Would MBA Programs value a law degree from Harvard?

Hello, No this isn't a flame. Quick question: I am currently a law student at Harvard, but would possibly like to pursue an MBA after a few years practicing M&A and Private Equity Law. I was a Poli Sci major in undergrad, and have taken Business related courses while in law school. Would an MBA program such as Tuck or Cornell value my law degree from Harvard? Even so much as to offer scholarship money?

22 Comments
 

Thanks! No, I have not applied to HBS only because 1, I have no work experience and I do not want to do the 2+2, and 2) As crazy as it may seem, I don't want to go to HBS, I would rather get a full into Dartmouth or Cornell, or maybe a partial scholarship into Columbia. The only school I would pay full for is Wharton.

 

I think it is better to apply for HBS if you can. You can reject HBS after earning your offer etc.

Even though it's pre experience for you, HBS is still a place sought by tons of applications. Stepping back to MBA after HLS and work world might be nice for breaks, but generally only top 3-7 has elite access to things, and top15 generally have level playing fields. I just would Get HBS if you can. The only pain in lack of experience will go away in just few years

 
Best Response

Frankly if your goal is to go into IB after an MBA, I'd say:

  1. Skip the MBA. With a Harvard/biglaw pedigree in a top group, you should be fine to transition to an associate/vp role at a BB/EB. MBA might enhance your chances but strikes me as a waste of time and money.

  2. Transactional work in biglaw is probably going to prepare you better for a switch to the business side. PE law is very much regulatory/administratively focused. You would do better to spend your time working on niche buyout and restructuring transactions. In RX especially, it helps to come from a legal background since doing deals under the shadow of bankruptcy is a unique challenge.

Array
 

Yes - there are a bunch of JDs from T10 schools at my business school (M7). Having said that, you should be able to transition into a banking / consulting role out of HLS. An MBA from Tuck or Johnson will not add much value.

 

A few things to keep in mind.

1) Most business schools (not HBS) want to see you make a logical case for why you need an MBA. That means usually a career goal that required a business education. "rounding out" your experience is a little too general for my taste. Be more specific. 2) Lawyers are famous for not "doing numbers." Given your GMAT and prior work experience, I don't think it will be a concern in your case. 3) Make a case for your fit at your specific school. That's important. They don't want to admit you solely because it's convenient for you. Think school's mission and values and how you share them.

FYI, I've given webinars on getting accepted to HBS and Stanford MBA. Please see http://reports.accepted.com/mba/harvard-business-school and http://reports.accepted.com/mba/stanford_graduate_school_of_business_we… .

Best, Linda

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 

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