and economics trusts and attend lectures on mathematics and statistics. The basics of commercial law are also an issue. These include above all labor and company law and civil and commercial law. Students learn, for example, when a sales contract takes effect or how an employment contract is structured. Foreign languages and subjects such as mediation are also on the curriculum. In the higher semesters, students can then specialize in one or two areas of specialization in business law. Depending on the university, there is a choice of employment law, tax law or European business law.
Master of Laws
After completing their bachelor’s degree, graduates can start working straight away. However, there is also the option of adding a Master of Laws to qualify for higher positions. A master’s degree offers students the opportunity to take a closer look at individual legal areas. You can choose from courses in contract law, insolvency management or tax law.
Studying business law – opportunities and requirements
In Germany, the subject of commercial law is traditionally offered at universities of applied sciences, but recently universities have also added the subject to their courses. Applicants wishing to study business law at a university of applied sciences do not need to present a high school diploma, but can already enroll with a university entrance qualification. This is another difference to classic law courses, which are only open to applicants with a high school diploma. In general, applicants are interested in the areas of business and law and should also have knowledge of mathematics and English.
Study business law and then? – occupational fields
The degree in business law gives graduates a career in the following areas:
- in commercial law firms
- in business consultancy
- at banks
- in tax consultancy and auditing offices
- in the legal departments, management or human resources of commercial companies
- in cities and municipalities as well as associations
Advantages of studying abroad in business law
Large commercial law firms and industrial companies in particular operate internationally. Commercial lawyers are expected to master at least one foreign language and have intercultural skills. A semester or two abroad during your studies or even a complete study abroad can greatly improve your later application chances. Because a longer stay abroad not only consolidates your language skills. It also imparts the ability to work in international teams and signals commitment, flexibility and organizational talent.
