“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
GPA definitely matters less than biglaw because consulting actually uses the interview process to evaluate your intelligence in addition to fit (whereas legal interviews are almost all fit based). Likewise, MBB firms care a lot more about your resume and well-roundedness because the screening process is simply more rigorous than looking at your school + GPA.
Not sure if there's a formal GPA cutoff, a linkedin search of MBB firms by law school might be revealing. Anecdotally, most of the people that I've seen make the jump to MBB have some combination of T6 law school + a grade selective firm on their resume.
Went through this process recently so feel free to PM.
GPA doesn't matter as much as it does for recruiting at law firms.
SOURCE: Multiple JD to MBB friends.
I am a JD who currently works at MBB. Happy to answer any specific questions. I don't think I or anyone else though would comment on specific "stats" required, partly because there's no firm requirement (aside from attending a school in the recruiting threshold).
Can you describe your transition from a firm to MBB (i.e. law school, firm, how you got an interview, how interviews went etc)? Thanks!
Sure. I went to a "top 14" law school, which I believe the group we generally recruit at (practically though I think just about everyone comes from the upper half of that school list). If you're at one of those schools, it's a fairly straightforward process (though not in the traditional law firm on campus interview format) - they actively solicit applications and come on campus for presentations. You apply, and generally at these schools they cast a wide net so if you have a convincing resume and decent grades you have a reasonably good chance of landing a first round interview.
But the interviews matter way more than at a law firm - they're quite rigorous and need serious prep work to do well on. Made tougher by the fact that most law schools (mine at least) have no idea how to prep their students for a consulting interview, so you have to hustle a bit more on your own.
Hi, check your PMs please.
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