Is CFA a right choice for me?

[Lawyer 123]

Dear All,
I am a lawyer who plans to specialize in corporate sector (project finance, M&A, venture law, restructuring etc.) and would be working in US, UAE or UK. I have already completed my LL.M from Harvard and have taken the NY Bar exam as well. I don’t have an undergrad in accounting and finance, but I have studied some corporate finance in my LL.M and economics in undergrad. What do you suggest, which charter certification would be most helpful for my career? I would really like to hear your reasons:
1) CFA;
2) CPA (US, Australian, or Canadian (please mention));
3) ACCA;
4) CA;
5) Other –(?)
Thanks!

 

[Stockton_Malone]

I recommend working at a big corporate law firm and stressing to the hiring manager you want to focus on deals.
Once you have had a little experience with each type (M&A, restructuring,etc) you can either work to become good friends with the partners who specialize in them, or you can make a jump over to an investment bank/in-house company.
At that point, you will have a better idea of which if any designation you want. CPA is great if analyzing or auditing public US companies-CFA is likely unnecessary unless you want to handle investments in the future. A lot of people get burnt out in big law..just a warning to you!
also.law firms outside US have much better work-life balance.

 

[hashtag]

If you can clear all the CFA exams ***BUT do not fulfill the minimum work experience required by the CFAI*** your business card could potentially read as follows:
PakistaniLaywer123, J.D., Passed CFA Level III
#booyah