How to become an M&A Lawyer

June 5, 2023
Young business woman looking at laptop when listening to mature coworker

If you’ve read our article on what a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) Lawyer does, you’ll know this role sits at the sharp end of corporate strategy—negotiating deals, advising on structure, and navigating regulatory and commercial risks. For law students and early-career professionals, M&A offers an intellectually rewarding and fast-paced career path with global relevance.

So, how do you become an M&A lawyer?

Whether you’re an undergraduate law student in the UK, Australia, the US, or elsewhere, there are multiple routes into this high-stakes practice area. This guide outlines the steps, skills, and career decisions that can set you on the path—from qualifying as a Lawyer to building expertise in transactional work and connecting with the right legal recruiter

Understand the educational route in your jurisdiction

The first step is to understand how to qualify as a lawyer in your country. M&A law is not an entry-level specialism, so your focus in the early years should be on becoming a qualified lawyer with strong foundational experience in commercial law.

In the UK and many Commonwealth countries, the typical path starts with a law degree (LLB) or a conversion course (such as the PGDL) if your undergraduate degree is in another subject. You then complete a vocational qualification—currently the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)—followed by two years of qualifying work experience (training contract or QWE).

In the US, the path requires a bachelor’s degree (in any field), followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and then passing the bar exam in your chosen state.

In civil law jurisdictions such as Germany, France, or Japan, the process usually involves a more academic trajectory through state examinations and judicial training, with M&A law generally being practised in larger commercial firms or international offices.

Regardless of the system, the common theme is this: becoming an M&A Lawyer starts with becoming a Lawyer first.

Focus early on commercial awareness

While you’re still at university, start cultivating your understanding of the business world. M&A lawyers work at the intersection of law and commerce, so having a grasp of how companies operate, make strategic decisions, and navigate financial markets will give you an edge.

You don’t need a finance degree, but reading the business sections of reputable publications—such as the ‘Financial Times’, ‘Bloomberg’, or ‘The Economist’—is an excellent habit. Pay attention to real-life M&A transactions, and think about the legal issues that may arise.

For international students, this is also an opportunity to understand the regional differences in deal structures, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics. Cross-border work is common in M&A, so a global mindset is a real asset.

Apply to commercial law firms with strong M&A practices

To become an M&A lawyer, you’ll typically need to train at a corporate law firm. When researching firms to apply to for vacation schemes, training contracts, or internships, look specifically at those known for strong M&A departments. Large international firms (“Magic Circle” in the UK, “BigLaw” in the US, or top-tier firms in your country) tend to handle the biggest and most complex deals, but there are also excellent M&A opportunities in mid-sized and boutique firms.

During your training period (or associate years in some countries), you may rotate through departments like corporate, banking, or private equity. A seat in the M&A team—if offered—is the ideal starting point, but corporate or transactional experience of any kind is valuable.

Some firms offer early exposure to M&A work through deal shadowing, client calls, or pro bono initiatives. Take advantage of these opportunities, and make it known that you’re interested in the practice area.

Build the right skillset for mergers and acquisitions law

M&A law requires more than technical legal knowledge. To stand out, you’ll need to develop a broad set of skills, including:

Many of these can be cultivated through university societies, mooting competitions, internships, and part-time work. Real-world experience counts.

Meet a reputable legal recruiter early on

One of the most overlooked yet valuable steps in your career planning is building a relationship with a trusted legal recruitment agency. Even at the early stages, a recruiter can offer guidance on career direction, firm culture, training opportunities, and long-term pathways into areas like M&A.

Legal recruiters understand the nuances of the market and often have access to roles that aren’t publicly advertised. They can also help you position yourself competitively—from crafting your CV to preparing for interviews and identifying firms where M&A training is strongest.

To understand the full value a recruiter can offer, take a look at The benefits of using a legal recruiter.

Consider further study or international opportunities

While not mandatory, further qualifications like an LLM in corporate law or an MBA can help you specialise or pivot into the M&A space later on. These are particularly helpful if your first few years of practice don’t involve much transactional work.

If you’re open to international work, language skills and knowledge of cross-border regulations can also be valuable. Many firms second junior Lawyers to overseas offices or encourage involvement in multi-jurisdictional deals.

Some jurisdictions also offer additional qualifications or certifications in M&A, such as the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) certifications or ACCA diplomas in corporate finance, which can enhance your commercial credibility.

Start building your professional reputation

Finally, reputation matters. Start building yours now. Network with alumni, join LinkedIn conversations, attend career events, and stay visible in the legal community. Show your interest in M&A early, and back it up with informed questions and commercial insight.

Becoming an M&A Lawyer is a long-term goal that rewards preparation, curiosity, and commercial acumen. By taking the right steps—academic, practical, and strategic—you can carve a path into one of the most dynamic and intellectually challenging areas of law.