Have you heard of a huge company buying another one?
Or do you know how companies join together?
That’s exactly the world of mergers and acquisitions, and mergers and acquisition lawyers play a major role in this process. These lawyers are in high demand.
If this is something that appeals to you, you can choose a career as a mergers and acquisitions attorney and be a part of the exciting world of M&A law. Let’s take a look at how you can become an M&A attorney and what roles and responsibilities you will have to take up.
The Steps to Becoming an M&A Lawyer
Here are a few steps that you need to take if you are planning to become an M&A Lawyer.
Step 1: Acquire a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to becoming an M&A lawyer is to get a bachelor’s degree. While you don’t require any specific major for the bachelor’s degree. But having a major in economics, finances, and business can help you get a strong foundation. If you take courses in accounting, corporate finance, and business law, and are very beneficial for becoming an M&A attorney.
Step 2: Pass the LSAT
After you have completed your undergraduate degree, you will have to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is compulsory to become a lawyer. It is a half-day exam that will test your skills, such as reading, writing, reasoning, and analytical skills. You have to score well on the LSAT to get into a good law school that can shape your future.
Step 3: Enroll in an Accredited Law School
After you score well in the LSAT, you will get options to choose from different law schools across the country. These schools offer programs specializing in M&A law. Make sure you enroll in an accredited institution so that you can receive a quality education. You can take up courses such as Mergers and Acquisitions, Securities Regulation, Federal Income Tax, Antitrust Law, and Business Associations.
Step 4: Earn a Master’s or Juris Doctor Degree
After your undergraduate studies, you will have to complete a three-year Juris Doctor (JD) program. Alternatively, you can also earn a two-year Master of Laws (LLM) degree to give a boost to your career.
Step 5: Pass the MPRE
The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is a common requirement for the bar exam. This exam is conducted to test the knowledge of professional ethics and code of conduct which play a major role in practicing law responsibility. MPRE is required in all US jurisdictions except for Wisconsin and Puerto Rico. It is a two-hour long multiple-choice exam.
Step 6: Pass the Bar Exam
After graduating from law school, you will have to pass the bar exam. It is necessary if you want to become a practicing lawyer and get a license for an M & A lawyer in a mergers and acquisitions law firm. The main motive of the bar exam is to test your legal principle knowledge and understanding of specific laws related to your state.
Step 7: Become a Summer Associate at a Law Firm
After completing all the steps mentioned above, you should start preparing to be a summer associate at a law firm. Start looking for jobs, build your resume, and apply for M/A in a law firm. Becoming an associate lawyer will help you gain experience and build your profile for the future. You will get an opportunity to work on real cases and get firsthand experience in becoming a mergers and acquisitions lawyer.
What are the Roles and Responsibilities of an M&A Lawyer?
Here are some roles and responsibilities that you will have to take up after becoming an M&A lawyer:
- Creating the guiding strategy and structure for the deal. Understanding the business objectives of clients.
- Understanding tax implications, regulatory environment, and financial aspects to tailor the deal structure for your client.
- Drafting crucial legal documents such as letters of intent, confidentiality agreements, and other primary purchase agreements.
- Negotiating on behalf of clients and protecting their interests. Additionally, securing a favorable outcome for clients.
- Conducting due diligence for clients to identify potential legal risks or liabilities that is associated with the target company.
- Managing all regulations issues that are related to antitrust, securities, and other applicable laws for a smooth process.
- Overseeing the whole process of M&A from start to finish. Ensuring clients and other parties involved in the transaction meet all the deadlines and obligations on time.
- Mergers and acquisitions law firm coordinates with stakeholders that include legal advisors, internal teams, and financial experts.
- Overseeing the closure process for a smooth handover of the assets and ownership.
- Mergers and acquisitions attorney needs to navigate and understand the fast-paced and demanding M&A legal world.
The Bottom Line
The path to becoming a mergers and acquisitions lawyer requires hard work and dedication. Not just that mergers and acquisitions salary is also something that attracts a lot of individuals. You put your best foot forward and score well through graduation, law school and bar exam. You can become a mergers and acquisitions attorney that too a successful one.