5 answers
Haydyn
Student
Buford, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
3487 views
Any advice or insight for becoming a corporate transactional lawyer?
Hi! I’m a 15-year-old student interested in becoming a corporate transactional lawyer in the future. I know it’s a pretty specific path, and I’m still trying to understand what the role actually looks like day-to-day.
I’d love to hear from anyone in the field (or close to it):
– What does a typical workday look like for you?
– What skills do you rely on most?
– Is there anything I can start doing now, at my age, to prepare — even in small ways?
I’d really appreciate any honest advice or insight. My school is starting to talk about future careers, and I’d love to have a clearer idea of whether this path could truly be a good fit for me.
3 answers
Edmund Larry Cantú
International Attorney
3
Answers
Conroe, Texas
Updated
Edmund Larry’s Answer
I am a semi-retired attorney with over 45 years of experience in international transactions. My practice focused principally on transactions in the international energy industry.
My typical workday involved becoming familiar with the business, financial and technical details of a proposed transaction, then evaluating how best to structure the contract (or often time, the various interlocking contracts) necessary to launch the project as well as the operating agreements necessary to govern how the various parties investing in the project would collaborate to manage and fund the project. While support for any major industrial project could easily go on for months or even years, attorneys working in this field typically provide legal support for numerous projects simultaneously.
I frequently had to travel internationally. I also spent a little over 18 years living and working in various locations outside the USA. While this may sound exotic or even glamorous, the truth is that I spent months on end drafting and negotiating the fine print that most people love to hate. Often these protracted negotiations took place while I was jet-lagged, suffering from amoebic dysentery and/or feeding the local malaria mosquitoes. Even when I was participating in negotiations in attractive world cities, I typically had no time to take advantage of what those cities had to offer. For example, I had been to Paris at least 4 times before I got a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and, even then, I only saw it from the window of a taxi taking me to my destination.
But despite the challenges, I am delighted that I had the international experiences!
If this appeals to you, I recommend pursuing an undergraduate business degree before going to law school. Finance would be a good focus in your pre-law school business school studies.
Speaking several languages will also give you an important advantage if you want to focus on international transactions. While English is the most widely used international business language, French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic are also very useful.
Best of luck to you!
My typical workday involved becoming familiar with the business, financial and technical details of a proposed transaction, then evaluating how best to structure the contract (or often time, the various interlocking contracts) necessary to launch the project as well as the operating agreements necessary to govern how the various parties investing in the project would collaborate to manage and fund the project. While support for any major industrial project could easily go on for months or even years, attorneys working in this field typically provide legal support for numerous projects simultaneously.
I frequently had to travel internationally. I also spent a little over 18 years living and working in various locations outside the USA. While this may sound exotic or even glamorous, the truth is that I spent months on end drafting and negotiating the fine print that most people love to hate. Often these protracted negotiations took place while I was jet-lagged, suffering from amoebic dysentery and/or feeding the local malaria mosquitoes. Even when I was participating in negotiations in attractive world cities, I typically had no time to take advantage of what those cities had to offer. For example, I had been to Paris at least 4 times before I got a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and, even then, I only saw it from the window of a taxi taking me to my destination.
But despite the challenges, I am delighted that I had the international experiences!
If this appeals to you, I recommend pursuing an undergraduate business degree before going to law school. Finance would be a good focus in your pre-law school business school studies.
Speaking several languages will also give you an important advantage if you want to focus on international transactions. While English is the most widely used international business language, French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic are also very useful.
Best of luck to you!
Wendi Wade
Attorney
9
Answers
Caledonia, Illinois
Updated
Wendi’s Answer
Mr. Cantu's answer provides excellent insight on the lifestyle of many corporate counsel. There are corporate roles that do not require travel if that is preferable to you, though the higher your title and salary, the more likely travel is required. Carefully screen opportunities. Find out the percentage of travel expected. If it is 10 or 20%, that may be tolerable, even enjoyable!
Jacques Pierre
General Cousel
1
Answer
Woodbridge Township, New Jersey
Updated
Jacques’s Answer
Hi Haydn,
I've been an attorney for 20 years, working in various fields like law firm associate, trial attorney in landlord-tenant court, immigration attorney, federal prosecutor, and now as General Counsel at a financial services firm. It's great that you've chosen to be a corporate transaction attorney early in your career, and it's a rewarding path. My diverse career shows you can explore different areas in law until you find what you love, or you can stick to one path. It's all up to you. My varied experience has prepared me well for my current role because I handle a wide range of issues.
In corporate transactions, being good at reading and writing is essential. We draft contracts, memos, and deal terms for clients. These transactions often involve large sums of money, so attention to detail is crucial. Focus on doing well in school and learn to write effectively. This will give you a strong foundation for becoming a lawyer, no matter which path you choose. Good luck!
I've been an attorney for 20 years, working in various fields like law firm associate, trial attorney in landlord-tenant court, immigration attorney, federal prosecutor, and now as General Counsel at a financial services firm. It's great that you've chosen to be a corporate transaction attorney early in your career, and it's a rewarding path. My diverse career shows you can explore different areas in law until you find what you love, or you can stick to one path. It's all up to you. My varied experience has prepared me well for my current role because I handle a wide range of issues.
In corporate transactions, being good at reading and writing is essential. We draft contracts, memos, and deal terms for clients. These transactions often involve large sums of money, so attention to detail is crucial. Focus on doing well in school and learn to write effectively. This will give you a strong foundation for becoming a lawyer, no matter which path you choose. Good luck!
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