Is a law degree useful in finance?

Asked by: Madisen Orn  |  Last update: October 3, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (53 votes)

An Alternative Career Path The financial services industry continues to be a large source of hiring of both law students and practicing attorneys. Such employers include investment banks, private equity funds, hedge funds, wealth management firms, bond rating agencies and government regulatory agencies.

Can you be a financial analyst with a law degree?

A business law degree can help an individual succeed as a financial analyst since they can utilize their knowledge of taxation and transaction law. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification may be required by some employers.

What is the best degree to get into finance?

Finance is the clearest path but accounting, economics, business analytics or business administration with a concentration in those I listed is adequate. Really it's the Excel skills that most employers want and for the most part you will learn those specific Excel skills in a finance major.

Is finance a good major for lawyers?

Yes, a major in finance or accounting is a good major for an aspiring law student. So is English. So is mathematics. So is physics. When I advise aspiring law students about their undergraduate studies, I'm more concerned about their general education classes than I am about what they major in.

Why do lawyers go into finance?

Understanding Financial Markets: Gaining experience in finance can provide a solid understanding of financial markets, instruments, and regulations, which is beneficial for areas of law like corporate law, tax law, or securities law.

Sam Zell: Get a Law Degree

38 related questions found

Is a law degree good for banking?

Yes, legal knowledge may help in certain groups (e.g., restructuring investment banking or distressed private equity), but execution is king.

Are most lawyers in debt?

Of lawyers surveyed by the American Bar Association (ABA), 85 percent borrowed money to cover their studies, with the average law school debt exceeding $100,000. Luckily, there are a few alternatives law school grads can explore to reduce their debt burden and make payments more manageable.

How can I use my law degree in finance?

What can you do with a law degree in finance?
  1. Risk analyst. ...
  2. Management consultant. ...
  3. Financial adviser. ...
  4. Investment consultant. ...
  5. Certified public accountant. ...
  6. Risk manager. ...
  7. Attorney. ...
  8. Investment banking analyst.

What do most lawyers major in?

“You may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business,” their website says, “or you may focus your undergraduate studies in areas as diverse as art, music, science and mathematics, computer ...

Is economics or finance better for law?

Topics in corporate and financial law make sense to economic majors in ways they do not apply to students with other undergraduate majors (Wandrei, 2017). Based on the courses and training required to study economics, those pursuing economics are better suited for the complex tasks that come from law school.

Which field of finance pays the most?

The highest-paid salary jobs in finance include roles such as investment banking professionals, hedge fund managers, private equity associates, chief financial officers (CFOs), and actuaries.

What type of person should major in finance?

If you are detail-oriented or a problem-solver, a finance major may be an excellent option for you. A finance career offers numerous opportunities for a person to change roles. With a major in finance, you have the ability to choose from various career paths in this industry.

Is finance one of the hardest majors?

Finance majors are constantly in demand, and they usually must have strong skills in math, data analysis, strategy formulation, and communication, making it one of the toughest college majors. You need both emotional intelligence and strategic acumen to study finance.

Can I work in finance with a JD?

An Alternative Career Path

The financial services industry continues to be a large source of hiring of both law students and practicing attorneys. Such employers include investment banks, private equity funds, hedge funds, wealth management firms, bond rating agencies and government regulatory agencies.

Which bachelor degree is best for financial analyst?

A bachelor's degree—preferably with a major in economics, finance, or statistics—has become a de facto requirement for becoming a financial analyst. Other majors that are looked upon favorably include accounting and math.

Do legal analysts go to law school?

To become a Legal Analyst, a person must typically have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as law, political science, or a related field and relevant work experience in the field of legal analysis.

What type of lawyer is highest in demand?

Some of the most universally in-demand legal specialties include intellectual property law, family law, immigration law, real estate law, and corporate law. Other quickly growing areas of law also include intellectual property law, data privacy and cybersecurity law, litigation, and labor and employment law.

How hard is the bar exam?

The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.

Is finance a good major for law school?

There were 2,024 finance majors who applied, and 72.7% were admitted. Coursework for finance majors may include business economics, cost analysis, accounting, business law, ethics, statistics and management. Finance can be an excellent major for those who plan to work in tax law, corporate law or real estate law.

Why is law important in finance?

Financial law is the law and regulation of the commercial banking, capital markets, insurance, derivatives and investment management sectors. Understanding financial law is crucial to appreciating the creation and formation of banking and financial regulation, as well as the legal framework for finance generally.

Does it matter where my law degree is from?

Your career trajectory and financial stability will primarily be shaped by three factors: your law school's ranking, your ranking in law school, and your total debt. School rankings matter because they matter to employers.

How long is finance law school?

As a law student, you can expect to spend at least three years in law school. Full-time students typically complete their studies within three years, while part-time students take up to five years. Graduating from law school is an impressive achievement for many aspiring lawyers.

Can lawyers make $500,000?

Well, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for attorneys in the US is just over $125,000. The highest-paid lawyers (10% of the legal workforce) make over $208,000 However, the top 1% of attorneys make $500,000 or more per year.

Is law school harder than med school?

Although both law and medical schools present their unique challenges, it's generally accepted that medical school demands a higher level of intense coursework and thorough training.

Which lawyers get sued the most?

Areas of Practice With the Highest Frequency
  1. Personal Injury and Property Damage – Plaintiff. ...
  2. Collections and Bankruptcy. ...
  3. Real Estate. ...
  4. Estate, Trust and Probate. ...
  5. Family Law. ...
  6. Business Transaction / Commercial Law.