<p>I guess this is a bit different from the typical JD/MBA threads that I've searched up on this forum. </p>
<p>The question is pretty simple:
Assume two candidates are exactly the same, with the same UG degrees, and MBA's from the same top program, only one got a JD/MBA from their school (assume that it's a school where both the JD and MBA are highly accredited; eg. Chicago, Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Cal, etc). </p>
<p>What opportunities does the JD/MBA have that the MBA doesn't? Are there positions in business that both are open to that the JD is better suited for? Are there people who would rather take the JD/MBA, even though the JD has nothing to do with the position he's applying for? How will this be used later in his career? Are there specific skills gained through law school that are primarily helpful and are not obtained in business school? </p>
<p>I understand that the JD/MBA will able to practice law, but my questions are more weighted towards opportunities in business, not practicing law. </p>
<p>i can only speak for the finance world since that is the one that i know, which is simply to say that i think it’s kind of useless to have a JD/MBA.</p>
<p>yeah, it gives you the option to pursue both business and law, but so does having an MBA and a masters in Archeology (which is to say that if you ever happen to oversee a dig and stumble upon a major archeological find, you’d be able publish a groundbreaking research paper and have the requisite skills to profit off of this find) – see where I am going here?</p>
<p>besides, in order to be in a position to truly utilize your JD, you’d have to pass the bar exam in the state you were thinking about practicing (and even then you’d prolly need a number years of experience in the area you are hoping to specialize – M&A, tax, intellectual property, etc., in order for that to be “marketable”) – meanwhile, your peers who have taken the straight MBA track are well on their way to becoming a VP / officer at, for example, an i-bank not to mention that they prolly have a number of transactions under their belt… At this point, does having that additional MBA really matter if you want to transition to an i-banking position? Maybe, but it’s marginal at best. </p>
<p>if you are sure you want to do business, then get the MBA. if you are sure you want to pursue law, get the JD. splitting the difference IMO just makes you look wishy-washy – but that’s just me. i know guys that have both degrees and in many ways, they were kind of hedging their bets. ultimately though, they have chosen one path over the other.</p>
<p>when i come across a dude with a dual JD/MBA (even if its a highly ranked school) i generally wonder why rather than wow. but, again, that’s just my opinion.</p>
<p>JD makes you qualified to work in back and middle office legal functions, alongside all the other lawyers who would give their left hand for a chance to work on a trading desk or on a deal team. </p>
<p>Not a path most people would consider ideal.</p>
<p>I know someone who was a partner at a highly respected law firm who transitioned into investment banking without an MBA. He is now a vice chairman of this BB firm.</p>
<p>You need a JD to practise law, but not an MBA to do business if you have enough connections.</p>