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I-Banking Resume #10: Biotech Lawyer

By BankersBall on Aug 20, 2008 in Investment Banking Resumes

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A lawyer looks to greener pastures.

Objective: “I am interested in joining a bank’s (BB, MM, or boutique) healthcare group on the M&A/capital markets side. If this is not a possibility, I am also interested in equity research in the biotech/pharma sector.”

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24 Comment(s)

On Aug 21, 2008, Anonymous said:

Seven different universities? Why not just be a professor of some sorts.
On Aug 21, 2008, Anonymous said:

I guess you’re a Cornell guy?
On Aug 21, 2008, Ray Shan said:

All school no work? Just got an Associate position at a “good international law firm” but don’t want to take it and jump ship to IB? Sounds like you’re better fit for research. Enjoy weightlifting? Seriously?
On Aug 21, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Anon - I do not have any interest in pursuing an academic career at this time (too much crap and not enough money).

Ray - I plan on jumping ship to banking or research after one or two years. I just want to know which is a better fit and whether my credentials would even get me in the door. I guess “enjoy” was not the right word.
On Aug 22, 2008, Sr. Excel Monkey said:

Echoing Ray, your background definitely lends itself more to the research side. Not a lot of deal related/finance experience on this resume - though with your educational credentials the odds are not against you.
On Aug 22, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Thanks for the feedback Sr. Excel Monkey.
On Aug 23, 2008, Ray Shan said:

Didn’t mean to be harsh. I enjoy weightlifting too. But unless you enjoy summering in the hamptons and playing polo I don’t think any one would care. Make sure you can sell yourself. Research is just as sales-oriented as elsewhere. Good luck.
On Aug 23, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Thanks Ray. Unfortunately, I don’t play polo and could not care less about the Hamptons (I can’t stand being around people who feel the need to show others how financially well-off they are - “flashy” types make me rather ill).
On Aug 26, 2008, Most Offensive said:

You clearly don’t know what you want if you would take ibd OR research, bulge bracket OR mid market. People are looking for confidence and the thought that you might have researched the alternatives and found a good fit.
On Aug 28, 2008, Anonymous said:

Most Offensive - I know what I want. Ideally, I would like to work for a leading BB. However, if I can not secure a job at such a place I would gladly take a position at a MM or boutique. Further, I have interest in both research and banking - I have done a lot of research into both areas and would likely be happy in either. If a BB tells me that I fit better in research that is fine - if I get slotted in capital markets or M&A that is fine as well. I will likely apply to multiple divisions - I have already had success in making contacts (getting interviews) in both areas.
On Aug 28, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Most Offensive - I know what I want. Ideally, I would like to land a position at a BB. However, if that is not a possibility I would gladly take a position at a MM or boutique. Further, I have done ample research regarding both banking and ER and would be happy in either. If it turns out that my background is best suited for ER I will do that. However, I would also be happy if I ended up in M&A or capital markets. I have already had positive feedback froms MDs in healthcare groups on both the ER and M&A side. If I decide to make the transition I will likely have options in either division. The best part is that I already have a wonderful job so I can take my time - maybe I will wait until the economy picks up again, maybe I will make the transition next fall.
On Aug 28, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Sorry about the double-post.
On Aug 29, 2008, Anonymous said:

Experience on top, then education.

Weight lifting bullet is not meaningful addition.

Elaborate on the DCF bullet and move it - that should be in your experience section. If you can’t add to it, then take it out b/c it’s assumed you know “basic” DCF and it makes you seem like an amateur to point out your “basic” knowledge.
On Sep 2, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Thanks for the tip Anonymous. I will axe the weightlifting. However, I just graduated from law school and have very little experience. So, I will likely leave education first.
On Sep 14, 2008, Shorty said:

check out vc. needless to say, BBs are hard to enter now but w/IP law experience, you could do a lot on sandhill rd. probably apply that bio experience too in a life sciences fund. f BBs … in vc you’ll work half as hard and be able to progress faster.
On Oct 7, 2008, Mike said:

Biotech Lawyer:

I have a strikingly similar background as you. My path has been: Eng –> IP Law –> International MBA. In fact, I also enjoy weightlifting.
On Oct 7, 2008, Mike said:

Premature ending of the post….

