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Is CPA and JD together worth it?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 12:29 pm
by Fredcpajd
First of all, thank you for reading this post. I really hope most of you can lead me in the right direction mentally. I wanted to get some credible responses.

I finished my undergrad 2 years ago in accounting and finance. Since then I have ran my own company and did not work for any employer. The company did not have anything to do with accounting or finance. It was more of a web design development consultation business as I am really good as sales and my partner at web design.

Now after 2 years of graduating, I'm considering getting my CPA and JD consecutively. I am planning on taking 2 CPA parts first, then LSATS and then the remaining 2 parts of CPA leading on to starting law school right after.

I have several questions about what I'm getting in to :(

First, I don't think I really like accounting as much, but I don't mind learning the system. I'm really good at catching up to things once I get used to it. I filed my own business taxes for the past few years so I have a good understanding of what I'm doing.

I think the reason I seem to lean towards the fact that I don't like it is because I wasn't really given an opportunity of working for a firm right when I graduated and several unsuccessful attempts at interviews built on as well.

I want to get in to law school and figured having CPA will help my career in the long run. Would my chances be any better at making a decent living with CPA by my name or not really?

Can someone give me guidance when it comes to this as this is my route in the next upcoming months.

Ill respond to anyone who has questions about anything to help me understand this more.

Thank you so much!

Re: Is CPA and JD together worth it?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 12:38 pm
by Anonymous User
Fredcpajd wrote:First of all, thank you for reading this post. I really hope most of you can lead me in the right direction mentally. I wanted to get some credible responses.

I finished my undergrad 2 years ago in accounting and finance. Since then I have ran my own company and did not work for any employer. The company did not have anything to do with accounting or finance. It was more of a web design development consultation business as I am really good as sales and my partner at web design.

Now after 2 years of graduating, I'm considering getting my CPA and JD consecutively. I am planning on taking 2 CPA parts first, then LSATS and then the remaining 2 parts of CPA leading on to starting law school right after.

I have several questions about what I'm getting in to :(

First, I don't think I really like accounting as much, but I don't mind learning the system. I'm really good at catching up to things once I get used to it. I filed my own business taxes for the past few years so I have a good understanding of what I'm doing.

I think the reason I seem to lean towards the fact that I don't like it is because I wasn't really given an opportunity of working for a firm right when I graduated and several unsuccessful attempts at interviews built on as well.

I want to get in to law school and figured having CPA will help my career in the long run. Would my chances be any better at making a decent living with CPA by my name or not really?

Can someone give me guidance when it comes to this as this is my route in the next upcoming months.

Ill respond to anyone who has questions about anything to help me understand this more.

Thank you so much!

There are a number of discussion threads on this in the recent past. I would suggest looking at those.

On another note, do you have audit experience? Passing the CPA is not enough. You need to have, last time I checked, 2 years of relevant accounting experience in order to get certified.

Re: Is CPA and JD together worth it?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 1:02 pm
by Danger Zone
You interested in practicing tax law?

Re: Is CPA and JD together worth it?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 1:05 pm
by Fredcpajd
Danger Zone wrote:You interested in practicing tax law?
No, not necessarily. I am leaning more towards law school more than anything but wanted to have stable career in the meanwhile, hence the CPA.

I have also purchased all the CPA material in the meanwhile. I understand that really isn't the reason to do it, but that is the reason I am here since I am a little lost about doing CPA and working at a firm while going to law school if that makes sense.

Re: Is CPA and JD together worth it?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 2:21 pm
by Anonymous User
I sat for, and passed, all 4 CPA exams BEFORE gaining the relevant work and education experience. (This was in a state that allowed for such.) The process made me realize that I hated public accounting, and thus propelled me toward law school.

I only had a few years of private accounting experience before starting 1L, and this coupled with the "Passed CPA Exam" line on my resume helped in the OCI process but by no means supplanted good grades and Law Review. Be ready to have interview stories as to why the law, and why you are not a flight risk.

If I ever decide to return to the accounting profession, which is extremely unlikely, I will still have to gain the relevant audit/tax experience before gaining licensure, but at least I will never again have to take that dreadful exam.

Re: Is CPA and JD together worth it?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 2:25 pm
by Anonymous User
I have my CPA license and am in law school. Without experience you wont be able to get your license. Whether that matters to you, not sure, but keep that in mind because you wont be able to call yourself a CPA without the actual license, regardless of passing the exams.

As far as how much it helped me, at OCI it was a nice thing to talk about along with relevant work experience before law school (big4), but its impact was minimal compared to grades. People with better grades and no work experience beat me hands down.

Were I in your shoes, I would only take the exams if I could get licensed. The credential at the end is the point of the process, if that isn't on the table why go down that road?

Re: Is CPA and JD together worth it?

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2013 2:50 pm
by bk1
Read the rules at the top of the forum before posting.