If you’re looking to make the career switch from lawyer to management consultant, then this article is for you.

 

I’m a former Bain Manager, recruiter, and interviewer, and in this article, I’m going to share with you how to make the switch from lawyer to management consultant step-by-step.

 

Breaking into management consulting is tough. Less than 2% of applicants will get a job offer at top firms such as McKinsey, BCG, or Bain. If you need help with the consulting recruiting process and want to 10x your chances of getting in, check out our resume review service and consulting interview course.

 

We’ve helped thousands land their dream consulting job.

 

Why Lawyers Make Good Management Consultants

 

Lawyers develop a unique skill set that aligns well with the demands of management consulting. Many of the core competencies that make an excellent lawyer are also critical for success as a consultant.

 

Here’s how being a lawyer translates into consulting:

 

Problem-solving

 

Both lawyers and consultants are problem-solvers at their core. Lawyers analyze complex legal issues, identify risks, and craft strategic solutions. Similarly, consultants break down business challenges, diagnose root causes, and develop actionable recommendations.

 

The ability to think critically and navigate ambiguity makes lawyers well-equipped to tackle business problems.

 

Research skills

 

Legal professionals spend a significant portion of their time researching case law, regulations, and precedents to support their arguments. This skill is valuable in consulting, where gathering and synthesizing data from multiple sources is crucial for making informed recommendations.

 

A lawyer’s ability to quickly assess information and extract key insights allows them to add value in a consulting environment.

 

Structured thinking

 

Consultants rely on structured problem-solving frameworks to organize their analysis. Lawyers, accustomed to building logical arguments and organizing information methodically, can easily adopt these frameworks.

 

Whether it's structuring a legal argument or a business strategy, lawyers are trained to think in a logical, step-by-step manner.

 

Communication skills

 

Strong verbal and written communication are essential in both fields.

 

Lawyers must present compelling arguments in court, draft precise legal documents, and negotiate deals. Consultants need to convey complex ideas to clients, develop persuasive presentations, and write concise reports.

 

The ability to articulate insights clearly and persuasively is a major asset in consulting.

 

Client skills

 

Managing client relationships is a key part of both professions.

 

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters, understanding their needs and tailoring solutions accordingly. Similarly, consultants must build trust with business leaders, communicate effectively, and address their concerns.

 

A lawyer’s experience working with high-stakes clients translates well into consulting’s client-facing role.

 

Work ethic

 

Both law and consulting demand long hours, intense workloads, and high levels of professionalism.

 

Lawyers are used to meeting tight deadlines, handling high-pressure situations, and maintaining attention to detail. Their ability to work efficiently and sustain a rigorous workload makes them strong candidates for the consulting industry.

 

How to Switch from Lawyer to Management Consultant

 

1. Start networking with consultants

 

Switching careers is challenging. One of the best ways to ease the transition is by networking with professionals already in the consulting field.

 

Since consulting differs significantly from law, speaking with consultants will help you:

 

• Gain industry insights: Learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of consultants, what skills are most valuable, and what challenges to expect

 

• Understand firm differences: Each consulting firm has a unique culture, focus areas, and working style. Speaking with people from various firms will help you determine which ones align best with your background and career goals

 

• Increase your chances of landing interviews: Many firms prioritize referred candidates. A strong referral from a current consultant can help your application stand out in a highly competitive hiring process

 

Here’s how to start networking:

 

• Leverage alumni networks: Reach out to former classmates from law school or undergrad who have moved into consulting

 

• Use LinkedIn strategically: Send personalized connection requests to consultants, mentioning mutual interests or shared experiences

 

• Attend industry events: Many consulting firms host informational webinars and networking events, especially for career switchers

 

• Set up coffee chats: Ask for 20-minute informational calls to learn more about a consultant’s role and experience

 

2. Identify what firms to apply to

 

Consulting firms vary in size, focus, and prestige. Before applying, it’s important to research and identify firms that align with your professional interests and career aspirations.

 

There are many different consulting firms:

 

Top-tier strategy firms (MBB: McKinsey, BCG, Bain)

 

• These firms are the most prestigious and competitive, offering exposure to high-level strategic projects across industries

 

• Lawyers who want to work on major business transformations and high-impact strategic decisions often target these firms

 

• MBB firms value strong problem-solving and communication skills, making them attractive options for lawyers with structured thinking and analytical abilities

 

Big Four consulting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG)

 

• These firms offer a mix of strategy, implementation, and operational consulting

 

• They may provide more flexibility for lawyers looking to transition into legal advisory or regulatory consulting roles

 

• Big Four firms are often a good fit for those interested in compliance, risk management, or tax advisory work

 

Boutique and niche consulting firms

 

• These firms specialize in specific industries or functional areas, such as healthcare, technology, or financial services

 

