Lawyer --> Management Consultancy

Question

Hi Coaches, I need your guidance!

I'm a law graduate from the University of London, currently based in Pakistan. After completing my degree, I practiced litigation for six months before transitioning to KPMG, where I’ve been working in Advisory & Compliance Services. I'm now nearing the end of my internship and have been offered a full-time role.

At the same time, I’ve been presented with an exciting opportunity to serve as a Judicial Clerk at the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Here’s where I’m stuck:
My long-term goal is to break into management consulting in the Middle East (MBB) im planning to apply for an MBA next year, with INSEAD and Harvard as my top choices. LUMS is also on the table — it’s more affordable and has a strong pipeline to McKinsey Pakistan (approx. 70% placement).

Should I:

Accept the full-time offer at KPMG and apply for my MBA next year or after, or
Take the Judicial Clerkship — which is prestigious, but more aligned with a legal path and then apply for MBA?

Am I on the right track for my long-term goals, or do I need to pivot now to better align with my future in consulting?

Any advice would mean a lot — I’m genuinely confused and trying to make the smartest possible move.

Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Hey,

Congratulations! That’s a great problem to have. Both offers are impressive and show that you’re already doing many things right!

The Judicial Clerkship sounds maybe slightly more prestigious and could help your MBA application to stand out more (especially for Harvard, if you can position well as public sector to private), while KPMG gives you direct exposure to business and advisory work, which is more on topic re consulting. Note: in my INSEAD MBA class I had both former KPMG and legal professionals.

That said, since your end goal is MBB in the Middle East, I want to challenge your thinking: what about applying to MBB already now. Got nothing to lose. Even if it doesn’t convert immediately, you’ll gain valuable interview experience, and if it does work out, you might not need an MBA at all. You could even start with MBB Pakistan and then transfer to ME later on.

Feel free to reach out via dm if you want help preparing your story or tackling the cases. Happy to support!

Answer 2

Hi there,

In my opinion, you don’t need to join KPMG just because it seems closer to consulting—if your real goal is MBB via a top MBA.

Instead, choose the path you’re more passionate about and that gives you the stronger story for your MBA application. If KPMG offers more leadership experience and international exposure, great. But if the Judicial Clerkship offers more prestige and an impressive differentiator for your MBA essays, that’s just as valuable.

The key question is: Which path will help you secure a Harvard or INSEAD MBA?
Once you're in a top MBA, doors to MBB will open again—no matter whether you came from law or advisory.

Wishing you all the best for your decision!
Happy to help further if needed.

Good luck!
Kevin