Business Law
Business Law
Business Law Department Website
Businesses need talented individuals that know how to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic legal environment.
Drake’s major in Business Law and minor in Law and Business are designed for students who are interested in developing expertise in the legal and regulatory climate that affects business policies and decisions. Both of these programs will appeal to aspiring lawyers and those that want to have a more thorough understanding of how to practically apply existing law in a business context.
DIVERSE JOB PROSPECTS
Many students who graduate with a Business Law major will enroll directly in law school. However, they are just as likely to immediately begin a career in human resources, compliance, risk management, insurance, banking, securities, real estate, or other highly regulated industries.
DEGREE OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The Business Law major is designed to give students the knowledge and tools necessary to analyze legal issues faced by businesses today. Students will enter directly into Drake’s Zimpleman College of Business and immediately take courses that are designed to introduce them to the major functions of a business. Courses in Business Law begin in the second year and emphasize a systematic framework for analyzing statutes, regulations, case law, contracts, and policy while considering corresponding business risks and liabilities. Through this program, students will develop superior problem-solving and analytical skills, alongside strong communication and presentation skills so that they can interpret and explain complex information both verbally and in writing.
The minor in Law and Business is designed for students seeking business and legal knowledge to supplement their undergraduate major. The minor requires only 18 hours of coursework and is available to all undergraduate students.
EXAMPLES OF COURSEWORK
Required major courses discuss topics such as contracts, torts, product liability, insurance, sales, secured transactions, debtor/creditor relationships, estates and trusts, agency law, securities law, tax law, and the legal issues in the formation and operation of sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies.
Elective courses are also available in topics such as copyright law, information technology law, anti-trust, banking, human resource management, international law, and constitutional law.
For a comprehensive list of courses for Business Law offered by the Zimpleman College of Business, visit this page.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Des Moines, Iowa’s capital, and largest city, provides an ideal location for both business and legal/political internships. Des Moines is home to several major insurance, health care, banking, and real estate companies that offer a wide range of opportunities to gain valuable on-the-job experience. Students can pursue internships minutes away from campus in areas such as corporate law, private practice, or state government. Many paid internships are available during both the school year and summer and all will provide a competitive edge in today’s job market.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Students also have the opportunity to join two student organizations that provide opportunities to further explore their interest in the law. Drake Mock Trial is a student-run organization that participates in competitive nationwide trial simulations. Delta Theta Phi is a professional fraternity that helps prepare students for law school and provides valuable networking opportunities through partnerships with Drake Law School as well as other law schools in the Midwest.
FIND OUT MORE
We love talking about the great things happening at Drake, but nothing beats a visit to campus. Let us know you're coming, and we'll arrange for you to meet professors, sit in on a class, or just hang out with current students.
Contact:
Royce Fichtner
Ellis and Nelle Levitt Distinguished Professor of Business Law
Zimpleman College of Business
515-271-4159
Business Law Department Website
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