Finance law focuses on the contractual relationship between lenders and borrowers. In all financial transactions, the main aim is to negotiate and manage this relationship to ensure the represented party’s interests are met both legally and commercially.
A Finance lawyer arranges loans to buy other companies or to finance new business ventures. They also give legal advice and work on a variety of corporate and finance-related cases. Finance law often plays a large role in mergers and acquisitions of corporations, stock purchases and investments by both individuals and companies, and tax audits of bank accounts.
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Law and Finance in the following subject areas:
There are many courses in Law and Finance that may take place over a few days, weeks or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. Work experience with banks, accounting firms or any other company demonstrating an interest in finance would look good for this career path and also give you the chance to develop commercial awareness. Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favorably by employers.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
After completing a Law and Finance course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of financial laws and processes.
Finance lawyers typically work for either a borrower who may be an individual or a company, or a lender that is usually a bank. Finance lawyers usually work on deals as part of tea so they must be good communicators, quick thinking, commercially aware, and have an intricate knowledge of financial law. Other issues that some banking and finance lawyers deal with include insolvency proceedings, fraud and money-laundering regulations.
Outside of the legal profession employers can include banks and building societies, insurance companies and HR departments of large firms.
If you work in a law firm, you'll be constantly learning and developing working alongside senior lawyers. You may realize your career ambitions better through having an open, inquiring mind, and the desire to learn from other experts.
Once you reach a certain level in a firm you can expect greater autonomy and decision-making opportunities.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. Long working hours can be expected, especially when a deal is going through completion, during busy periods you could be expected to work 12-hour days and weekend work may be occasionally required.
After completing a course in Law and Finance you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practice in certain career areas such as law, accountancy, banking and finance, public services and administration.
What skills could be helpful for a career in Law and Finance?
Some key attributes would be:
Explore your options here