I’m wondering how your search is going.

Based on your resume…have you only been working for 1 month as an attorney? You must have just passed the bar in July??? Were you doing patent work in the biotech realm?

It’d been nice to bounce some ideas around with you, as I am also interested to eventually get into IB –> M&A.
On Oct 12, 2008, avonlady said:

Dear Mike and Biotech Lawyer,

I’m also a lawyer considering going into IB. I’m currently studying an LLM at an IVY law school. I have an upcoming interview in IB DCM.

I have limited work experience, so I don’t qualify for an Associate position, but probably will be gunning for a Senior Analyst one. I can either do that or get a law associate position with the intention of going into IB a few years later.

I am also considering applying for an MBA at a top 5 school. Just wondering, are their many/any lawyers at top MBA schools? I would imagine the application strategy for lawyers would be quite different to others?

Any thoughts?
On Oct 24, 2008, aspiringhealthcarebanker said:

Thanks for all of the replies - please excuse the lag in my response as I have been terribly busy at work.

Shorty - your idea is a good one. Unfortunately, my science background is not strong enough to compete with all of the MDs and PhDs dying to get into the business and my legal experience is not nearly as good as the attorneys the funds typically use. I guess I could bring a semi-useful interdisciplinary perspective to some of the deals once I get more experience. I really think I would eventually like to join an industry group and do both M&A and capital markets work. However, right now I am very happy at my firm.

Mike - You are right. This is my second month at work. I decided to do business litigation (mainly focusing on securities/finance work) and am also involved with my firm’s pharma group - basically a firm-wide task force. When it came down to it - litigating about financial matters was a lot more interesting to me that arguing that drug A is not obvious over the combination of drugs b, c, and d combined with paper x because it works through a different mechanism of action. I would rather be examining accounting statements and defending allegations of securities fraud. I should add that I also plan on getting some transactional work (my goal is to be staffed on one M&A deal and one IPO or secondary. As for the job hunt - I have been busy as hell at work and am very happy. Right now I am just trying to get some great experience that will dress up my resume (trying to find the magical five or six lines that will get me an interview) and also plan on continuing the CFA. There is also a program in finance that I am looking into.

Avonlady - Congrats on the interview. There are not a lot of lawyers at top business schools which is a plus for you. I think the application strategy would actually be very similar. Further, you would have a good reason for applying after having worked as an attorney for a couple of years - as an attorney (whether transactional or litigation) you spend most of your time solving problems for businesses - it is very easy to believe that such a person, after a while, would become more interested in one or more of the underlying businesses they spend all of their time serving - getting an MBA would then be the most logical step for such a person, i.e. an attorney who wants to work at a business in a non-legal capacity.
On Oct 24, 2008, aspiringhealthcarebanker said:

Mike - I forgot to add that the IP work I did as a summer was indeed in the biotech realm. So, when I decide to apply I will likely have had three solid months of IP, a couple of very high-profile (monster CEO) securities cases, at least one financially-oriented publication, and some part of at least one M&A deal.

I hope the interviewers will see past the fact that I am not a full-time transactional lawyer. Because, honestly, I have already worked on a couple of corporate matters and I can say that most of it is mindless clerical work (until you get into the upper levels) - negotiating a merger agreement may be good experience, drafting one (and I use the term very loosely)is not. However, I will try to work on at least one big deal for the entry on my resume. I can also tell you after having talked to several corporate associates - most don’t know a damn thing about finance (the majority of the junior levels could not walk you through a balance sheet or cash flow statement and the more senior attorneys could not explain how to do basic DCF). Just my two cents (and the main reason why I did business litigation - the litigation attorneys just seem so much sharper).
On Oct 25, 2008, aspiringhealthcarebanker said:

Mike - actually, the plan now is to stay at my current firm for four years (so if I decide to apply to a bank I will have much more experience in all of the areas listed in my previous post + CFA + MBA). Then maybe I will look at making the jump into finance (I need to be able to return to BigLaw as a mid-level associate). This is another reason I chose business litigation - there is a good chance that law will be my career - I have no interest in IP for the long-run (too many PhD’s on the biotech side, even in litigation, and the subject matter bores me to death) and corporate transactional work is too cyclical and ministerial. Regardless, any skills that I build in finance in the meantime will be a huge help in either field (I am already somewhat of an expert in my group and I am a first year). If I liked science enough to be a biotech IP lawyer for the long-run I would have pursued my original plan of getting an MD/PhD. I really want to do something where you work with a lot of life sciences companies on business issues - I am doing that now. If I get a job in banking working with such companies the main duties of the job will be financial in nature - having a science background will be of some, but not much help (unless I get into equity research - not likely as I would now rather be an attorney).

Avonlady - I am not sure what your options are. Do you have an offer paying market in NYC? If so, maybe you should take that, work for three or four years, then go to B-school (if you still have interest). If you work in DCM you may get laid-off in a few months and your BigLaw opportunity may not still be available - also why DCM? At that point, you would be just like everyone else that the banks have thrown out on the street (and they tend to do that every few years). Further, you would make more money as an attorney. On a risk-adjusted basis being a BigLaw attorney may be the best (or at least one of the best) careers out there.
On Oct 28, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Mistake - replace aspiringhealthcarebanker with biotech lawyer (it is another name I am fond of)
On Nov 2, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

I should add that, given my plans to continue working as an attorney for the foreseeable future (possibly for my entire career), I will not be checking this site on a regular basis. However, if anyone is interested in discussing law/finance or has any questions/suggestions they can e-mail me at aspiringhealthcarebanker@yahoo.com.
On Sep 17, 2009, Collins said:

Job Vacancy!
Send your Cv to the careers@standardbankonline.net
for a kind Consideration in Standard Bank of London
Thanks

Post a Comment

On Aug 21, 2008, Anonymous said:

Seven different universities? Why not just be a professor of some sorts.

I guess you’re a Cornell guy?

On Aug 21, 2008, Ray Shan said:

All school no work? Just got an Associate position at a “good international law firm” but don’t want to take it and jump ship to IB? Sounds like you’re better fit for research. Enjoy weightlifting? Seriously?

On Aug 21, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Anon - I do not have any interest in pursuing an academic career at this time (too much crap and not enough money).

Ray - I plan on jumping ship to banking or research after one or two years. I just want to know which is a better fit and whether my credentials would even get me in the door. I guess “enjoy” was not the right word.

On Aug 22, 2008, Sr. Excel Monkey said:

Echoing Ray, your background definitely lends itself more to the research side. Not a lot of deal related/finance experience on this resume - though with your educational credentials the odds are not against you.

On Aug 22, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Thanks for the feedback Sr. Excel Monkey.

On Aug 23, 2008, Ray Shan said:

Didn’t mean to be harsh. I enjoy weightlifting too. But unless you enjoy summering in the hamptons and playing polo I don’t think any one would care. Make sure you can sell yourself. Research is just as sales-oriented as elsewhere. Good luck.

On Aug 23, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Thanks Ray. Unfortunately, I don’t play polo and could not care less about the Hamptons (I can’t stand being around people who feel the need to show others how financially well-off they are - “flashy” types make me rather ill).

On Aug 26, 2008, Most Offensive said:

You clearly don’t know what you want if you would take ibd OR research, bulge bracket OR mid market. People are looking for confidence and the thought that you might have researched the alternatives and found a good fit.