• Some boutique firms, such as LEK or Roland Berger, focus heavily on strategy, while others specialize in implementation or operational improvements

 

• If you have domain expertise in a particular industry, a boutique firm may provide an easier transition

 

When choosing what firms to apply to, consider these key factors:

 

• Firm culture and values: Consulting cultures vary from highly competitive environments to more collaborative and work-life-balance-focused firms

 

• Industries served: Some firms focus on healthcare, finance, or technology, which may align with your legal background

 

• Office location preferences: Some firms require travel, while others have more local engagements

 

3. Prepare a resume tailored for consulting

 

A legal resume is vastly different from a consulting resume. While law resumes focus on responsibilities and legal expertise, consulting resumes emphasize problem-solving, leadership, and impact.

 

Here’s how to optimize your resume for consulting:

 

• Use a structured format: Consulting resumes follow a clear layout with bullet points, action verbs, and quantifiable results

 

• Focus on transferable skills: Highlight structured problem-solving, leadership, client management, and analytical skills

 

• Quantify your achievements: Instead of stating, “drafted contracts for corporate clients,” say, “led contract negotiations for $50M+ deals, reducing risk exposure by 20%”

 

• Highlight leadership and teamwork: Consulting firms prioritize candidates who can work in teams, lead initiatives, and drive results

 

If you need professional help crafting the perfect resume that will land you consulting interviews, check out our resume review and editing service.

 

4. Prepare cover letters tailored to each consulting firm

 

Cover letters will be more important since you are making a big career change. You need to summarize your background and experiences well and convey why you want to make the switch to consulting.

 

Make sure that your cover letter answers these questions:

 

• Why are you interested in consulting?

 

• Why are you interested in the specific firm?

 

• Why would you be a great fit for the firm?

 

5. Apply to consulting firms

 

Applications generally consist of your resume, cover letter, test scores, school transcripts, and office preferences.

 

To improve your application chances:

 

• Apply early: Consulting recruiting is competitive, and early applicants have an advantage

 

• Leverage referrals: A strong referral from a current consultant increases your chances of landing an interview

 

• Ensure a polished, error-free application: Consulting firms expect precision and clarity

 

6. Prepare for consulting case interviews

 

Case interviews are a special type of interview that all consulting firms use. These can take 60 to 80 hours to prepare for, which is about 6 to 8 weeks of preparation.

 

In a case interview, you’ll be given a hypothetical business scenario and asked to develop a strategic recommendation. These interviews typically last 30 to 60 minutes.

 

Examples of case interview questions:

 

• How can Coca-Cola increase its profitability?

 

• What should Netflix do to improve customer retention?

 

• Should Facebook enter the smartphone market?

 

• How should Apple price its new iPhone?

 

In a case interview, the interviewer will present background information on the business scenario. You’ll have the opportunity to ask clarifying questions to better understand the situation and the objective of the case.

 

Next, you’ll develop a framework. This helps structure your approach, breaking the problem down into smaller, more manageable components.

 

Afterwards, you’ll answer both quantitative and qualitative questions to develop your recommendation. This may involve:

 

• Calculating expected profitability

 

• Interpreting charts and graphs

 

• Brainstorming

 

• Prioritizing strategic options

 

At the end of the case interview, you’ll summarize your analysis and present a well-structured recommendation to address the business problem.

 

7. Prepare for consulting behavioral interview questions

 

Consulting behavioral interview questions ask you to share a real-life example or story that demonstrates a key quality, such as leadership, problem-solving, or resilience.

 

Common consulting behavioral interview questions include:

 

• Tell me about a time when you exceeded expectations

 

• Give an example of a time when you had to persuade someone

 

• Describe a situation where you resolved a team conflict

 

• Share an instance when you failed to meet expectations

 

• Explain a difficult or complex problem you successfully solved

 

To prepare, create a list of five compelling stories that showcase a range of strengths. Choose experiences that are both impressive and impactful.

 

When asked a behavioral question, quickly recall your prepared stories and select the most relevant one.

 

To structure your response effectively, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):

 

• Situation: Briefly set the context of your story. Keep it concise

 

• Task: Explain your responsibility or objective. Keep this part short

 

• Action: Detail the steps you took to address the challenge. This is the most critical part

 

• Result: Highlight the outcome, quantifying the impact where possible. Share key takeaways and how the experience shaped you

 

Focusing on clear, structured responses will help you leave a strong impression during your interview.

 

If you want to learn how to answer 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours, check out our behavioral interview course.

 

8. Accept your consulting offer

 

Hopefully at this point, you’ll have landed a few different consulting offers from various consulting firms.

