Business and Commercial Law
Regulating and facilitating trade and commerce are crucial functions of the law and play a central role in national and international economies. The influence of business law is evident in the structure of transactions from the purchase of groceries to the raising of billions of dollars in capital. Recent surveys indicate that around 60% of all lawyers practice some form of business law.
To prepare future lawyers for this challenge, we provide a variety of relevant course offerings and educational opportunities designed to equip students to represent clients in a broad range of transactions, from consumer purchases to international exchanges, as well as in related litigation.
Curriculum
After the required first-year course in Contracts, students may select from a broad range of offerings in the fields of business and commercial law.
Student Activities and Opportunities
- The Business and Law Society sponsors lectures and informal discussions and provides members with a forum to discuss their ideas, as well as opportunities to meet practicing business lawyers.
- Law Journals: The Indiana Law Journal and the Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies frequently publish articles related to business and commercial law. Students who join these journals have the opportunity to write notes and edit articles in these fields.
- Lectures: Each year the Law School sponsor formal and informal presentations by prominent lawyers and scholars. Check our calendar of events for recent and upcoming speakers.
- The Entrepreneurship Law Clinic provides a capstone experience for students enrolled in joint-degree programs in law and business.
Scholarships and Fellowships
In addition to the numerous general scholarships and fellowships we offer, specialized awards (including the Elliot R. Lewis International Business Law Scholarship and the Sigmund J. Beck Award) are earmarked for students interested in business and commercial law. More information about financial aid is available from the Office of Admissions.
Career Opportunities
Our alumni hold positions with a wide variety of business and financial organizations, including the Chicago Board of Options, Citibank, Eli Lilly and Company, IBM, the National Football League, the New York Times Company, and the World Bank.
We have had great success in guiding our graduates into satisfying careers. The Office of Career Services will provide assistance at every step of your job search.
Joint Degrees and Minor in Business
If you are contemplating a career that will combine law and business, you may be interested in earning a joint degree or minor in business with the Kelley School of Business.