Last Updated on March 4, 2023 by MBA Gateway Team
This article is a part-of ‘MBA Careers’ Series
Best MBA programs for Lawyers
Lawyers who wish to pursue an MBA degree can choose from a variety of top programs that provide a strong foundation in business skills, strategy, and management. Here are some of the best MBA programs for lawyers:
- Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management – The JD-MBA program at Kellogg allows students to earn both a law degree and an MBA in three years. The program offers a unique blend of law and business courses, along with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
- The University of Pennsylvania Wharton School – Wharton’s MBA program is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world. The program offers a range of courses and experiential learning opportunities that can help lawyers build the business acumen and leadership skills necessary to succeed in a variety of roles.
- Harvard Business School – Harvard’s MBA program provides a rigorous and challenging curriculum that is designed to develop leadership skills and strategic thinking abilities. The program emphasizes case-based learning and offers opportunities to work on real-world business problems through field-based learning experiences.
- Stanford Graduate School of Business – Stanford’s MBA program emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The program offers a range of courses in business fundamentals, along with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, experiential learning projects, and other activities.
- Columbia Business School – Columbia’s MBA program is designed to provide a strong foundation in business fundamentals, along with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and other experiential learning opportunities. The program emphasizes leadership, strategy, and global perspectives, and offers a range of courses and electives that can help lawyers build the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of roles.
Tips for Lawyers Pursuing an MBA:
- Focus on building business skills: While you may already have strong legal skills, it is important to develop a solid foundation in business skills such as finance, accounting, and marketing.
- Network with peers: One of the key benefits of an MBA program is the opportunity to build relationships with other professionals in a variety of fields. Take advantage of networking events and other opportunities to connect with your classmates and alumni.
- Consider an industry focus: Depending on your career goals, it may be beneficial to pursue an MBA program with a focus on a particular industry, such as finance or healthcare.
- Leverage your legal background: Your legal expertise can be a valuable asset in a variety of business settings. Look for ways to apply your legal skills to business problems and projects, and leverage your legal background to differentiate yourself in the job market.
- Be prepared for a rigorous program: Pursuing an MBA is a significant investment of time, money, and effort. Be prepared for a rigorous program that will require significant dedication and hard work.
Table: Top 50 Business Schools for Lawyers
- Harvard Business School
- Stanford Graduate School of Business
- Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia Business School
- Booth School of Business, University of Chicago
- Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
- Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College
- Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley
- Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
- Yale School of Management
- Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University
- Fuqua School of Business, Duke University
- Anderson School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin
- Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University
- McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University
- Goizueta Business School, Emory University
- Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis
- Kelley School of Business, Indiana University Bloomington
- Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame
- Krannert School of Management, Purdue University
- Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
- Foster School of Business, University of Washington
- Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University
- Broad College of Business, Michigan State University
- Questrom School of Business, Boston University
- Eller College of Management, University of Arizona
- Hough Graduate School of Business, University of Florida
- Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology
- Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University
- Naveen Jindal School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas
- Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University
- Henry W. Bloch School of Management, University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Darden School of Business, University of Virginia
- David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah
- Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee
- Lerner College of Business and Economics, University of Delaware
- Albers School of Business and Economics, Seattle University
- Cameron School of Business, University of St. Thomas
- Rawls College of Business, Texas Tech University
- Daniels College of Business, University of Denver
- College of Business, Florida State University
- LeBow College of Business, Drexel University
- Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas
- Greehey School of Business, St. Mary’s University
- Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky
- Belk College of Business, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Booth School of Business, University of Chicago (London campus)