taking a year off during law school? Forum

[modmx]

A bit of an odd question and I am not even sure if it is completely possible, but can anyone comment on possibly taking a year off between 1L and 2L years? I know this may sound a bit naive but I know that it is possible during one's undergrad education

The reason I ask is because of a crazy idea that has popped up into my head. I am considering the one year masters of finance program at MIT Sloan and have missed Fall 2011's deadline and have some very nice offers from law schools on the table. Would anyone suggest taking a year off after my 1L to pursue this MS in Finance and combine it with my JD to pursue a career in investment banking?

thanks for the insight

[pokerlaw]

Going to law school is not going to help you get into investment banking.

[modmx]

Going to law school is not going to help you get into investment banking.

I personally know two attorneys who broke into i-banking after law school. They are the reason for my "crazy idea"

Although its extremely difficult, its not impossible. Getting into i-banking in general is extremely difficult, but a combination of a JD and MS in Finance helped those two individuals secure positions as associates

[istara]

I'm actually also curious of this answer, but for a different reason (potential health issues). I know it would not be ideal by any stretch of the imagination, but when things do come up do others just drop out of law school or is a year off feasible?

[bk1]

Why not get work experience and then get an MBA? Seems like a much better idea.

That being said, if you are curious about taking a year off it seems unlikely but you would probably be best advised to actually ask the schools themselves for a definitive answer.

[icpb]

Why not just pursue a MS in financial engineering? Getting into investment banking isn't that difficult, as long as you are smart and as long as the managing director interviewing you feel that you are confident yet would do what ever he/she tells you to do (including pulling back-to-back all-nighters) without asking a question.

Going to law school is not going to help you get into investment banking.

I personally know two attorneys who broke into i-banking after law school. They are the reason for my "crazy idea"

Although its extremely difficult, its not impossible. Getting into i-banking in general is extremely difficult, but a combination of a JD and MS in Finance helped those two individuals secure positions as associates

[prezidentv8]

comments

this guy's quote

that guy's quote

HEY Y U NO COMMENT AFTER THE QUOTE BOX?

[Veyron]

Yes, you CAN do it, is it a good idea, who knows?

[modmx]

Veyron, any advice on how to go about requesting the year off?

[Veyron]

Veyron, any advice on how to go about requesting the year off?

If its like Penn talk to the Dean of Students in person.

[modmx]

Veyron, any advice on how to go about requesting the year off?

If its like Penn talk to the Dean of Students in person.

Thanks for the quick reply, I'll see if I can arrange something like this in the future. If the office of career development suggests against it, then forget it...but if they recommend it then I'll my full efforts towards MIT

[CanadianWolf]

Be careful since many law schools only allow three years in which to complete the law degree program. (The guidelines actually use the word "must" as in "law degree requirements must be completed within three years".) Some allow five years. Law schools offering both full & part-time law programs should be the most flexible.