From Law to PWM, now back to Law?

Hi guys,

Maybe someone has some advice for me or just dropping ideas. I am 29 years old and I am actually a law graduate. After my law studies in my early 20s, I have realized, that I am somehow more interested in client work and finance. Therefore, after my law studies, I pursued a Master's in Finance in the UK (i.e. yes lots of degrees on my resume)

Following this I got a private banking offer at one of the bigger banks in Europe (think UBS, CS, DB, Citi, JPMorgan). So I started as an investment advisor and after 3 years I got an offer as Junior Private Banker. In detail, management gave me a client book of about 80M USD, and in addition, I am supporting the MD on his 750M USD book. I have been in this Junior Private Banker Role for 3 years; however, I don't see progression anymore (which is on one side also somehow normal since I am "only" 29). Now I am currently looking around and networking with other private banks or family offices, however, their requirement is always the same. Bring in 150M USD of client assets within 3 years, which seems impossible.

My comp is currently around 120k + 30k bonus for a 50h week. What are my options to improve my situation?


  • Staying where I am, and waiting for better times, after a while, I might get more clients, etc. (i.e. ultimate goal would be then to have in 10 years a reasonable client book to open my own external asset manager/wealth management shop)

  • Switching the shop and trying to acquire 150M USD in 3 years

  • Switching roles? e.g. try to switch to investment advisory or investor relations (i.e. although I like the client work with HNWI/UHNWI clients)

  • Switching industry. As mentioned I still have a law degree and could pursue a law career, however, I would make a pay cut at the beginning (i.e. 1-year training scheme and afterward 1 year of studying for the bar), however afterward could be a rewarding career. I could see myself opening my own law firm, I like law, but I like finance more. (i.e. in detail I like banking and financial market law a lot)



Appreciate your feedback.

 

Accusamus soluta ut perferendis ea laborum dolorem est. Repudiandae soluta ratione quasi est illo delectus dolores deserunt. Ratione excepturi facilis sequi laborum magnam ea.

Magnam at qui voluptatibus omnis. Magni odio corporis sed totam quia possimus in. Dolorem dolore repellat sit consequuntur enim vel a. Enim non non sit voluptate. Voluptas impedit alias explicabo accusamus sunt deleniti delectus.

Et et consequatur doloremque enim fugit eos hic. Impedit quae illo veniam aliquam. Quibusdam voluptatem voluptatibus et sint asperiores quis eligendi.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”