Law student wants $$$$

I am a first year associate at a V20 law firm (I'm a niche litigator who knows nothing about finance/securities/M&A). I graduated from one of Penn/UVA/Duke at around top 25%. I make 160k, but fucking hate law. I only went into law school because I wanted to make money (I didn't grow up with means so I had no idea that finance was the way to go). To this day, I still don't understand jack shit about finance. What would be the best way to make the most money? I'm thinking a couple more years in big law and then MBA (lets pretend I get 720 GMAT, b/c I had a 172 LSAT).

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the response. While I understand that money can't be one's sole motivation, I'm just curious, how much do i-banking associates make? I've heard a wide range of different numbers which, frankly, frightens me. BigLaw doesn't pay much, but at least it's lockstep and predictable.

 
Nilbog:

Thanks for the response. While I understand that money can't be one's sole motivation, I'm just curious, how much do i-banking associates make? I've heard a wide range of different numbers which, frankly, frightens me. BigLaw doesn't pay much, but at least it's lockstep and predictable.

Some of the wealthiest guys i know are lawyers. If your good at it you'll make a shit ton of money. If your not good at it, you won't. As easy as that.
 

I transitioned to the deal side by going to business school. Banks recruit for analysts from all majors but it's a little different for you now as you'd be a lateral candidate given your professional experience. To lateral at this point you'd have to get up on technicals and be minimally proficient in finance to compete. Like one of the previous posters said you can spend two years in a securities or corp fin group, network and get a job or you can go to b-school, get some technical training, utilize career placement services and have access to an alumni network. I suggest going to b-school, getting an SA position and moving on with life.

 

Dear Doctor Lawyer, I still want to know:

Do you owe any $$$ back on law school expenses?

If so, how much?

Do you think that should be a consideration while deciding the timing of the career change if at all you do change?

 

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