Lateral to Hedge Fund/Bank Possible? Forum

[Anonymous User]

1st year M&A associate at V10 interested in finding out more re outside job market. Are there any jobs at hedge funds/banks that require legal analysis as part of investment decisions? (e.g. activism).

I'm thinking I'd like to be closer to the business side and think that type of job might be a good stepping stone. Do these jobs exist? What's the best way to get more info? Specific recruiters? Are these typically reserved for associates with more experience?

Thanks in advance

[ruski]

1st year M&A associate at V10 interested in finding out more re outside job market. Are there any jobs at hedge funds/banks that require legal analysis as part of investment decisions? (e.g. activism).

I'm thinking I'd like to be closer to the business side and think that type of job might be a good stepping stone. Do these jobs exist? What's the best way to get more info? Specific recruiters? Are these typically reserved for associates with more experience?

Thanks in advance

only field where this is really possible is restructuring/bk, after which you go to some vulture fund. this is very rare however, and typically requires a background in finance prior to law school. I've once seen an energy finance associate go to an energy fund on the investment side, but this is very very rare (I don't know his background but he must have some hook, like a really good connection or prior background). otherwise you can try to get into investment banking from M&A, and enter as an associate and then try to jump to a fund, but most funds look for ibanking analyst not associates (although I've seen associates move to the buy-side)

[Anonymous User]

Why hire a lawyer to do finance work? Legal analysis is not part of valuation

[Anonymous User]

Best way to do this would be working a couple years (1-2 is the sweet spot) and then get an MBA. You don’t really have either the legal or business experience right now to go business-side.

[jjjetplane]

Lazard has a "corporate preparedness" team that deals specifically with activism, and I believe most members of the group are ex biglawyers. I think the focus is on activism defense. Perhaps worth exploring?

[Anonymous User]

lazard is also bk/ restructuring work.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Lazard Corporate Preparedness is exactly what I had in mind, thanks. (I’m an M&A associate so BK likely not an option)

Any other banks have similar groups? What is best way to join? Network in? Typically, how much experience do associates have before going in (e.g. 3-5 years)?

I imagine pay and work/life would be equivalent to biglaw?

Many thanks for all responses so far.

[Anonymous User]

I am not an attorney yet and in the midst of trying to become admitted. However, I have talked to a recruiter who had these types of positions available. I am in New York though.