Law to Investing
Does anyone have advice for how to transition from being a lawyer at magic circle firm into an investment analyst role?
I’m moving to the US (Tennessee) after getting a green card but do not want to go back to Law School. I’ve always had an interest in the industry and have experience in the investment management and private funds, debt capital markets and private assets spaces (albeit from a legal angle). I don’t mind the pay cut and ‘title downgrade’ - I just can’t continue with law.
I’ve done a couple of more finance related courses in my (very limited) spare time whilst working and am busy with an Excel course at the moment. Any advice on leveraging skill sets, further studying, etc would be much appreciated, including whether this transition is a genuine possibility.
contrary to UK, the US relies more on networking so it could be doable. But from another stand, in the US college (especially brand) matters much more than in the UK.
Moreover, US employers/employees are much more prestige whores, so even if you get a role in a small PE fund you may still look up upon some bigger PE funds or similar roles that may require a good college to get into (and you may regret not going to college when you were younger - compared to when you'll reach that 'regret' point).
So if you're planning to remain in the US, I would think about going for a degree. If not, then your sole path is networking (but be sure to polish your financial accumen/knowledge and Excel skills because your legal knowledge falls below the minimum requirement in terms of skills/knowledge to be in a finance role).
gl
I know a LOT of people who moved to IB/HF/PE from law. Mostly focused in RX/Special Sits/Distressed which makes sense due to the legal nature of the work. Occasionally see an M&A lawyer hop into M&A banking too. So its not impossible but its gonna be hard considering you’re moving internationally and maybe the nuances in UK Law vs US Law will also hurt.
magic circle doesn't has the same reputation across US as UK white shoes firm (kirland, sullivan, paul weiss, etc.).
also, I'm sure OP lacks the same knowledge about ch 7 and 11 proceedings as the lawyers u mention (which may be from M&A/Bankruptcy/Lending biglaw top groups).
but anyway Op, don't get discouraged, reach to some people in firms that interet you, talk with them, ask for some feedback on your background (strengths/weaknesses) and then work on your background to become an attractive candidate for an investment role
Ahh, thought magic circle was some weird british harry potter ass way of saying white shoe firm. Thanks
Hey man, in a similar spot (UK-based) and would really appreciate your comments - mind if I pm?
This may be obvious, but do any of your clients have offices/contacts in the US? If your clients (and/or firm/partners) like you, they could be a valuable resource for networking purposes.
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