Top 10 Corporate Attorney Certifications

Certifications are an important way for corporate attorneys to demonstrate their commitment to their profession, as well as to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in a particular field of law. With the increasing complexity of legal matters, employers are increasingly looking for qualified attorneys who can provide specialized knowledge and experience in the areas they need most. Certifications show potential employers that a corporate attorney has taken the initiative to pursue additional training and education beyond what is required by their state or local bar associations. In addition, certifications also help build credibility within the legal profession and can be used as an indicator of a lawyer’s ability to handle complex cases. Finally, certifications can provide corporate attorneys with greater job security since they can be used to show that they are up-to-date on new laws and regulations that might affect their clients.

The purpose of the article is to review some of the top certifications for Corporate Attorneys and explain how they can help to enhance a corporate attorney's career.

What are Corporate Attorney Certifications?

Corporate attorney certification is a professional designation awarded to attorneys who have met certain criteria in their practice of corporate law. This certification is meant to demonstrate the attorney’s expertise and experience in the field of corporate law. To earn this certification, attorneys must meet a set of standards that include a combination of education, experience, and professional development. These standards are set forth by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Having a corporate attorney certification can help attorneys stand out from their peers as they demonstrate their dedication to the profession and commitment to excellence. The certification may also make it easier for attorneys to find employment opportunities or gain access to specialized resources within the field. Additionally, employers may be more likely to hire an attorney with a corporate attorney certification because they know that these professionals have been trained and tested on specific aspects of corporate law. Furthermore, having this certification may also give attorneys an edge when competing for promotions or other advancements within their firm or organization. Ultimately, having a corporate attorney certification can give an individual an advantage over other lawyers who do not have such credentials.

Pro Tip: Before committing to a corporate attorney certification program, make sure you understand the requirements and expectations of the program. Many programs have specific prerequisites or require ongoing continuing education requirements in order to maintain certification. Additionally, research the accreditation standards of the program to ensure that it meets your needs and will give you an edge in the job market.

Related: What does a Corporate Attorney do?

Top 10 Corporate Attorney Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Corporate Attorneys today.

1. Certified Corporate Attorney (CCA)

Certified Corporate Attorney (CCA) is a professional certification that recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated expertise in the field of corporate law. The certification is offered by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is designed to recognize attorneys who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the areas of corporate governance, securities, mergers and acquisitions, international business transactions, and other related topics.

It typically takes between two to three years to earn the CCA designation. To qualify for the CCA certification, an attorney must have at least five years of experience practicing corporate law, pass a comprehensive written examination, and participate in continuing legal education activities related to corporate law.

The cost for the CCA certification varies depending on the state in which you are seeking the designation. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1,000 to complete all of the requirements for certification. This includes registration fees for both the exam and continuing legal education activities as well as any additional costs associated with obtaining necessary documents or materials.

Overall, becoming a Certified Corporate Attorney can be an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to excellence in corporate law. It is also an excellent way to differentiate yourself from other attorneys who may not possess such specialized knowledge or experience in this area of practice.

2. Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Attorney (CMAA)

A Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Attorney (CMAA) is an attorney who has achieved a specialized certification in the field of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The certification is awarded by the American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM), which is a professional association that provides education, training, and certifications to professionals in the financial services industry. To become certified, an attorney must pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as corporate law, securities regulations, M&A transactions, and taxation.

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification process. During this time, applicants must complete an online course and pass the CMAA exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the certification program varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in-person. The fee for online courses ranges from $1,000-$2,000 while in-person courses can cost up to $3,000.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least two years of experience practicing law in either mergers and acquisitions or corporate law. They must also be licensed attorneys in good standing with their state bar association. Finally, they must demonstrate knowledge and experience in M&A transactions through a portfolio review conducted by AAFM’s Board of Directors.

3. Certified International Corporate Lawyer (CICL)

Certified International Corporate Lawyer (CICL) is a professional qualification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in international corporate law. It is awarded by the International Bar Association (IBA) and requires that applicants demonstrate extensive knowledge and experience in the field.

To become a CICL, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam, and demonstrate at least five years of experience in international corporate law. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral examination. The written portion covers topics such as international business transactions, contracts, mergers & acquisitions, and dispute resolution. The oral examination tests the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge to practical scenarios.

The cost of becoming a CICL depends on the country where you are taking the exam. In some countries, there may be additional fees for application processing or other administrative costs. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 USD to become certified.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all of the requirements for certification. During this time period, applicants must complete their studies and pass both portions of the exam with satisfactory scores before they can be officially certified as an International Corporate Lawyer.