 

If juggling multiple offers, consider:

 

• Compensation (base salary, bonuses, benefits)

 

• Work-life balance and travel requirements

 

• Project types and industries served

 

• Firm culture

 

• Professional development opportunities

 

• Long-term career growth

 

Tips to Switching from Lawyer to Management Consultant

 

1. Make sure you know what to expect in consulting

 

Management consulting can be a rewarding career, but it also comes with significant challenges. While the prestige, problem-solving opportunities, and fast career growth may seem attractive, it's important to understand the downsides before making the switch:

 

• Long hours: Similar to Big Law, 60+ hour workweeks are common

 

• High stress: Tight deadlines, demanding clients, and performance reviews can create pressure

 

• Frequent travel: At some firms, you may travel Monday to Thursday every week

 

• Unpredictable work: Staffing depends on firm needs, and you may not always get exciting projects

 

You’ll save yourself a lot of effort and time by making sure that management consulting is the career that you really want.

 

So, talk to current consultants to learn more about the work and lifestyle. Consider whether leaving law is worth the risks.

 

2. Make sure you are applying to the right type of consulting

 

Management consulting is a broad field with multiple types of firms and areas of focus. Choosing the right one is critical.

 

There are many different types of consulting:

 

• Strategy consulting: High-level business strategy, market entry, M&A, and competitive positioning

 

• Operations consulting: Process improvement, supply chain, and cost reduction    

 

• Economic consulting: Economic analysis, litigation support, and regulatory issues

 

• Technology consulting: Digital transformation, IT systems, and AI strategy

 

• HR consulting: Leadership development, change management, and culture strategy         

 

Research different consulting firms and their specialties to align your skills and interests with the right type of consulting.

 

3. Make sure you are applying to the right level

 

Since you have an advanced degree, you should not apply for entry-level analyst roles meant for undergraduates. Instead, apply for positions where consulting firms hire MBA graduates or professionals with advanced degrees.

 

Typical entry levels for lawyers transitioning into consulting:

 

• McKinsey: Associate (not Business Analyst)

 

• BCG: Consultant (not Associate)

 

• Bain: Consultant (not Associate Consultant)

 

• Big 4 Firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG): Senior Associate or Consultant

 

Doing this will help you avoid taking a salary cut by starting at an appropriate level. You’ll also better maximize career progression, leveraging your legal background effectively.

 

4. Expect the process to take some time

 

Consulting firms generally hire a year in advance. Don’t expect to get an offer and start your job right away. Consulting firms have a very structured and standardized recruiting process.

 

If you apply today, you may not start for another 6-12 months.

 So, start networking early and apply early so that you can get started on your new career as soon as possible.

 

5. Have a compelling story for why you want to switch into consulting

 

Consulting firms want to make sure that you are serious about consulting. They want to avoid hiring and training someone who will quit after a year. This wastes a lot of their time and resources.

 

Consulting firms want to know:

 

• Why are you leaving law?

 

• Why are you interested in consulting?

 

Here’s how to craft the perfect story for why you want to switch into consulting:

 

1. Show what attracted you to law

 

Example: I initially pursued law because I was drawn to structured problem-solving and analytical thinking.

 

2. Show what you liked, but also what was missing

 

Example: While I enjoyed advising clients on complex issues, I wanted more variety, broader business impact, and strategic work.

 

3. Show why consulting is the right fit

 

Example: Consulting allows me to use my problem-solving skills in a business setting, work across industries, and develop strategic insights for clients.

 

6. Connect with other lawyers that also made the switch to consulting

 

One of the best ways to transition into consulting is to network with former lawyers who successfully made the switch.

 

Here are some ideas on how to find and connect with former lawyers in consulting:

 

• LinkedIn search: Look for profiles of former lawyers now working at consulting firms

 

• Alumni networks: Reach out to JD or law school alumni who transitioned to consulting

 

• Consulting webinars and events: Attend networking sessions hosted by consulting firms

 

• Cold emails and LinkedIn messages: Politely ask for a quick chat to learn about their experience

 

By doing this, you’ll gain insider insights into what worked for them. You may also get referrals. Many firms prefer hiring candidates who come recommended. Lastly, you’ll learn what to expect in the transition process.

 

7. Get professional help

 

Since you’re no longer in school, you don’t have access to resources to help you learn more about consulting, perfect your consulting resume, and prepare for the unique challenges of consulting case interviews.

 

If you can afford it, getting professional help can significantly improve your chances of breaking into consulting.

 

If you’re looking to get professional help, check out the resources and services listed below:

 

For help landing consulting interviews

 

• Resume Review & Editing: Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple consulting interviews

 

For help passing case interviews

 

• Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.

 

• Case Interview Coaching: Personalized, one-on-one coaching with a former MBB interviewer.

 

• Hacking the Case Interview Book (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.

 

• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.

 

For help passing consulting behavioral & fit interviews

 

• Behavioral & Fit Interview Course: Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer.