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25 Apr 2006, 23:02
Kudos
Bookmarks
I don't have to make up my mind anytime soon, but I would appreciate whatever advice anyone can offer...
I am a 27 year old electrical engineer turned law student. After working as an engineer for a few years, I knew I wanted to do something else - something "bigger picture", but something that put my engineering degree to good use.
I was torn between JD and MBA, and I ultimately decided on the JD because it would enable me to practice patent law (indeed, a profitable use of the EE degree). I currently work summers at a patent firm in Boston. My career objective is to become a valued and respected in-house general counsel, probably via an IP counsel position.
Here's the twist in my situation... I slacked off and glided through undergrad engineering at a prominent University, coming out with a dismal 3.1 GPA. Years later, I regret not applying myself, and it hurt my ability to get into a good law school. (despite a 97%tile LSAT) I am honored and grateful to the not-top-tier school that not only accepted me, but also gave me a nearly free ride.
Now I'm more mature, responsible, and focused, and I'm tearing through law school. 3.8 GPA, Law Review, Moot Court, Federal appellate clerkship, teaching, and more. I'm doing so well that I can't help thinking that I'm selling myself short by not attending an elite school. It's too late to transfer. That's when thoughts of an MBA start dancing again in my head.
I have it pretty good already - a promising future in patent law and enjoyable colleagues at a firm where I "fit". But I'm worried that my ultimate career mobility is limited (especially if I ever want to lateral into a major corp) because of my law school. When I discuss MBA prospects with my wife, all she wants is for me to "Get it over with" (school) so we can settle down.
So my question is (finally!)... assuming I meet the threshold GMAT, do I have any hope of getting into the top-of-the-top-tier business schools? Or do I have too many factors going against me? (dismal undergrad GPA, engineering background, law background) Does my law school performance in any way mitigate my undergrad GPA?
Another curious twist... currently, having an MBA does not make you patent bar eligible. You need an engineering degree to practice before the Patent & Trademark Office. Yet, business methods are patentable, and there's a niche demand for patent attorneys with business know-how. With no prior experience, could an MBA program teach me enough to position myself as a business methods patent practitioner?
Sorry for the long message. You can tell there's a lot on my mind. I appreciate whatever help or advice anyone can offer.
I am a 27 year old electrical engineer turned law student. After working as an engineer for a few years, I knew I wanted to do something else - something "bigger picture", but something that put my engineering degree to good use.
I was torn between JD and MBA, and I ultimately decided on the JD because it would enable me to practice patent law (indeed, a profitable use of the EE degree). I currently work summers at a patent firm in Boston. My career objective is to become a valued and respected in-house general counsel, probably via an IP counsel position.
Here's the twist in my situation... I slacked off and glided through undergrad engineering at a prominent University, coming out with a dismal 3.1 GPA. Years later, I regret not applying myself, and it hurt my ability to get into a good law school. (despite a 97%tile LSAT) I am honored and grateful to the not-top-tier school that not only accepted me, but also gave me a nearly free ride.
Now I'm more mature, responsible, and focused, and I'm tearing through law school. 3.8 GPA, Law Review, Moot Court, Federal appellate clerkship, teaching, and more. I'm doing so well that I can't help thinking that I'm selling myself short by not attending an elite school. It's too late to transfer. That's when thoughts of an MBA start dancing again in my head.
I have it pretty good already - a promising future in patent law and enjoyable colleagues at a firm where I "fit". But I'm worried that my ultimate career mobility is limited (especially if I ever want to lateral into a major corp) because of my law school. When I discuss MBA prospects with my wife, all she wants is for me to "Get it over with" (school) so we can settle down.
So my question is (finally!)... assuming I meet the threshold GMAT, do I have any hope of getting into the top-of-the-top-tier business schools? Or do I have too many factors going against me? (dismal undergrad GPA, engineering background, law background) Does my law school performance in any way mitigate my undergrad GPA?
Another curious twist... currently, having an MBA does not make you patent bar eligible. You need an engineering degree to practice before the Patent & Trademark Office. Yet, business methods are patentable, and there's a niche demand for patent attorneys with business know-how. With no prior experience, could an MBA program teach me enough to position myself as a business methods patent practitioner?
Sorry for the long message. You can tell there's a lot on my mind. I appreciate whatever help or advice anyone can offer.
26 Apr 2006, 20:28
Kudos
Bookmarks
Your background in law and engineering is not a shortcoming for your application. The low GPA in college does not help but is counterbalanced by an outstanding GPA in law school. Your business case for an MBA is still unclear to me- Do you want an MBA so can have a better knoweldge base for filing business process patents? Are you seeking an MBA to help gain access to inhouse positions?
If you are interested in higher prestige within the field of law another idea is an LL.M. from one of the elite/ultra elite law schools.
If you are interested in higher prestige within the field of law another idea is an LL.M. from one of the elite/ultra elite law schools.
26 Apr 2006, 21:46
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hjort
To some degree it's both. Oversimplified, the idea is to open as many doors as possible.
Between the two, gaining access to inhouse positions is the higher priority. As I understand it, however, the MBA credential does not add much to that effort... the usual track is: large firm for a few years -> do good work -> develop a good relationship w/ client -> get invited inside -> work your way up to GC. It's all about connections and being a good lawyer.
Likewise, I'm sure you can adequately prosecute & litigate business method patents without an MBA. But I'm curious what the MBA might add... advanced understanding and insight into clients' IP portfolios? Conversant business vocabulary? Increased appeal to financial institution clients? Would it really distinguish me, in any way, from a non-MBA patent practitioner who learned on the job?
Furthermore, all the prior research I've done suggests that JD/MBAs tend to go into business rather than practice law - for various good reasons. But do those same reasons hold true for a patent attorney?
I enjoy the law. I'd rather stay a lawyer. But I might have an opportunity to attend a premiere educational institution, to meet incredibly dynamic and intelligent people, and to learn at the highest level... assuming a few more puzzle pieces fall into place (1 more semester to go!). Definitely a romantic prospect. The question is... what would be the benefit? To walk away cosmically wiser is fine and noble... but, at the end of the day, I need to pay the bills. For me, the opportunity cost of business school pushes $400,000.
(I appreciate your help and advice, and I appreciate the LLM suggestion. We're both on the same page... I've been weighing LLM prospects, too.)