4. Certified Business Transactions Lawyer (CBTL)

Certified Business Transactions Lawyer (CBTL) is a professional designation that recognizes lawyers who have demonstrated competency in the area of transactional law. This certification is granted by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is recognized as a mark of excellence in the legal profession.

To become a CBTL, an attorney must have at least five years of experience practicing transactional law, including drafting and negotiating contracts, representing clients in business transactions, and advising on corporate governance issues. The lawyer must also pass an examination administered by the ABA that tests their knowledge of transactional law and related topics.

The process for becoming certified typically takes about six months to complete. To begin the process, an attorney must first submit an application to the ABA’s Committee on Legal Specialization & Education. After submitting the application, they will need to provide evidence of their experience practicing transactional law and then take and pass the CBTL examination.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on where you live and how much experience you have practicing transactional law. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more to become certified as a CBTL.

5. Certified Securities Lawyer (CSL)

A Certified Securities Lawyer (CSL) is a designation awarded by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in securities law. The CSL designation is intended to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in this field.

It typically takes between three and five years to become a Certified Securities Lawyer. To qualify, applicants must pass an exam administered by NASAA, demonstrate at least five years of professional experience in the securities industry, and complete continuing education requirements.

To get started on the path to becoming a CSL, applicants should first review the CSL Candidate Handbook provided by NASAA. This handbook provides detailed information about the exam, including eligibility requirements and application instructions. After reviewing the handbook, applicants should register for the exam with NASAA and pay the required fee ($250). Once registered, they can begin studying for the exam using materials provided by NASAA or other sources.

The cost of becoming a Certified Securities Lawyer includes registration fees for the exam ($250), study materials (varies depending on source), and any additional costs associated with continuing education requirements (also varies).

6. Certified Taxation Lawyer (CTL)

A Certified Taxation Lawyer (CTL) is a professional designation given to tax lawyers who have met the requirements for certification as set by the American Bar Association. The CTL designation is a recognition of expertise in the field of taxation law, and it is awarded to those who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in this area.

In order to become a CTL, an individual must first meet certain educational and professional requirements. These include having an accredited law degree from an ABA-accredited school, passing the bar exam in their state, completing at least three years of legal practice in taxation law, and passing the American Bar Association's Taxation Law Exam. Additionally, applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to continuing education by taking additional courses or attending seminars related to taxation law.

The process of becoming a CTL typically takes two to three years, depending on how quickly the applicant can complete all of the necessary requirements. Once all requirements are met, individuals may apply for certification through the American Bar Association's website. Certification fees vary but generally range from $500-$1,000.

Once certified, CTLs are expected to maintain their knowledge by participating in continuing education courses or attending seminars related to taxation law every year. Additionally, they must adhere to ethical standards set forth by the ABA and comply with applicable laws and regulations governing their practice.

7. Certified Bankruptcy Lawyer (CBL)

A Certified Bankruptcy Lawyer (CBL) is a lawyer who has been certified by the American Board of Certification (ABC) as having met certain standards of experience and expertise in the practice of bankruptcy law. The certification process requires that the attorney have at least five years of experience in bankruptcy law, including two years of active practice in the area. The attorney must also pass a written examination, which tests their knowledge and understanding of bankruptcy law.

The certification process typically takes around six months to complete. To become certified, an attorney must first submit an application to the ABC, along with a fee and proof of their qualifications. Once approved, they will be required to take a written exam that covers topics such as consumer debt relief, business reorganization, creditors’ rights, asset protection and more. After passing the exam and meeting all other requirements, they will be granted certification by the ABC.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on the state where you are practicing law. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Additionally, attorneys may need to pay for continuing education courses or other related expenses throughout their careers in order to maintain their certification status.

Overall, becoming a Certified Bankruptcy Lawyer is an important step for any lawyer who wishes to specialize in this area of law. It demonstrates that they have achieved a high level of expertise and provides them with additional credibility when representing clients in bankruptcy proceedings.

8. Certified Intellectual Property Lawyer (CIPL)

A Certified Intellectual Property Lawyer (CIPL) is a lawyer who has achieved a specialized certification in the area of intellectual property law. This certification is granted by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Specialization. It requires that the applicant demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill and experience in the practice of intellectual property law.

In order to become certified as a CIPL, an attorney must meet certain qualifications, including passing an examination and having at least five years of experience practicing intellectual property law. The examination covers topics such as patent law, trademark law, copyright law, trade secret law, unfair competition and licensing agreements. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also complete at least 30 hours of continuing legal education credits in intellectual property law every three years in order to maintain their certification.

