2 answers
Demi
Student
Ocala, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What kind of corporate law careers are available to Finance majors?
For context, I am a prospective transfer student, wanting to go into the University of Florida under their BSBA Finance program. Because I'm about to graduate with an associate's in business administration, I want to map out my education and career pathway as concretely as possible, as I head closer to getting into law school. I ultimately hope to become a corporate lawyer, but realize that business law involves a broad spectrum of specific practices. In short, I'd like to know if a BSBA in finance proportionally applies or is a good major to have for any careers in corporate law; and if so, what kinds specifically? If not, what undergraduate degree program should I pursue? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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2 answers
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
53
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Demi,
Nice to meet a prospective fellow gator! I do not have a finance background, but I did go to law school at UF and I ended up working in mergers and acquisitions tax after getting my law degree. I do not practice law in my current role at work, but I think I can still share some insights.
I majored in art as an undergrad at UCF, but when I embarked on my law school journey, I decided to pivot to the area of tax law. As a person with 0 background in business, it was a really daunting step for me to take. Even today I still struggle with a lot of concepts at work that I imagine are pretty basic stuff for finance majors--like understanding how debt instruments work. I do not regret my undergraduate degree, but sometimes I do wish I have a stronger background in accounting and finance.
Anyway, aside from the practice areas already mentioned by Ankita, I would also encourage you to look into the area of taxation, which is a large area that encompasses many different practices, for example, mergers and acquisitions, international taxation, state and local taxation, tax controversy, trusts and estates planning, and charitable tax planning.
Another area that one might not necessarily associate with corporate law (but is still worth mentioning) is intellectual property. This is an umbrella term that include areas like copyright, trademark, trade secret, and patents. Patent law usually requires a background in science though.
If for whatever reason you decide to switch your major to something other than finance, worry not! You can still practice corporate law. The beauty of going to law school is that you don't actually need to know anything about the area of law you want to practice in because you will have the opportunity to take those classes in law school. You will also have the opportunity to gain hands on experience through legal internships and externships.
All the best!
Nice to meet a prospective fellow gator! I do not have a finance background, but I did go to law school at UF and I ended up working in mergers and acquisitions tax after getting my law degree. I do not practice law in my current role at work, but I think I can still share some insights.
I majored in art as an undergrad at UCF, but when I embarked on my law school journey, I decided to pivot to the area of tax law. As a person with 0 background in business, it was a really daunting step for me to take. Even today I still struggle with a lot of concepts at work that I imagine are pretty basic stuff for finance majors--like understanding how debt instruments work. I do not regret my undergraduate degree, but sometimes I do wish I have a stronger background in accounting and finance.
Anyway, aside from the practice areas already mentioned by Ankita, I would also encourage you to look into the area of taxation, which is a large area that encompasses many different practices, for example, mergers and acquisitions, international taxation, state and local taxation, tax controversy, trusts and estates planning, and charitable tax planning.
Another area that one might not necessarily associate with corporate law (but is still worth mentioning) is intellectual property. This is an umbrella term that include areas like copyright, trademark, trade secret, and patents. Patent law usually requires a background in science though.
If for whatever reason you decide to switch your major to something other than finance, worry not! You can still practice corporate law. The beauty of going to law school is that you don't actually need to know anything about the area of law you want to practice in because you will have the opportunity to take those classes in law school. You will also have the opportunity to gain hands on experience through legal internships and externships.
All the best!
Thank you for your insight, Amber! As someone that is going down a similar educational and career path as you, I appreciated the information and suggestions provided, to give me a clearer understanding. Thank you again and go gators!
Demi
Ankita Sakhare
23
Answers
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
Hi there! It's great that you're thinking ahead about your academic and professional path — that's one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success in law school and beyond.
To directly answer your question: yes, a BSBA in Finance is a strong and relevant major for a career in corporate law. In fact, it's one of the more advantageous undergraduate backgrounds for aspiring corporate lawyers, especially if you're interested in the intersection of business, regulation, and legal strategy.
Here's why Finance is a smart choice for corporate law:
Solid Foundation in Business Concepts: Corporate law involves advising companies on legal rights, obligations, transactions, and compliance. Your finance degree will help you understand how businesses operate, make financial decisions, and evaluate risk — all crucial when advising corporate clients.
