Are you looking to study law and a bit of business, startup and entrepreneurship? Then, being a Startup lawyer might be a good career for you.
Regardless, there are a few things you need to understand about this career field. What does only need to become a startup lawyer in Africa? What does a startup lawyer do? How are they different from other kinds of lawyers?
Here in this article, we will discuss everything you need to know abobecomingome a startup lawyer in Africa.
What is A Startup Lawyer?
A startup lawyer is a lawyer for startups. Technically, these are the kind of lawyers that help startups and infant businesses manage legal issues.
Startup lawyers are required to be complacent with business and law knowledge. So, it’s just like studying traditional law and a bit of business.
According to reports, an average Startup Lawyer in the United States earns approximately $84,516 annually. Hence, this is a good career under the Law Field.
In another research from CB Insight, it was stated that almost 18% of startups in the US crashed last year due to legal challenges.
So, there is a vast need for Startup lawyers to come into play.
They are just like business lawyers, but their functionalities are limited to start-ups and infant businesses.
If these two realms of education – law and business – are required for a start-up lawyer, what would be the estimated cost of studying in Africa?
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Startup Lawyer in Africa?
In Africa, the estimated cost of becoming a start-up lawyer is $2,000 to $3,000.
This is quite low…
But it can be a huge cost with the high depreciation of African currency.
There is no typical course known as a Startup lawyer.
So, you would have to obtain a degree in Law first.
Perhaps if there are chances, you proceed into a business school, though not necessary since you can learn about business and start-ups by networking with the right people and taking online courses.
How To Become a Startup Lawyer in Africa
To become a start-up lawyer in Africa, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a Law related course, attend a globally approved law school, earn a Juris degree, obtain a law certificate and learn about startups.
All of this would take about 4-6 years to complete in most prestigious African universities.
Besides, it’s almost the same procedure you’d pass through as a traditional lawyer.
Even as a traditional lawyer, you will still need to learn a little bit about business too.
Let’s analyse the steps involved in becoming a start-up lawyer in Africa
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
You’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a law-related course. These law-related courses are those that can open you up to what legal actions look like.
Most of the universities offering law as a primary course, do offer these related courses. So, during your entrance examination, you can input any of the law-related courses such as:
- Political science
- Business
- English
- Philosophy
- History
- Law etc
A bachelor’s degree in any of these courses can guarantee you into a typical law school.
However, unlike the likes of Medicine that can still accept related courses, earning a bachelor’s degree in a Law unrelated course would not guarantee you a stay in law school.
2. Pass through the Law School Admission Test
Now that you have a bachelor’s degree, law school is the next step in the process of becoming a lawyer, specifically a startup lawyer.
However, you will need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) first.
It is an important entrance exam you must pass for any law school to consider you.
The test covers reading, writing and other legal-related tests.
Come to think of it, if you had not studied a law-related course, how would you have taken the entrance test and passed?
Well, LSAT is not always that difficult.
If you can achieve a satisfactory score, you can apply to a well-known law school.
3. Apply to a Globally Approved Law School
Applying and Entering a law school is a critical part of becoming a start-up lawyer.
However, I would not advise you to go to any law school out there.
I mean don’t be too desperate to pick schools without worthy recognition.
Instead, you should go to law schools that have achieved global recognition. They have been represented in every corner of the world.
Being an African Law School, they have partnered with several high institutions in delicate locations around the world.
Every African Country have its most peculiar law school, so you can easily find one around you.
All the same, when applying for a law school, you will need a decent LSAT score, official transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and some other personal information.
4. Earn a Juris Degree
What makes a lawyer more qualified and proud than a Juris Degree?
A Juris degree is obtained upon the completion of law school.
It’s the first step to becoming an Attorney.
During your time in Law School too, you will need to niche down to some sub-courses under law.
Since your career choice is Startup Law, you can choose any Taxation, Capital business, Legal procedures, transactions etc, that will be needed for business.
Furthermore, you will need to network with other attorneys. Even better, if you can target those attorneys in the start-up businesses.
Also, take part in seminars, career fairs and other events related to the choice of your career.
5. Pass the Bar Exam in Your Country
The final step is to pass the Bar Exam in your country.
Have you heard the phrase “call to the car?”
In law school, you have learnt everything needed to become a lawyer.
However, you are yet to be called to the bar, unless you have taken and passed the Bar Exam in your country.
Sincerely, the Bar Exam is not always difficult. It is used for determining how conversant you are with legal matters.
The following topics will be treated in the bar exams:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Constitutional law and contracts
- Sales
- Evidence
- Real property
After passing the bar exam, you will acquire your license as a lawyer in your country.
6. Learn About Start-Ups and Infant Businesses
The steps above are what every traditiolawyer wouldould have gone through.
To stay unique, specifically for start-up laws, you should go to a business school.
Or rather take a year part-time degree course in business in any of the recognised programs or schools.
7. Get an Online Certification
This time around, everything is becoming digital.
This day for every start-up, a digital vision is very critical in their growth.
So, it would be worth it if you can get an online certification in Law related courses or business from any of the top online schools.
EDX and Coursera are one of the most popular online schools. They offer certification in almost all of their professional programs.
FAQ
What do lawyers do for startups?
A start-up lawyer helps businesses and start-ups foresee legal issues and advises on how to successfully prevent them.
You’re going to need the services of a lawyer for your startup, perhaps for tax services or employment law compliance.
The role of a startup lawyer is essential to support the startup from a legal perspective.
What Do You Need To Become a Start-Up Lawyer
Everything you need to become a start-up lawyer has been discussed in this article. Summarily, you will need certification in Law and a bit of business.
