From IB to Law School in 2025, Thoughts?
Really curious about people's reasoning for going to law school after a 2 year analyst stint in IB. Thanks
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There's not really a strong case for this. It's a huge amount of money, all to get back to the salary you made out of college and still work just as many hours on mundane work. If you really want to be a lawyer, do what you gotta do, but I think many of these cases are people feeling completely stuck/unhappy in IB and going back to school feels like a safe option (vs quitting or trying another job they might hate).
Most lawyers will advise you not to go to law school. And big law is IB 2.0.
I would only do this if you are 1000% certain you have no interest in finance at all - not just IB, but some of the better lifestyle exits. IB is a terrible grind even for those who love finance. IMO some of the people who bolt to law school would have been perfectly happy in a more WLB-friendly area of finance
appreciate it
You seem to already know the answer: there are few, if any, good reasons to make this move. The exception is if someone in IB knows what litigation and entails and cannot imagine doing anything else with their career. Leaving IB to be in transactional is an own goal.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, transitioning from Investment Banking (IB) to Law School is a path some individuals choose to pursue for various reasons. Here are some thoughts and insights drawn from discussions on Wall Street Oasis:
Diversification of Skill Set: Individuals may choose to go to law school after their stint in IB to diversify their skill sets. Having a deep understanding of both finance and law can make someone exceptionally valuable in areas like corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and financial regulation.
Career Flexibility: With a background in both law and finance, individuals open up a wide range of career opportunities. This can include roles in legal advisory, investment banking, private equity, and even roles within regulatory bodies.
Passion for Law: Some may discover a passion for law during their time in IB or have always had an interest in pursuing law. Law school provides the opportunity to explore this interest further and potentially pivot to a career that aligns more closely with their interests and passions.
Competitive Advantage: A background in IB can be a significant advantage in law school admissions and later in the job market. The rigorous analytical skills, work ethic, and financial acumen gained in IB can set candidates apart in the competitive law school application process and in seeking employment post-graduation.
Long-term Career Goals: For some, the decision to go to law school after IB is driven by long-term career goals. For instance, those aiming for roles that require a deep understanding of both finance and law, such as certain positions in private equity or roles that involve complex financial transactions, may find that having both an IB and a law background is invaluable.
Seeking a New Challenge: After two years in IB, some individuals may seek a new intellectual challenge. Law school offers a different kind of rigor and the opportunity to delve deeply into the complexities of law, which can be appealing for those looking for a change.
Impact on Career Trajectory: It's important to consider how this transition might impact one's career trajectory. While it can open new doors, it also involves a significant time and financial investment. The decision should align with one's long-term career objectives and personal goals.
In conclusion, the decision to attend law school after an analyst stint in IB is multifaceted and depends on individual career goals, interests, and the desire to diversify one's skill set. It's a path that can offer a unique competitive advantage and open up a wide range of career opportunities, but it requires careful consideration of the commitment and how it aligns with one's long-term aspirations.
Sources: Anyone do Law School AFTER banking analyst stint?, Talk me out of law school (HYS law), Banking to Law?
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