Direct Application to Legal Specialties: A Finance background prepares you well for several key areas of corporate law, such as:
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) – Legal work around company buyouts, mergers, and restructuring.
Securities Law – Deals with public offerings, IPOs, compliance with SEC regulations, etc.
Banking & Finance Law – Legal aspects of lending, investment, and capital raising.
Corporate Governance – Ensuring that a company complies with laws, ethics, and internal policies.
Private Equity & Venture Capital Law – Legal support for startups and investment funds.
Enhanced Law School Admissions Profile: Law schools value applicants with diverse but rigorous academic backgrounds. A BSBA in Finance demonstrates analytical skills, quantitative reasoning, and an understanding of the real-world economy — all valuable traits in a law student.
What else should you consider?
Course Selection: While you're completing your finance degree, take electives in business law, accounting, or economics if possible. These will enhance your preparation and help confirm your interest in the legal side of business.
Law-Related Experience: Seek internships with corporate legal departments, law firms, or compliance teams. Even roles in finance that collaborate with legal can give you useful exposure.
Law School Preparation: Take the LSAT seriously, and begin preparing early. Consider joining pre-law organizations, attending workshops, and networking with professionals in the field.
Alternative Majors?
If you weren’t already set on finance, other strong majors for corporate law include Accounting, Economics, or even Political Science (with a business minor). But since you're already pursuing a business-focused associate's degree, Finance is a natural and strategic continuation.
You're on the right track — with careful planning, your BSBA in Finance can be a powerful stepping stone into law school and a rewarding career in corporate law. Best of luck as you continue your academic journey!
Take Business Law Electives
Start LSAT prep early — aim to begin at least a year before applying.
Join a Pre-Law or Business Club
Get Legal or Business Internships
Maintain a Strong GPA
To directly answer your question: yes, a BSBA in Finance is a strong and relevant major for a career in corporate law. In fact, it's one of the more advantageous undergraduate backgrounds for aspiring corporate lawyers, especially if you're interested in the intersection of business, regulation, and legal strategy.
Here's why Finance is a smart choice for corporate law:
Solid Foundation in Business Concepts: Corporate law involves advising companies on legal rights, obligations, transactions, and compliance. Your finance degree will help you understand how businesses operate, make financial decisions, and evaluate risk — all crucial when advising corporate clients.
Direct Application to Legal Specialties: A Finance background prepares you well for several key areas of corporate law, such as:
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) – Legal work around company buyouts, mergers, and restructuring.
Securities Law – Deals with public offerings, IPOs, compliance with SEC regulations, etc.
Banking & Finance Law – Legal aspects of lending, investment, and capital raising.
Corporate Governance – Ensuring that a company complies with laws, ethics, and internal policies.
Private Equity & Venture Capital Law – Legal support for startups and investment funds.
Enhanced Law School Admissions Profile: Law schools value applicants with diverse but rigorous academic backgrounds. A BSBA in Finance demonstrates analytical skills, quantitative reasoning, and an understanding of the real-world economy — all valuable traits in a law student.
What else should you consider?
Course Selection: While you're completing your finance degree, take electives in business law, accounting, or economics if possible. These will enhance your preparation and help confirm your interest in the legal side of business.
Law-Related Experience: Seek internships with corporate legal departments, law firms, or compliance teams. Even roles in finance that collaborate with legal can give you useful exposure.
Law School Preparation: Take the LSAT seriously, and begin preparing early. Consider joining pre-law organizations, attending workshops, and networking with professionals in the field.
Alternative Majors?
If you weren’t already set on finance, other strong majors for corporate law include Accounting, Economics, or even Political Science (with a business minor). But since you're already pursuing a business-focused associate's degree, Finance is a natural and strategic continuation.
You're on the right track — with careful planning, your BSBA in Finance can be a powerful stepping stone into law school and a rewarding career in corporate law. Best of luck as you continue your academic journey!
Ankita recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Ankita! I was worried that finance may have been too specialized but your reply has greatly answered my concerns and offered much more. I appreciate your thorough advice.
Demi