Moelis vs Lazard SA 2026?
Hi everyone.
I recently received offers Moelis and Lazard’s 2026 M&A/RX SA programs in NYC.
Super excited to choose between two amazing firms but was wondering what everyone’s thoughts were. I’m mainly concerned about exits, culture, comp, and WLB (in that order). I’ve heard great things about the analyst program at Moelis, but I’ve also heard it’s the worst sweatshop on the street. I’ve heard great things about Lazard, but am worried about its culture being similar to a BB.
Obviously these are all subjective questions, but just curious what y’all would do and where you think the better place to start a career off is in 2025.
buyside exits: same, up to you to convert to PE offers. Laz slight edge if you're looking to go to corporate side due to bigger brand. Moe CSA/HC may edge for buyside exits but are very sweaty and hard to get
WLB: laz definitely, protected weekends, WFH mon/fri, moelis is worse, not much to elaborate
culture: pretty hit or miss based on groups, Moe decides groups later though, during FT training so you might be in for a nasty surprise
comp: Moe is higher, laz trying to up i believe but still should be lower
I interned at Laz last summer, would recommend picking it over moe. Had a great time.
Personally would rec moelis but really just depends which culture you like more
No material difference, pick whichever one you vibed with better
Lazard (unless you know someone / have good friends at Moelis)
Moelis if you have any thoughts on going A2A given the significantly higher comp
Moelis imo. I’m a senior and interned at moe this past summer. Both names are extremely well respected throughout the finance world so I wouldn’t worry about prestige. i loved my time at moelis, great people, super friendly, and if it matters, they also make more than Laz. Can’t really think of any industry in which Moelis is not better than Laz in except fig. Upto you but I think you can’t go wrong with either, but I recommend moelis
Industrials, Biopharma, power / infra, FIG…
Mb completely forgot power & infra, but i don’t think Laz is the clear winner for biopharma anymore. Check on factset they’ve been getting a bit dogged for deals recently
Moelis is the better firm. If you think you have the stats/grit to do better, recruit for FT with Moelis on resume.
Moelis is marginally better for North America practice with higher comp but also more demanding. If you don’t mind being worked very hard and want the traditional boutique experience, choose Moelis. If not, go to Lazard. Early career comp difference isn’t a meaningful metric to consider honestly, and Lazard is a more widely known brand which I think can make up for the discount. Culture is definitely something consider. If not HCS, M&A, or LA, a lot of Moelis deals would be sponsor-backed middle market deals, whereas you have more chance to work on larger deals with strategics at Lazard. If you are 100% set of PE exit Moelis may be marginally a better choice.
moe if ur a hardo, laz if ur not
Take moelis. Laz is a sinking ship
Source, prospect?
Haha yea I’m in college — was just echoing what I was told on some networking calls
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