Do business schools accept practicing lawyers?

[PBJ]

Hey guys--I hear this is one of the best forums for advice on business school. I'm a lawyer who is kind of wondering whether I might want to try other things in my career, and I'm trying to figure out whether business school is realistically a possibility.

My basic story is that I have done pretty well as a lawyer--I went to one of the best schools and was at the top of my class, went to one of the best law firms, etc. I'm also good at standardized tests, so I'm guessing I could probably do well on the GMAT. My work experience isn't particularly relevant to business--I'm a litigator, so my skills don't translate well, although I'm sure I could make something about presentation skills, working under pressure, etc. I don't have much management experience, aside from every once in a while giving assignments to paralegals and lawyers slightly more junior than me.

Can I get into a good school? Also, if I waited for a few years, would I still be able to get into a good school, or would my chances be hurt?

As an aside, my other question would be whether business school is a good idea--I could see employers not really being interested in me even after I get an MBA given that my pre-MBA work experience isn't relevant to most jobs.

[PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal]

PBJ,

Smart, hard working folks who went to the school you did and worked at the firm you did always find jobs. if you wanted to broaden out of law, I'm sure your public speaking and analytical skills will be great assets in the business world.

Yes b schools take lawyers, but not in the same numbers as consultants, bankers, marketers...So there are fewer spots but also fewer of you applying.

The key will be to paint some of your work experience and any extra curriculars in as "managerial" a light as possible. Don't just focus on your individual contributions. Rather, you will need to showcase how you have led, persuaded, convinced a partner, managed a complex litigation with strict deadlines, motivated an underperforming young lawyer or paralegal...You get the idea.

Last, you may want to apply to a number of schools versus a small list, as fewer lawyers get in, and more swings at the plate will yield a better on base average:) One of my clients this year is a lawyer as well.

Good Luck!

[Jon@Admissionado]

hmmm, i think you are taking a bit the wrong angle here. you are saying to yourself "Well I dont have Bschool skills, so why should they take me?" but you are forgetting that that is what you learn at Bschool! If you knew everything you wouldnt have to go there at all. In my experience lawyers do well in applications. because as Alex wrote there are fewer lawyers who apply, and it gives the Bschools a good chance to diversify with someone who has similar skills. You would not think perhaps that your skills are translatable, especially if you did litigation, but on the contrary, you should be looking at this like something that makes you unique.

As for waiting or not, depends how old you are and your reasons. my thoughts are that more or less if the time is right for you personally, apply!

[Stacy Blackman]

Hi PBJ,

The biggest questions admissions teams will want you to answer is "Why business school?" They will particularly want you to answer this after having pursued law school. You can still be admitted into a top program, but understand that you will need to address this question.

Regarding opportunities post-graduation, fortunately the summer internship and the classes you take will give you preparation into careers you may not have previously pursued.

Hope this was of help.


Cheers,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team