From biglaw to MBB - advice & insights?

Hi there, 

Lawyers are a great asset for consulting firms since many of the skills that lawyers are trained for are transferrable into consulting. 

I don't think the transition is hard. You just need to have a good strategy for approaching it. Sharing here a guide on how to do that and maximize your chances in the application process:

How to get a job in consulting during an economic downturn

As an experienced hire, leveraging your network as much as possible and getting referrals are also important. This will increase your chances of passing screening. More about this here:

How to network and get referrals

In terms of BCG specifically, don't worry, they are used to people applying every year until they get an offer, so it won't reflect poorly on you at all. 

Best of luck with the process!
Cristian

Hi there,

1) Is the path from biglaw to MBB difficult (e.g. is it hard to get an interview)?

Most lawyers I personally helped applied to MBB after an MBA. There could be other paths but that is probably the safest way to switch career.

2) Would BCG look upon my history favorably and give me another shot (granted it’s been almost 4 years since that happened)?

It depends on several factors – the main ones being how much you improved your CV and whether you have a referral.

You can find more on referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation 

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

(1) Is the path from biglaw to MBB difficult (e.g. is it hard to get an interview)?  My educational pedigree isn't particularly impressive either (T20 law school, top 40 undergrad, average GPA).

Yes and no.

The path from anywhere to MBB is hard.

It's generally “harder” if you are in a “unrelated” field (law actually is “middle” ground), don't have good credentials (lower ranked school, worse grades, etc.).

You can counter-act this by getting some side consulting experience, making your resume as strong as possible, and networking a ton.

(2) Would BCG look upon my history favorably and give me another shot (granted it's been almost 4 years since that happened)?

As in your past interview history? After 4 years I'd say it probably wouldn't play much of a role. They care about you now!

In terms of your current career? They wouldn't look at it favorably, but they also wouldn't look at it particularly unfavorably either.

Extra

Network. Apply.

You're working yourself up here with hypotheticals. Why don't you just turn those into facts? Network a ton, get a referral, get a strong resume, and apply - you'll find out!

Hi there,

First of all, it is great to see your persistence!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First of all, while securing an offer in strategy consulting is always hard, especially during the current recruiting slowdown and sometimes freeze, I would not think it is any harder when coming from a big law firm as opposed to any other industry. However, even if you already have relevant work experience, I would highly advise you to ensure that you submit the best possible application, including polished application files and a strong referral due to your rather average academic achievements.
• Moreover, strategy consulting is a very permeable industry where reapplying is often seen as being persistent and as such, positive. Therefore, I would highly advise you not to worry about reapplying at BCG, while you should still apply to other strategy consulting companies as well.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi,

Transitioning from big law to consulting can be challenging, but it's definitely possible with the right approach and preparation. To answer your specific questions:

1. The path from big law to MBB can be challenging because consulting firms tend to heavily recruit from top MBA programs and undergraduate universities. However, your experience in transactional law and your education at a top school are also attractive to consulting firms. Consulting firms are also very open to applicants from non-business or non-engineering backgrounds. The key to success will be highlighting your transferable skills and demonstrating your passion for consulting. 
2. BCG may look favorably upon your history, especially if you made it to the final round of interviews in the past. However, it's been several years since then, so you will need to update your skills and demonstrate your commitment to consulting in your application. I recommend reaching out to BCG's recruitment team to get a sense of the company's policies around reapplication.

In terms of other insights, I recommend doing the following:

• Research consulting firms and their recruitment processes to get a better sense of what they are looking for in candidates
• Highlight your experience in transactional law and any other relevant experience or skills in your application materials.

Good luck!

/Marvin

Hi there,  

I've helped plenty of established lawyers to switch to MBB so here's my take on your two questions:

(1) Is the path from biglaw to MBB difficult (e.g. is it hard to get an interview)?  My educational pedigree isn't particularly impressive either (T20 law school, top 40 undergrad, average GPA). Your educational background isn't going to be the deciding factor here. You were good enough to be invited to BCG a few years back, so you know it's sufficient. What makes the difference now is the quality of your work experience. As for experienced professionals from law, getting an interview is no more or less difficult compared to other professions. 

(2) Would BCG look upon my history favorably and give me another shot (granted it's been almost 4 years since that happened)? Yes, you should refer to it as they generally look favorably at people demonstrating tenacity and coming back to try again. There's no guarantee that you'll get another shot but assuming that your work experience is impressive, you have good chances. Make sure to spend time networking in the firm and securing a referral, which will drastically improve your chances.

Please let me know if you need help with your application. Happy to help!

Best,
Moritz

Big law in an asset! You've learnt an industry and no doubt will have plenty of stories to draw on for the FIT part of the interview. Getting an interview at MBB is difficult, and no less so for big law, but it's not impossible by any means. Work on your CV, see if you know anyone who could refer you and then get prepared for an interview. 

Good luck!

If your profile was good enough to get an offer a few years ago, then your previous academic performance is not an issue. 

What is an issue is whether you have had a strong career performance or not. I.e., in order to get an interview now, you have to show that you remain a strong candidate.

I don't see anything wrong with your profile. Timing is not great, though. But you gain nothing by not applying now. So I suggest you apply. And if you don't get the interview try again next year.

Possible. I made the change from big law to MBB. I did an MBA in the middle but looking back I think I could have also done it straight from biglaw (with extra effort on preparing cases)

Hi there,

I have worked with many successful consulting colleagues that have a law background. A lot of the skills you tend to acquire in law studies (structured thinking) and the practical experience you gained (transactions) is very relevant in the management consulting field. So I would advise you to give it a shot. I do not see an issue re-applying to BCG.

Cheers,

Andreas