Chances of Associate Postition? Schools, stats inside

--I'm a first year associate at a large, market-paying, but not very prestigious law NYC law firm.

--I went to Columbia Law and took mostly corp. / securities / tax courses. Had a median GPA overall but did very well in the courses listed above.

-- I went to a T25 undergrad and majored in econ. My overall GPA was 3.8 and my econ GPA was 3.95. I took four semesters of calc as well as linear algebra.

Is it possible for me to get an associate position at a BB?

Would it be worthwhile to take the GMAT just to give banks a useful metric?

How would I go about applying?

Thanks.

6 Comments
 

I think that the type of law you are practicing now will be more relevant then a gmat or your UG courses. Bankruptcy, M&A, even some contract law could be relevant...and MM restructuring groups might be a better fit

It is definitlely possible, but still difficult, and the sooner the better.

Have you spoken to Columbia for help? I am sure the law school and business school work together for these situations, and since you are only your first year out, they should be there to help.

Did you work at all before law school? any internships in finance at all?

 

well thats a good start- at least it is relevant....dont focus on the lack of experience....focus on how it has "sparked" your interest..etc.

No one expects a first year associate to be an expert, you just have to get an in with someone to land an interview, and then prove that you know what you want to do, and that you have the passion.

You'll have to read up, and learn the technicals on your own - but it should be doable. This isn't nearly the most common way into IB, but it is done somewhat regularly

 

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