The legal industry is quite a serious one, given its strict and enforced rules and regulations. Thus, to work in a commercial law firm, there are requirements you must meet. To begin with, you must have consistent academic records and qualifications to be considered as a potential recruit. 

However, having the necessary academic qualifications is only half the requirements. Working in a commercial law firm is well beyond certifications and impressive grades on paper. There are other qualities you must possess to ensure you stand out. This guide contains 10 qualities you must have to increase your chances of succeeding in building a career in commercial law. 

See also: Who Handles Conveyancing?

EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE IN YOUR PROSPECTIVE LEGAL FIELD 

Commercial law has various areas of specialization such as tax law, admiralty and shipping law, property law, and the like. To specialize in any of these areas and build a career, you must have an extensive knowledge in any you choose. 

Also you must be sure you must be sure you chose the right career path for yourself. Lawyers are typically knowledgeable and to be one demands being a relentless lover of knowledge. Thus, ensure you acquire enough knowledge in your prospective legal field. 

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND A GOOD SENSE OF SELF ESTEEM 

Commercial law and every other form of legal specialization demands having incredible interpersonal skills and great self-confidence. You may possess such qualities, but it’s more assuring you participated in some extra-curricular activities and it reflects on your CV or resume. 

This stands as a sort of proof to the commercial law firm before they interview you. They look out for a leadership position you may have headed in the past such as being the head of a society, debating group, and the like. 

You also need to be a skilled communicator, as there’ll be lots of interpersonal activities you’ll get involved in in the course of your legal career. So, if you aren’t much of a talker, you need to build that up. You’ll need to speak more often and communicate effectively. 

A GOOD INITIATIVE AND A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY 

A good initiative and a sense of responsibility are also necessities in commercial law. You must show that you have demonstrated these skills for instance, during your university days, former workplace, and even among your peers. 

You’ll need them during the interview process.

COMMERCIAL AWARENESS

Commercial law firms are specifically responsible for helping different types of businesses in taking care of commercial problems that concern legality. Thus, you must stay updated on recent commercial laws and policies that are passed. 

You must demonstrate a deep understanding of how industries and businesses work, their commercial history, and how they’ve functioned within legal boundaries. You must be immersed in the world of finance, know who the big players are, the recent economic and political change, and how all these help you in making informed decisions. 

Many graduates fall short in this aspect. To stay ahead, you must be commercially aware.  

HAVING A KEEN EYE FOR DETAIL

Here’s a rule of thumb for all trainee solicitors- you must have a keen eye for detail. Ensure there are no mistakes of any sort in your application documents. Even the slightest typos could be a stumbling block between you and the prospective legal career you are looking to build. 

So, be sure your application is rid of errors. 

Commercial law like every other legal areas of specialization is serious business. 

HAVE ENOUGH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIRM YOU ARE APPLYING TO AND HAVE JUSTIFIABLE REASON OR REASONS FOR YOUR SUITABILITY 

All law firms are keen on knowing why you chose them over others. Why? They are prideful about what distinguishes them from each other. Thus, using template applications isn’t a good idea as that may work against you.

Law firms have differing aspects and this could be their CSR policies, culture, specialties, global reach and the like. Thus, carry out a thorough research to be sure about which to go for. More importantly, have a good reason or reasons why you chose one. 

This will ensure you stand out during an interview. It’ll also make the interviewer know you’ve done your homework. So, beat every interviewee to it and adequately research the law firm you hope to work with. Knowing so much about a firm implies you’ll do better if picked for the job. 

NEGOTIATION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS 

This skill is just a degree away. Equipping yourself with this can help further your career in commercial law as you’ll need to regularly work on the legal commercial problems of businesses. However, it’s also ideal you gain experience as many people are merely skilled on paper alone. 

Law firms watch out for those with these skills. Having it takes you a step closer to your career. 

KNOWING AN EXTRA LANGUAGE IS A PLUS

This isn’t a necessity, but it could be in an interviewing situation. The employee market grows each day with an unhealthy level of competition. People are ensuring they acquire the necessary skills and qualities to turn the employer’s “no” to “yes.” 

So, it’s best you go the extra mile in increasing your chances of being picked for the job. If you are prospective about building a career in commercial law, it’s in your interest to acquire a widely recognized language like German, French, and the like. 

HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE LAW’S FUNCTION

Of course, you’ll have been taught about this before acquiring a degree in law. However, a degree isn’t much of an indicator of knowledge. It’s best you become an avid reader and gain more knowledge in commercial law if you are looking to build a career around it. 

Moreover, commercial laws and policies as a result of presidential and world governmental involvements could change and as a prospective commercial lawyer, you must stay updated. If technology is any indication, things don’t stay as they are. They evolve and you must update your knowledge as the evolution unfolds.