This question is one many aspiring legal and business professionals ask as they consider their future.
If you find business and legal matters interesting, it can be hard to choose an area of study. Should you go for a business degree? Or should you set your sights on law school?
Business law is a compelling field because it allows professionals to navigate the complexities of commerce, advise companies, and potentially earn a strong income. Like any profession, though, it has both unique challenges and rewards.
So, is business law a good career? For the right person, absolutely.
Read on to decide if that person is you.
1. Are you comfortable with ongoing learning?
The scope of business law is massive. It covers areas like corporate law, contracts, real estate and more. Each of these plays a key role in helping companies run smoothly.
- Corporate law handles how businesses form, operate and close down.
- Contract law governs how business agreements are made and enforced.
- Real estate law applies to buying, selling, and leasing property for business use.
- Securities regulation controls how companies issue and trade stocks or bonds.
Business lawyers also deal with employment law, intellectual property, and administrative law — all of which impact how companies treat employees, protect their ideas, and follow government rules. And since many businesses operate globally, you may also wind up working in international law, which can be fascinating.
Laws also change.
Most likely, you will never know all you need to know as a business lawyer. The people who are best suited for this path are ready for (and even enjoy) the challenge of needing to learn something new.
2. Do you enjoy writing and research?
To make it to (and through) law school, you need to be an excellent writer and researcher. And it's not just the education side of things.
Lawyers need to be highly meticulous and detail-oriented.
Whether you work for a law firm or business entities, you will spend a lot of time reading and writing in this career. Lawyers need to find and analyze laws, regulations and case studies. And they need to write clearly and speak confidently to clients and colleagues.
Business law classes hammer these skills in. But if you hate writing, you may want to consider a different path. 2
3. Can you commit to many years of education?
Becoming a business lawyer takes time, effort, and financial investment—but it can open many doors. Here’s what the journey usually looks like.1
- Undergraduate degree: While there’s no required major, many students study business, political science, history or English. What matters most is building strong research, writing and critical thinking skills.
- Law school (J.D.): After earning a bachelor’s degree, students attend law school to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.). This typically takes three years and covers core legal topics like constitutional law, contracts, and torts. Business law electives help students develop knowledge in areas like mergers, bankruptcy or corporate governance.3
- Bar exam: After graduating, students must pass the bar exam to practice law. This challenging test covers a wide range of legal topics and can shape where and how someone practices.
- Optional master’s degree (LL.M.): Some lawyers pursue further specialization with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in business law. This can help deepen expertise and boost job opportunities in niche areas. Master's programs are a further commitment of time and money, but definitely build a solid understanding of legal issues in business.4
4. Do you thrive under pressure?
Professionals in business law don't typically have time to procrastinate or work haphazardly. Your clients will expect you to have a deep understanding of their business matters as well as business law in general. Small mistakes in contracts or legal advice can have big consequences.
Missing a deadline is not an option. Even the best of legal strategies can fail because of an error.
Some people truly work best when there are firm deadlines and a bit of pressure. If that's you, this could be a great fit.
5. Is it easy for you to be respectful and professional?
If you picture yourself sweeping into a room, telling everyone what to do, and sweeping out--think again.
Business lawyers have to be incredible communicators. You need to explain law to people who have a different perspective and expertise than yours. They often don't understand the nuances of law, and you will need to walk them through the complexities. There are customer service elements of this role.
You will spend lots of time collaborating with others, and you must remain professional at all times, even when client expectations are unreasonable. You also need skill in negotiation and persuasion as you craft deals and solve problems. This demands both patience and a respectful demeanor.
Pros of a business law career
If you answered "yes" to most of the above questions—maybe business law is exactly the career you've been looking for!
Here are some pros and cons to consider.
Variety of jobs
Business law graduates can work at small firms, large international firms, or as in-house counsel at companies. Others work in government, nonprofits, or even teach law.
Intellectually satisfying
Business lawyers work through complex problems and bring order to chaos. Strong legal arguments can feel amazing when they succeed, and the satisfaction of using your mind to its full capacity is real.
