Comments on: Law School to Investment Banking: How to Trade One Dungeon for a Shinier, More Exciting Dungeon

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:17:16 +0000

You don’t have a great shot because those certifications mean nothing next to a real university degree or traditional MBA combined with deal experience at a top bank, and the Canadian IB market is *tiny* and is extremely difficult to break into as a university student, let alone a career changer.

If you want a good chance at making this transition, forget Canada and aim for roles in Europe and the U.S. to take advantage of the bigger market and increased lateral hiring. Oh, and the hiring market in finance (and tech) is currently terrible, but these things can change quickly.

https://mergersandinquisitions.com/investment-banking-in-canada/
https://mergersandinquisitions.com/lateral-hiring/

By: Francis A.

Francis A. — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 19:14:32 +0000

Hi Brian,
Your article here is exactly what I needed, I work in Capital Markets, M&A and PE at a mid-level law firm in West Africa. We do not get the best of the big deals, we merely advise or help clients apply to the relevant M&A regulatory authority. I have worked in law for 7 years.

Recently, I have been planning to move to Canada and since I cannot practice law immediately in Canada without being licensed, I have been seriously considering transitioning to Investment Banking.

Last year I obtained a Global MBA from London Executive Education Academy, now Web 3 Business School; similarly, I got certified as a Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst by Corporate Finance Institute Canada. I must confess the calculations could be bewildering for my background.

Do you think I stand a better chance of getting into IB in Canada with my background and recent upskill in the business and finance world?

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 18:09:33 +0000

In reply to H Dave. Yes, corporate law is always a good background if you want to move into IB. Studying for the CFA will help a bit, but you don't necessarily need to pass even Level 1 or attempt the other levels.

By: H Dave

H Dave — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:17:45 +0000

Hi Brian

I am currently a law student and I am interested in moving to IB.
I have gotten a job at a top corporate law firm with their banking and finance team. Do you think if I work as a banking and finance lawyer for sometime, will it interest the hirers from IB more?

Also, do you think if I pursue CFA Programme, will it be advantageous for me?

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 17:05:47 +0000

In reply to Jonathan Whitcomb. I agree that it's generally easier to move earlier rather than later, but that's true of any career transition. I'm not really sure how a lawyer with no deal experience could start a bank or investment fund, but sure, maybe, I guess?

By: Jonathan Whitcomb

Jonathan Whitcomb — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 14:05:54 +0000

I have seen lawyers move into finance but they are usually very senior people (prominent partners) or have gone out on there own to form a hedge fund, commodity pool, or private equity fund. The reality is that the skills you developed as a transactional attorney or restructuring attorney translate well into a role in an investment bank (the advisory part of the bank) or a private equity fund. However, I had a JD from a solid school, where I graduated magna, etc. and could have transferred to a top five law school after my first year. I cam from a top college. I work for three years in the top restructuring law firm for three years. I got my Tax LLM from the top Graduate Tax Program and did well in courses I took at a top business school I did better in those courses than I had in college. I didn’t even get close when I tried to make this transition during my time at NYU. I got one interview and was told I had a good resume for a lawyer why don’t I be that. I did get an interview with a top management consulting firm. I had a hard time even getting interviews at the tax departments of almost any law firm. I did get calls from Big 4 Accounting firms but they paid half as much to start as I made starting at my first law firm. Plus the Big 4 told me that I would be assigned to an industry and generate tax returns. That’s not tax law or finance, that what accounting majors coming out of college do. Is it possible to make the transition from law into finance? Yes, but I think you need a lot of luck and the best bet is to try to do this direct out of law school rather than getting into a legal career because i have seen people like Jim Cramer make that move. You can get pigeonholed into a profession if you start there or spend a few years there. I think if you become a lawyer you better plan on doing that for the rest of your life. Otherwise go out on your own. Start your own bank or investment fund. There are one man banks and investment funds out there you just need to get the business. Some of the greatest and most profitable trades came from simple common sense ideas that anybody could have done.

By: Jan H

Jan H — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 02:00:18 +0000

In reply to M&I – Brian.

Thanks, Brian, that’s what he was looking for. I’m looking forward to more of your fantastic work.

Best wishes.

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 13:06:11 +0000

In reply to Jan H.

For career advice, you mean? I don’t really know, as we don’t focus on the legal market. Maybe start here: https://www.thelawyerportal.com/

By: Jan H

Jan H — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:40:48 +0000

Hi Brian,

many thanks for the article.

My friend is an aspiring lawyer and considers a career in corporate (e.g. M&A) law. Could you recommend any resources (e.g. website) for him?

Best regards,
Jan

By: M&I - Brian

M&I - Brian — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 13:43:50 +0000

In reply to H. Thanks. I think VC experience would be helpful/relevant for IB groups, especially tech and healthcare teams, but yes, you would have an advantage if you had more M&A experience with larger companies.