What is Business Law?
Business law, sometimes also referred to as corporate law or trade law, consists of the rights responsibilities, relationships and regulated conduct of the commercial sphere. This includes the trade of goods and services, the creation of businesses and corporations, the creation of intellectual property and the employment of workers within the sector.
All businesses, whether they be large or small, are required to operate within the confines of the law. Business law specialists are experts at navigating legal communication to ensure widespread compliance.
In Australia, businesses are bound by both Commonwealth law, and the laws of each state they operate in. International organisations are also required to adhere to the laws of the nations within which they conduct business. International treaties, regulations and contracts can also add a layer of complexity to this area.
Legal obligations and responsibilities form a significant portion of a corporation’s day-to-day operations and long-term planning. Those with a keen understanding of business in the legal context will find themselves a valuable asset, as managers navigate the increasingly complex world of laws and regulations.
Business law specialists are expert communicators. Whether they are working with external clients, management teams, employees of an organisation or other stakeholders, they can tailor their communication styles to suit the audience. When providing information that could impact the organisation’s livelihood and function, this is a vital skillset that can have a large impact.
Research is a fundamental part of business law. Legal documents can often be considerable, and it requires both knowledge and skill to expertly distil the core points of the law and communicate these to a large workplace.
Understandably, business law is a vast field that provides numerous opportunities for both diversification and specialisation. Business law majors may find themselves managing a multitude of affairs for one business or focusing on a niche area within a specific field.
What do those who work in business law do?
Almost every business will require individuals with knowledge and experience within business law. With so many areas of importance, there are an array of opportunities for those with an interest in the field.
Contracts between parties are an essential part of a functioning business. Whether these contracts are between suppliers and sellers, or employees and employers, managing their creation, implementation and execution is a core part of any organisation. A business law specialist is familiar with the principles of contract law and can apply these to the drafting of terms and the resolution of contract disputes.
Managing employees within a corporation can also require a legal perspective. From ensuring awards and employee rights are applied correctly, to managing the hiring and termination of staff, there are plenty of opportunities for business law specialists in this area.
Navigating Australian taxation legislation is fundamental to the success of a business. Those who specialise in this area understand the influence of capital gains tax, international transactions, and corporate distributions on a company’s taxation obligations. Working in tandem with Accounting, they are experts in the system of taxation administration and fully across the financial operations of a business.
Disputes are a common consequence of doing business, as parties seek to satisfy their own interests. Those with an understanding of business law are familiar with the alternatives to settling disputes via litigation and are practiced in applying these alternatives to resolve conflict. Experts in negotiation, mediation and arbitration are in high demand as businesses seek to settle differences as efficiently and effectively as possible.
The technology age has facilitated an explosion in new ideas and innovations across businesses. Businesses that are entrepreneurially minded require experts in intellectual property, to ensure their ideas are protected from theft and are appropriately credited. This expanding area of practice offers numerous opportunities for those interested in the research and development side of business.
Whatever your strengths and interests are, business law offers interesting and challenging areas within which to specialise.
Explore your study options in Business Law
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Advance your career in business with this flexible course tailored to suit your professional interests. Learn alongside leading industry experts with opportunities for real-world learning and networking in domestic and international settings.
- Townsville: January, May, September
- Brisbane: January, May, September
Examine principles of justice and ethical legal practice with a Bachelor of Laws from JCU. Become skilled at reviewing contracts, arguing a criminal case, negotiating litigation settlements and interpreting matters of constitutional law. Students at JCU Cairns, Nguma-bada campus can hone their practice at North Queensland's first moot court with e-court facilities.
- Townsville: January, May, September
- Cairns: January, May, September
- Online: January, May, September
Boost your employability with JCU Commerce. Get a head start with tailored industry experience and build your network through practical learning opportunities. In assisting individuals at tax time or navigating trade with international businesses, your studies will equip you with the knowledge and skills to drive success in a diverse career.
- Townsville: January, May, September
- Cairns: January, May, September
- Brisbane: January, May, September
- Online: January, May, September
What jobs are there in Business Law?
Business law promises opportunities across both the private and public sector; however, you will likely find a more diverse range of opportunities in the corporate world.
A Bachelor of Commerce, with a second major in Business Law, will ensure you have a wide and varying understanding of both legal and business affairs across multiple industries and contexts. You will have an in-depth understanding of the legal challenges corporations may face and be equipped with the communication and problem-solving skills to resolve them efficiently and effectively.
Explore the opportunities within the Australian business world, or use your global perspective and networking skills to seek out a position within an international corporation.
With a JCU Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Business Law, you may find yourself holding roles such as:
- Compliance officer
- Financial analyst
- Procurement specialist
- Investment advisor
- Media executive
- Litigation researcher
- Human resources manager
- Corporate paralegal
- Policy advisor
- Entrepreneur.
Why study Business Law at JCU?
Studying Business Law at JCU with the Bachelor of Commerce will empower you to develop essential job-ready skills. Benefit from hands-on industry knowledge and experience through our work-integrated learning capstone program.
Our business law lecturers are leaders in their field and can provide students with invaluable insights into the industry, and the applicability of business law to many fields. Students will study the principles of contracts, torts, property, industrial relations, taxation law and dispute resolution. The knowledge and skills you cultivate will enable you to move seamlessly into several industries.
JCU can equip you for a broad career, allowing you to gain expertise across multiple subject areas by taking a second major. In the Bachelor of Commerce at JCU, choose to complement a major such as Accounting with a second major in Business Law. You’ll graduate ready to address the financial, legal and commercial aspects of large-scale corporations through to small-scale family businesses.
The corporate world is on the go 24/7, and we know that you may be, too. That’s why you can study a Bachelor of Commerce with a second major in Business Law at the JCU Townsville campus or online. Embrace the flexibility to study your way today. At JCU, this is uni… but not as you know it.
Jodie Maxfield
Lecturer
College of Business, Law and Governance
"JCU’s Bachelor of Commerce offers practical, hands-on experience through work-integrated learning. We have amazing support mechanisms available, such as first year coordinators and mentors who will help students get started and succeed in their studies."