If you want it to be, your role can involve repeated tasks with structure, like reviewing certain contracts most of the time. Or if can be a situation where every day brings you a different puzzle.
Depending on your focus, your work may include drafting contracts, reviewing regulations, advising on strategy, or managing legal disputes.
Transferable skills
The skills you develop — like negotiating, writing, critical thinking and legal analysis — can apply to many other fields. You'll build a deep reservoir of business knowledge and research skills.
Getting a business law degree offers great advantages even if you choose not to practice law because people with business law backgrounds are in high demand and suited for a wide range of roles.
- Human resources: Knowledge of employment law is key in HR roles.
- Compliance: Companies need professionals to help them follow legal requirements and policies.
- Contract management: Businesses rely on people who understand and negotiate agreements.
- Entrepreneurship: Founders with legal knowledge are better prepared to build and protect their companies.
- Consulting: Legal insights add value when advising businesses.
- Finance: Understanding the legal side of investing or running a business is a big advantage.
A solid grasp of business law sets non-lawyers apart from other candidates and offers a unique perspective in diverse business roles.
Real-world impact
Business lawyers help close deals, solve legal problems and shape how companies operate. Many of these professionals are very much in "the room where it happens" when it comes to decisions that alter the world.
Cons of a business law career
Long hours
Especially at large firms or during high-stakes deals, the hours can be unpredictable and intense.
High stress
Not every business law career will be high-pressure, but some of these positions certainly come with some stress. Managing legal risks and meeting deadlines can be demanding. And clients often expect fast, strategic advice, and managing these expectations can be tough.
Student debt
Law school is expensive, and paying off loans can affect your early career options. If you have people depending on you and/or caretaking responsibilities, you might not be able to throw yourself into full-time education for the foreseeable future. This can further limit the time it will take before you start earning a salary.
Is business law right for you?
At the end of the day, the question depends on your personality, interests, values and career aspirations.
Business law may be a good fit for you if you…
- Are fascinated by the intersection of law and commerce.
- Possesses strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking practices and techniques.
- Enjoy meticulous work, such as drafting and reviewing legal documents.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex ideas clearly.
- Are ambitious, driven, and motivated by intellectual challenges and potentially high earnings.
- Are comfortable with high-pressure situations and potentially long hours.
- Have a genuine interest in business practices and how companies operate.
- Are committed to lifelong learning to keep up with new trends and regulations.
Business law may not be right for you if you…
- Prefer a work-life balance with predictable, shorter hours from the outset.
- Are easily stressed by high-stakes situations or tight deadlines.
- Are not interested in the commercial or financial aspects of the judicial world.
- Are primarily motivated by advocacy in areas like family law or criminal justice, which have different focuses and often different work environments (though advocacy skills are still used in business litigation).
- Are looking for a less competitive field or deterred by the cost of a law degree.
Choosing between a business law degree or a business degree?
Business law offers a path filled with intellectual stimulation, diverse career options and the potential for significant financial reward and impact.5
However, it demands a substantial investment in education, a capacity for hard work under pressure, and a continuous commitment to learning. The judicial world, particularly in competitive areas like corporate law and international business, is not for the faint of heart.
If you are more interested in the legal world than ever—this is probably a good route for you!
But if you have your doubts about a law degree, you should know there are plenty of business careers that can also meet this intersection of law and business.
Whichever way you are leaning, a bachelor's degree in business might be a launch point. A business degree can be the first step you take before law school, and it can also help you clarify what you want in your career.6
See the options on our Bachelor's of Business Management degree page. Maybe I'll see you in class!
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Lawyers https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm (visited July 31, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary
2This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice.
3Rasmussen University does not have a School of Law that offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.).
4Rasmussen University does not have a School of Law that offers a Master of Laws (LL.M) postgraduate law degree program.
5Rasmussen University does not offer a bachelor's degree program in Business that focuses on Business Law.
6It is important to check with your law school of choice regarding specific entrance requirements including specific bachelor’s degree discipline, and GPA and LSAT® score needed. LSAT® is a registered trademark of Law School Admission Council, Inc.
