Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Corporate Lawyer: A Year-Wise Plan for Law Students

Motivation: 

 

Back in the early 90s, when India opened its doors to global markets, something exciting began to happen in the legal world. A quiet revolution started brewing not in the courtrooms, but in boardrooms. That’s when corporate law in India began its rise as one of the most dynamic and high-stakes areas of legal practice.  

 

Today, it’s not just about black-letter law or dusty textbooks. A career in corporate law can mean negotiating billion-dollar mergers, advising companies on stock market listings, or helping businesses navigate tricky regulatory hurdles. It offers a front-row seat to the world of high-profile deals and power-packed boardroom drama, the kind you read about in newspapers or see trending on LinkedIn. And yes, the perks are real, think handsome pay packages, global exposure, and a chance to work with top-tier law firms, multinational companies, and even government regulators.  

 

Whether your interest lies in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, arbitration, or compliance, corporate law gives you the platform to make a real impact, often across countries, industries, and headlines. At Presidency School of Law, Presidency University, students are exposed early to this dynamic environment through a progressive curriculum, strong mentorship, and real-world learning opportunities. 

 

But becoming a successful corporate lawyer doesn’t happen overnight; it requires planning, dedication, and the right exposure at every stage of law school. Therefore, here is a structured, year-wise guide for law students to pursue a career in corporate law: 

 

First Year: Build Your Foundation 

 

To-Do List: 

• Understand Basic Legal Concepts: Focus on foundational subjects like Contract Law, Legal Methods, and Constitutional Law—courses emphasized at PSOL to develop critical thinking and legal interpretation skills. 
• Develop Reading Habits: Read financial newspapers like The Economic Times or Mint to stay informed about market trends and business developments. Also, keep track of landmark corporate law cases and regulatory changes to build real-world legal awareness. 
• Join Law School Activities: Engage in debates, Model United Nations (MUNs), or legal writing competitions to gain early exposure to writing, public speaking, and research skills that form the backbone of a successful legal career. 
• Attend Seminars and Workshops: At Presidency School of Law, regular expert-led events expose you to current industry practices and legal innovations. 

 

Why It Matters: A strong first year sets the tone for the years to come. It builds analytical thinking and opens up your mind to the legal landscape. 

 

Second & Third Year: Explore and Identify Interests 

 

To-Do List: 

• Focus on Corporate-Related Subjects: Dive deeper into Company Law, Corporate Governance, and other Business Laws. Focus on foundational principles and landmark case studies, as they help build strong conceptual clarity, an essential base for mastering core subjects in corporate law. 
• Start Networking: Build connections with seniors and alumni who are already in corporate practice or interning at law firms. Create a polished LinkedIn profile. Start contacting professionals for guidance and possible mentorship. 
• Start Writing: Publish short blogs or articles on corporate law topics (SEBI updates, Companies Act amendments, important case laws etc.) to build your profile. 
• Skill Development: Learn to navigate MCA, SEBI, and RBI websites, and use legal databases like SCC Online or Manupatra—resources available at Presidency School of Law. 
• Internships: Try to get your first internship (not necessarily Tier-1/2), preferably with a corporate litigation chamber or a corporate advisory law firm. Understanding both transactional and dispute resolution sides will help you decide your interest area. 

 

Why It Matters: This year is ideal to explore whether corporate law genuinely interests you, and to start curating your resume accordingly. 

 

Fourth Year: Build Skills and Specialisation  

 

To-Do List: 

• Study Key Corporate Subjects Seriously: Subjects like Merger & Acquisition, Securities Law, Competition Law, and Banking & Finance are crucial. Create detailed notes and stay updated with regulatory changes. 
• Advanced Internships: Leverage earlier experience and apply for internships at Tier 1/2 corporate firms. Many Presidency University students successfully use this year to secure pre-placement offers. 
• Start Competitive Research Work: Participate in essay competitions, national paper presentations, or even co-author academic papers. 
• Specialise Further: If your law school allows electives, choose subjects like Mergers & Acquisitions, International Trade Law, or IPR in Business. 
• LinkedIn and CV Building: Participate in placement training sessions. Get your resume reviewed by seniors or faculty members. 

 

Why It Matters: The fourth year is when pre-placement offers (PPOs) and long-term internships start to become achievable goals. Firms begin noticing your presence. 

 

Fifth Year: Create an Industry-Ready Profile 

 

To-Do List: 

• Long-Term Internship: If possible, convert your previous internship into a 3-6-month assessment internship. Many firms recruit final-year students this way. 
• Prepare for Interviews: Be thorough with Company Law, SEBI, FEMA, FDI policies, and recent corporate deals. Practice HR and legal interview questions. 

 

Why It Matters: Your final year determines whether you will step directly into corporate practice, go for higher studies, or diversify. Stay focused. 

 

Bonus Tips Throughout Law School 

• Maintain Good Grades: Many law firms use CGPA cut-offs. A good academic record keeps more doors open. 
• Soft Skills Matter: Corporate lawyers need communication, negotiation, and time management skills. Invest time in improving them. 
• Must Do: There is no alternative to an Internship and Publication. The sooner you start, the better you get.  
• Add-ons: Consider pursuing diplomas or certificate courses in your area of interest, they not only deepen your knowledge but also enhance your profile and demonstrate your commitment to the field. 
• Stay Updated: Follow live deals, IPO news, or important NCLT rulings. Your understanding of current events could distinguish you in interviews. 

 

Conclusion 

 

Becoming a corporate lawyer is not about doing one big thing right—it’s about steadily building skills, knowledge, and exposure throughout law school. With the right guidance from Presidency School of Law at Presidency University, and consistent personal effort, your journey from law student to corporate legal professional can be focused, fulfilling, and future-ready. 

 

 

Written by: 

Mr. Aditya Baheti 
Assistant Professor, Presidency School of Law