Timing a lateral move from biglaw to finance?

[Anonymous User]

I'm doing corporate work at a V10 firm in NY. The business side seems interesting too - I'm not convinced I want to make the switch, but I'm curious about the timing? I would guess 2-3 years of experience would be ideal: enough to bring something relevant to the table but not too much relevant experience.

I'm also aware that it's not a transition that can happen automatically, so if anybody has any experience with this kind of move or what employers look for I'd be interested in hearing it.

Thanks!

[guano]

The best answer is to go when you have a good opportunity
The rest (#years, minimum position, etc) is open to debate and very subjective.

[Borg]

Do you have any academic background in it or prior experience? If not, you might find it very difficult to get a good finance job. Also, the work environment at a bank is much different from a law firm, so expect to get smacked in the mouth. You probably won't have an office, your job is much less secure, and you need to think much differently than you do in a firm. Also, the gap between lawyer and banker pay has diminished dramatically. Make sure this is the right choice for you before trying to make the jump.

I think three years is probably a good time to do it. Just don't take an in-house job at a bank or something and expect to switch to the finance side. At that point it isn't going to happen.