As a business law student, reading widely will help you gain a broader perspective on your subjects. You should hang on to the best business law books you find, as you’ll need them once you become an intern.
If you’re a law practitioner, books on business law can give you an edge in the boardroom, the courtroom, and beyond. Excellent business law books will follow you throughout your career, so it’s best to start your collection early on.
Quick Look- Best Business Law Books
- Business Law by Robert W. Emerson J.D. - Get the book
- Cengage Advantage Books: Business Law Today, The Essentials: Text and Summarized Cases by Roger LeRoy Miller - Get this book
- Business Law: Text and Cases 14th Edition by Clarkson, Miller, and Cross - Get this book
- International Business Law and Its Environment, 10th Edition by Schaffer, Agusti, and Dhooge - Get this book
- Business Law, 10th Edition by Henry R. Cheeseman - Get this book
- Law Basics: A Legal Handbook for Online Entrepreneurs and Startup Businesses by James Hart - Get this book
- Cengage Advantage Books: Law for Business, 19th Edition by Ashcroft, Ashcroft, and Patterson - Get this book
- Business Law, 16th Edition by Mallor, Barnes, Langvardt, Prenkert, and McCrory - Get this book
- Law and Ethics in the Business Environment, 9th Edition by Terry Halbert and Elaine Ingulli - Get this book
What You Should Look for in a Business Law Book
Business law requires a comprehensive approach that covers many different areas. A good book on this subject needs to point out the regulations and precedents that will affect the decisions you make. It’s crucial for the book to be written by a renowned expert in the field. At the same time, you should opt for books that are easy to follow, and you don’t want to get lost in the details.
Author Experience and Authority
Checking if the author has the required authority is not too hard with business law books. Top business law practitioners get the chance to work with well-known clients. They’ll have a vast history of successfully completed cases. If a cursory search isn’t enough to verify the author’s credentials, it’s best to look for another book.
Range of Topics Covered
Mercantile or business law addresses the legal matters between commercial entities and people. It regulates business transactions, as well as business formation, partnerships, bankruptcy, and more.
To practice business law, you need to have a deep understanding of consumer goods sales, anti-trust policies, negotiation tactics, contract drafting, taxes, intellectual property laws, etc. A good business law book will cover at least a few of the given topics, and it will support the theory with clear real-world examples.
Our Picks for the Best Business Law Books
The following list includes some of the best business law books. We selected them using the guidelines we covered above.
1. Business Law by Robert W. Emerson J.D.
This book is already in use as additional reading material in many colleges. It focuses primarily on legal theory in relation to the demands of the business world. You learn about key government regulations, product liability, tort responsibility, contracts, etc.
It also explains all the legal nuances of partnerships, corporations, and franchises. Special sections cover business crime, as well as intellectual property. The book also features study aids, such as You Should Remember sections and a glossary of Key Terms.
2. Cengage Advantage Books: Business Law Today, The Essentials: Text and Summarized Cases by Roger LeRoy Miller
- Who’s it for? All levels
- Price: On Sale
Business Law Today, The Essentials stands out as a concise guide of contemporary business law. It offers insights into best practices regarding contracts, warranties, government regulations, and secured transactions.
This volume also examines the impact of financial crises on legal matters. It provides you with details about immigration laws, identity theft, and diversity problems. The additional learning tools are a major highlight of this book. Plus, it includes captivating visuals to help you get a better understanding of the material.
3. Business Law: Text and Cases 14th Edition by Clarkson, Miller, and Cross
- Who’s it for? All levels
- Price: On Sale
This book is rich in up-to-date content and cases that make it useful to a variety of readers. The presented cases range from precedent-setters to noteworthy recent legal decisions.
The authors included topics such as e-commerce, ethics, and digital and corporate law. There are sections which hammer deep into the different ways digital advancements influence business law. Students will find the numbered examples, summaries, and sample answers useful.
4. International Business Law and Its Environment, 10th Edition by Schaffer, Agusti, and Dhooge
- Who’s it for? Intermediate
- Price: On Sale
Following the demands of globalization, the 10th edition deals with all the legal complexities of international business. The primary focus is on foreign investment, intellectual property licensing, and trade. But you also learn about the different methods of conducting overseas business.
This book also touches upon the unique legal challenges found in emerging economies. At the same time, it presents you with the best ways to mitigate risk and conduct international transactions.
5. Business Law, 10th Edition by Henry R. Cheeseman
- Who’s it for? All levels
- Price: On Sale
The 10th Edition of Business Law uses case studies and captivating graphics to help you learn core business law concepts. It provides both national and international examples, offering a clear explanation of the complexities that influence legal business decisions.
It covers cases from US Federal and Supreme courts. You also get to explore some environmental and ethical implications that relate to business law.
When it comes to the author, Professor Henry R. Cheeseman teaches at the University of Southern California. He is among the top experts on business law and economics, with a Golden Apple Teaching Award for excellence.
6. Business Law Basics: A Legal Handbook for Online Entrepreneurs and Startup Businesses by James Hart
- Who’s it for? All levels
- Price: On Sale
Business Law Basics takes a hands-on approach by going into some legal implications of interest to aspiring business owners. The main focus is on online business and how to avoid the legal pitfalls of running an internet-based company.
Hart can give you a better understanding of sole proprietorship and the different types of companies. You’ll also learn about the importance of contracts and legal planning.
7. Cengage Advantage Books: Law for Business, 19th Edition by Ashcroft, Ashcroft, and Patterson
- Who’s it for? All levels
- Price: On Sale
This is one of the most comprehensive business law books out there. The authors covered every major topic related to business law. The 19th Edition teaches you about legal systems and environments for business, contracting, sales, and business organizations.
You’ll get an in-depth knowledge of risk-bearing devices, including insurance and bankruptcy. Special attention is paid to negotiable instruments and employees’ rights. The book also covers some of the most recent business scandals and their legal ramifications.
8. Business Law, 16th Edition by Mallor, Barnes, Langvardt, Prenkert, and McCrory
- Who’s it for? all levels
- Price: On sale
The 16th Edition of Business Law covers every aspect of corporate legal matters. You learn about criminal procedures and laws, strict liability and negligence, and more. The book provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of business property laws and crediting.
Other topics include partnerships and agency laws. Each chapter is supported by case studies, real courtroom cases, and up-to-date regulations that affect business law. A team of renowned experts from Indiana University co-authored this book.
9. Law and Ethics in the Business Environment, 9th Edition by Terry Halbert and Elaine Ingulli
- Who’s it for? All levels
- Price: On Sale
The authors cover some of the most important
This book is designed to promote in-class discussion and thought-provoking debate. Teachers will find it a useful tool to keep at hand, and corporate decision-makers can benefit from reading it too.
There are numerous cases to analyze, and they will prompt you to think critically about ethical and legal dilemmas in today’s business world. Interactive student assignments are yet another highlight of this book, as they allow for negotiation exercise, mock trials, and role play.
Finding the Best Business Law Books
Business law books can help you advance in your career, but why stop there? By reading business books and economic books, you can get even more insights into the rules that govern the contemporary corporate world.
On the other hand, it is always useful to get some tips from business giants, so feel free to check out our selection of Warren Buffet books as well. Armed with the knowledge and inspiration these books provide, you are bound to quickly climb the ladder of business law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for in business law books?
You need to consider the topics, experience and authority of the author.
What are some excellent business law books for novices?
Benzinga recommends “International Business Law,” “Business Law the Basics” and “Law and Ethics in the Business Environment.”