The cost for becoming certified as a CIPL varies depending on the jurisdiction where you are seeking certification. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000 and $3,000 to take the exam and obtain your certification. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking continuing legal education courses or other requirements necessary to maintain your certification.

9. Certified Employment Lawyer (CEL)

Certified Employment Lawyer (CEL) is a professional designation offered by the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA). It is a voluntary certification program that recognizes attorneys who have achieved a high level of expertise in employment law.

To become certified, an attorney must demonstrate substantial experience and knowledge of employment law, including federal and state statutes, regulations, and case law. Attorneys must also pass a written examination that covers all aspects of employment law. The exam is administered twice a year, usually in March and September.

In order to be eligible to take the CEL exam, an attorney must have practiced employment law for at least three years with at least 500 hours of practice in the area of employment law during the previous two years. An attorney must also complete at least 15 hours of continuing legal education related to employment law each year.

The cost to take the CEL exam is $1,000 plus any applicable taxes or fees. The fee covers the cost of materials needed for the exam as well as administrative costs associated with administering the exam.

Once an attorney passes the CEL exam, they will be listed on NELA’s online directory and may use “Certified Employment Lawyer” after their name when practicing or advertising their services. They will also receive a certificate from NELA recognizing their achievement.

10. Certified Antitrust and Competition Lawyer (CACL).

Certified Antitrust and Competition Lawyer (CACL) is a professional certification program for lawyers who specialize in antitrust and competition law. It is administered by the American Bar Association’s Section of Antitrust Law. The CACL designation recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated expertise in the field of antitrust and competition law, as well as their commitment to continuing education in the area.

To become certified, an attorney must meet certain qualifications, including having at least three years of experience practicing antitrust and competition law; passing a written examination; completing at least 24 hours of approved continuing legal education courses within the past three years; and submitting letters of recommendation from two other attorneys who are familiar with the applicant's practice.

The CACL certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. The cost of obtaining the certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors, but it can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Do You Really Need a Corporate Attorney Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the specific needs and circumstances of each individual. In some cases, a corporate attorney certificate may be necessary in order to practice law in certain jurisdictions. In other cases, a corporate attorney certificate may not be required or even beneficial.

In general, corporate attorneys are hired by companies to provide legal advice and representation on matters related to the business’s operations. A corporate attorney must have a thorough understanding of relevant laws and regulations as well as how they apply to the company’s activities in order to effectively advise their client. Depending on the jurisdiction, some states may require an attorney to obtain a certificate or license before they can practice law. This is typically done through passing an exam or completing additional coursework that demonstrates knowledge of state-specific laws.

If you are considering becoming a corporate attorney, it is important to research whether or not you will need a certificate in your jurisdiction. If so, it is essential that you understand what requirements must be met and take whatever steps are necessary for certification. On the other hand, if certification is not required for practicing law in your state, then it may not be beneficial for you to pursue such certification as it could take up valuable time and resources that could otherwise be devoted towards gaining more experience and knowledge related to corporate law and working with clients directly.

Related: Corporate Attorney Resume Examples

FAQs About Corporate Attorney Certifications

Q1. What is a corporate attorney certification?

A1. A corporate attorney certification is a specialized designation that recognizes an attorney's expertise in corporate law. It can be earned by completing a course of study or passing an exam administered by a professional organization, such as the American Bar Association.

Q2. How do I become certified as a corporate attorney?

A2. To become certified as a corporate attorney, you must complete an accredited program or pass an examination given by a professional organization such as the American Bar Association (ABA). Depending on the state, you may also need to have at least three years of experience practicing corporate law.

Q3. Is there any continuing education required to maintain my certification?

A3. Yes, most organizations require attorneys to complete continuing education requirements in order to maintain their certification status. This could include attending courses and seminars related to corporate law or taking exams related to the field of practice.

Q4. Are there any benefits to becoming certified as a corporate attorney?

A4. Yes! Becoming certified as a corporate attorney can help you gain credibility with potential clients and employers, and it can give you access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities within the legal profession. It can also provide additional job security since many employers prefer hiring attorneys with specialized certifications in their field of practice.

Q5. Is there any cost associated with obtaining certification?

A5: Yes, there are usually fees associated with obtaining certification from professional organizations such as the ABA or other accrediting bodies that issue certifications for specific areas of practice, such as corporate law or tax law. In addition, some states may require applicants to pay fees for licensing exams or application processing fees before they are eligible for certification status in their jurisdiction