In general, business lawyers help businesses with transactions and resolving disputes. Transactions can include anything from incorporating a business, entering into a contract or buying or selling an asset. Dispute resolution includes litigation and arbitration either to protect the rights of the business or to defend against the claims of third parties.
Business lawyers spend their careers working in a variety of different settings. Some business lawyers work at large law firms with offices around the world. Of the three largest law firms in San Francisco, two (Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and Morrison & Foerrester) were founded by Hastings graduates and Hastings consistently ranks in the top 5 among California law schools in placing graduates at large law firms.
Other business lawyers work corporations as in-house lawyers while still others work at small law firms or even in solo practice.
Some Hastings graduates have become businesspeople themselves, working as entrepreneurs, investment bankers and top executives at major companies.
Hastings graduates follow different paths to careers in business law.
Snehal Desai, Class of 2015
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP | San Francisco, CA
Check out what 2015 UC Hastings graduate, Snehal Desai, has to say about her time in the Social Enterprise & Economic Empowerment Clinic as well as her transition to a large, international law firm in San Francisco!
Benjamin Gibbs, Class of 2018
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP | San Francisco, CA
Hear how 2018 UC Hastings graduate, Ben Gibbs, prepared for his ramp up to a large, international law firm in San Francisco!
Daniel Martin, Class of 2015
Taylor & Patchen LLP | San Francisco, CA
Listen to 2015 UC Hastings graduate Dan Martin’s take on his transition from business transactions to litigation!