On Aug 28, 2008, Anonymous said:

Most Offensive - I know what I want. Ideally, I would like to work for a leading BB. However, if I can not secure a job at such a place I would gladly take a position at a MM or boutique. Further, I have interest in both research and banking - I have done a lot of research into both areas and would likely be happy in either. If a BB tells me that I fit better in research that is fine - if I get slotted in capital markets or M&A that is fine as well. I will likely apply to multiple divisions - I have already had success in making contacts (getting interviews) in both areas.

On Aug 28, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Most Offensive - I know what I want. Ideally, I would like to land a position at a BB. However, if that is not a possibility I would gladly take a position at a MM or boutique. Further, I have done ample research regarding both banking and ER and would be happy in either. If it turns out that my background is best suited for ER I will do that. However, I would also be happy if I ended up in M&A or capital markets. I have already had positive feedback froms MDs in healthcare groups on both the ER and M&A side. If I decide to make the transition I will likely have options in either division. The best part is that I already have a wonderful job so I can take my time - maybe I will wait until the economy picks up again, maybe I will make the transition next fall.

Sorry about the double-post.

On Aug 29, 2008, Anonymous said:

Experience on top, then education.

Weight lifting bullet is not meaningful addition.

Elaborate on the DCF bullet and move it - that should be in your experience section. If you can’t add to it, then take it out b/c it’s assumed you know “basic” DCF and it makes you seem like an amateur to point out your “basic” knowledge.

On Sep 2, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Thanks for the tip Anonymous. I will axe the weightlifting. However, I just graduated from law school and have very little experience. So, I will likely leave education first.

On Sep 14, 2008, Shorty said:

check out vc. needless to say, BBs are hard to enter now but w/IP law experience, you could do a lot on sandhill rd. probably apply that bio experience too in a life sciences fund. f BBs … in vc you’ll work half as hard and be able to progress faster.

On Oct 7, 2008, Mike said:

Biotech Lawyer:

I have a strikingly similar background as you. My path has been: Eng –> IP Law –> International MBA. In fact, I also enjoy weightlifting.

Premature ending of the post….

I’m wondering how your search is going.

Based on your resume…have you only been working for 1 month as an attorney? You must have just passed the bar in July??? Were you doing patent work in the biotech realm?

It’d been nice to bounce some ideas around with you, as I am also interested to eventually get into IB –> M&A.

On Oct 12, 2008, avonlady said:

Dear Mike and Biotech Lawyer,

I’m also a lawyer considering going into IB. I’m currently studying an LLM at an IVY law school. I have an upcoming interview in IB DCM.

I have limited work experience, so I don’t qualify for an Associate position, but probably will be gunning for a Senior Analyst one. I can either do that or get a law associate position with the intention of going into IB a few years later.

I am also considering applying for an MBA at a top 5 school. Just wondering, are their many/any lawyers at top MBA schools? I would imagine the application strategy for lawyers would be quite different to others?

Any thoughts?

On Oct 24, 2008, aspiringhealthcarebanker said:

Thanks for all of the replies - please excuse the lag in my response as I have been terribly busy at work.

Shorty - your idea is a good one. Unfortunately, my science background is not strong enough to compete with all of the MDs and PhDs dying to get into the business and my legal experience is not nearly as good as the attorneys the funds typically use. I guess I could bring a semi-useful interdisciplinary perspective to some of the deals once I get more experience. I really think I would eventually like to join an industry group and do both M&A and capital markets work. However, right now I am very happy at my firm.

Mike - You are right. This is my second month at work. I decided to do business litigation (mainly focusing on securities/finance work) and am also involved with my firm’s pharma group - basically a firm-wide task force. When it came down to it - litigating about financial matters was a lot more interesting to me that arguing that drug A is not obvious over the combination of drugs b, c, and d combined with paper x because it works through a different mechanism of action. I would rather be examining accounting statements and defending allegations of securities fraud. I should add that I also plan on getting some transactional work (my goal is to be staffed on one M&A deal and one IPO or secondary. As for the job hunt - I have been busy as hell at work and am very happy. Right now I am just trying to get some great experience that will dress up my resume (trying to find the magical five or six lines that will get me an interview) and also plan on continuing the CFA. There is also a program in finance that I am looking into.

