Transitioning from Law to Finance and Back Again?
Ok, for starters, I know nothing about finance besides talking a couple of economics courses and statistical courses in undergrad, and corporations law in law school. Since then I went to graduate from law school in the US, work as a lawyer in a civil litigation firm for 2 years, and then last year I moved to Europe to get my LL.M. in International Law.
Well I am just about graduated but I have no immediate job prospects, the market for lawyers is shit, and I dont want to go back to doing what I was doing before (insurance litigation). I might have an offer from a corporate finance firm here in Europe. I guess they would be willing to bring me on at the bottom, and I am sure my job would also consist of legal issues such as incorporation, dividends payments etc. I do know that also this firm does trust managment etc, so perhaps also the creation of trusts. It is a small firm of about 25 people who were recently bought out by a bigger firm.
Like I said I dont know much about finance so I dont even know exactly what they do. I tihnik they might also do fund management and deal with some private equity. What I do know is they might be willing to hire me, start me at the bottom, and see if I sink or swim, with promises of performance review etc, and increased salary. Does anyone have any experience transitioning from law into finance? And what about transitioning from finance back to law? I would love to give it a try, and making a small amount of money for long hours sounds better than making no money right now. My biggest concern is that if I work there for 3 or more years, I wont be able to transition back into law. Also would I be able to truly succeed without a finance background? I am a very motivated self started and I believe I can do it, but I would like your opinions.
Thanks for your help.





I don't know much about
I don't know much about transitioning back into Law, but Finance is a field that so many non-business orientated students do well in. It's not a tough job to be good at. It just requires motivation, a certain character and drive. The basics of what you need to know will come quickly as long as you keep at it. There are lots of people in your position so don't worry so much about it.
Wow thank you so much for
Wow thank you so much for your quick reply. So not addressing the transition back into law, but just a transition into finance, you think that if I understand it I can suceed long term without having a Finance Masters or MBA or whatever?
I mean if I do it, and Im good, and I like it, I can do it for 10 years or so without being held back because I came from law?
Sorry to be more specific -
Sorry to be more specific - will I ever hit a celing because i dont have an MBA
This guy has a law degree,
This guy has a law degree, but no MBA. I hear he does alright.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lloyd_Blankfein
looking for that pick-me-up to power through an all-nighter?
Thanks LIBOR, so if I ever
Thanks LIBOR, so if I ever have an interview and they say, an MBA is preferred I can just say "what about Lloyd Blankfein?"
But seriously, anyone in here practice both law and finance?
Haha. If you say that at any
Haha. If you say that at any firm, but GS, you'll probably get a glass of water thrown at you.
To be honest, anyone who is good will be retained. But in Europe, an MBA is not a requirement. It seems more analysts are promoted to associate level after their two years. Having said that, an MBA will open more doors for you (e.g. PE / VC - which is where most of the money is).