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Investment Banking vs Big Law
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:41 pm
by Lawdood
DON'T KILL ME PLS!
I know that this topic has been beaten to death but I wanted to get an updated response (2015).
Which is better?
If money were no option, which one would you pick? If you've worked in both, which one do you prefer and why?
Also, is the grass always greener?
I shall hide now

Re: Investment Banking vs Big Law
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:50 pm
by hartfordhockaloogies
If you want money > anything, choose IB
If you enjoy time > money, choose BigLaw
If you enjoy life > money, choose neither
Re: Investment Banking vs Big Law
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:53 pm
by Lawdood
hartfordhockaloogies wrote:If you want money > anything, choose IB
If you enjoy time > money, choose BigLaw
If you enjoy life > money, choose neither
Thanks
But does that argument still hold when the majority of Investment banking analysts leave for HF/PE/VC or corporate which work significantly less hours?
Probably less than BIGLAW.
Re: Investment Banking vs Big Law
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:55 pm
by dabigchina
who told you HF/PE/VC work fewer hours?
Re: Investment Banking vs Big Law
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:59 pm
by Lawdood
dabigchina wrote:who told you HF/PE/VC work fewer hours?
I read on WSO that most HF/PE/VC funds work 50-60 hours per week which is less than big law and IB.
Re: Investment Banking vs Big Law
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:07 pm
by Hutz_and_Goodman
If money is no option then do IB or big law only if you're passionate about law or finance. If not, then do something like be an entrepreneur. I don't see why, if money is no option, you'd spend 60-85 hrs a week doing something you are not passionate about.
Re: Investment Banking vs Big Law
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:16 pm
by sims1
Hutz_and_Goodman wrote:do something like be an entrepreneur.
Uh u realize many people go to law school b/c they are risk averse right?
Re: Investment Banking vs Big Law
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 9:00 pm
by Petrichor
I would say IB is superior in almost every way.
Generally IB analysts (entry level) are picked up from prestigious UGs so that means you have already distinguished yourself, apparently law schools generally do not distinguish that much across UGs and major GPAs so it is theoretically easier to gain entry to a top tier law school than a top tier IB firm, you also gained 3 years of salary and WE while law students are in the classroom.
IB exit options are insanely diverse, many go to the MBA then associate/VP route, some go to HF or PE. Even if you don't like any of these you can do something completely unrelated that still relies on your quant/sales skills, with a M7 MBA your options are much broader than a typical t-14 grad-to-big law associate.