Avonlady - Congrats on the interview. There are not a lot of lawyers at top business schools which is a plus for you. I think the application strategy would actually be very similar. Further, you would have a good reason for applying after having worked as an attorney for a couple of years - as an attorney (whether transactional or litigation) you spend most of your time solving problems for businesses - it is very easy to believe that such a person, after a while, would become more interested in one or more of the underlying businesses they spend all of their time serving - getting an MBA would then be the most logical step for such a person, i.e. an attorney who wants to work at a business in a non-legal capacity.

Mike - I forgot to add that the IP work I did as a summer was indeed in the biotech realm. So, when I decide to apply I will likely have had three solid months of IP, a couple of very high-profile (monster CEO) securities cases, at least one financially-oriented publication, and some part of at least one M&A deal.

I hope the interviewers will see past the fact that I am not a full-time transactional lawyer. Because, honestly, I have already worked on a couple of corporate matters and I can say that most of it is mindless clerical work (until you get into the upper levels) - negotiating a merger agreement may be good experience, drafting one (and I use the term very loosely)is not. However, I will try to work on at least one big deal for the entry on my resume. I can also tell you after having talked to several corporate associates - most don’t know a damn thing about finance (the majority of the junior levels could not walk you through a balance sheet or cash flow statement and the more senior attorneys could not explain how to do basic DCF). Just my two cents (and the main reason why I did business litigation - the litigation attorneys just seem so much sharper).

On Oct 25, 2008, aspiringhealthcarebanker said:

Mike - actually, the plan now is to stay at my current firm for four years (so if I decide to apply to a bank I will have much more experience in all of the areas listed in my previous post + CFA + MBA). Then maybe I will look at making the jump into finance (I need to be able to return to BigLaw as a mid-level associate). This is another reason I chose business litigation - there is a good chance that law will be my career - I have no interest in IP for the long-run (too many PhD’s on the biotech side, even in litigation, and the subject matter bores me to death) and corporate transactional work is too cyclical and ministerial. Regardless, any skills that I build in finance in the meantime will be a huge help in either field (I am already somewhat of an expert in my group and I am a first year). If I liked science enough to be a biotech IP lawyer for the long-run I would have pursued my original plan of getting an MD/PhD. I really want to do something where you work with a lot of life sciences companies on business issues - I am doing that now. If I get a job in banking working with such companies the main duties of the job will be financial in nature - having a science background will be of some, but not much help (unless I get into equity research - not likely as I would now rather be an attorney).

Avonlady - I am not sure what your options are. Do you have an offer paying market in NYC? If so, maybe you should take that, work for three or four years, then go to B-school (if you still have interest). If you work in DCM you may get laid-off in a few months and your BigLaw opportunity may not still be available - also why DCM? At that point, you would be just like everyone else that the banks have thrown out on the street (and they tend to do that every few years). Further, you would make more money as an attorney. On a risk-adjusted basis being a BigLaw attorney may be the best (or at least one of the best) careers out there.

On Oct 28, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

Mistake - replace aspiringhealthcarebanker with biotech lawyer (it is another name I am fond of)

On Nov 2, 2008, Biotech Lawyer said:

I should add that, given my plans to continue working as an attorney for the foreseeable future (possibly for my entire career), I will not be checking this site on a regular basis. However, if anyone is interested in discussing law/finance or has any questions/suggestions they can e-mail me at aspiringhealthcarebanker@yahoo.com.

On Sep 17, 2009, Collins said:

Job Vacancy!
Send your Cv to the careers@standardbankonline.net
for a kind Consideration in Standard Bank of London
Thanks