How do finance professionals see my JD?
This is highly dependant on the firm and industry. To be straightforward, a JD will usually not set you up nearly as well as an MBA. If you’re applying for a position with an investment bank or private equity firm, they may see you as overqualified and/or think that the work they have for you won’t fulfill your intellectual interests. There are of course, some exceptions.
A Juris Doctor from a top law school will position you well for a number of more specialized jobs in finance. A boutique investment bank focusing on restructuring or the restructuring group of a larger firm may see you as an attractive candidate because that type of financial work is more closely tied to the law. The same goes for a hedge fund that makes investments based on the outcome of legal decisions. Many companies working in the real estate sector (whether it is real estate PE, IB, or AM) will greatly value an employee with knowledge of both real estate law and business.
Most firms do, however, look for candidates with corporate law experience. This shows them that you actually have a working knowledge of that field and aren’t merely an accomplished academic. Remember, the more specialized your area of expertise is, the less jobs you will find available to you in finance. While being accomplished in a specialized field is great, you run the risk of pigeonholing yourself to that area.
Relevant Discussion on Wall Street Oasis:
Additional Resources:
- Other Graduate Degrees: How do finance professionals see my MD, PhD, or other graduate degree?
- Search WSO for: "How useful is a JD for finance?"
- Relevant WSO Forums: Get a Job
- Relevant WSO Guides: Technical Interview Guide and WSO Behavioral Interview Guide
- Relevant WSO Services: Wall Street Prep
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