Should I join a Joint Degree Program in MBA and Law or choose an MBA?

Getting a Joint Degree MBA program can be tricky. If you are considering a JD/MBA in law, take the route only if you planning to choose career paths that require you to work in industries and job functions that are an intersection of Business and law, or a career in law. Here are 3 Pros and Cons of a JD/MBA program (Law).

Pros

1) Senior Position

During the initial stages of the career, there would not be much greater value that a JD program can offer than a regular MBA program but as the candidate reaches a more senior position, a law degree can be useful in positions that require the expertise in Business and law. A JD will give the management the confidence to place the executive to manage attorneys, intellectual properties, regulatory issues, mergers & acquisitions, and other transactions that require knowledge in corporate and finance laws.

2) Two Networks

With a JD, students get access to law school and Business School Alumni networks – a privilege that can be useful throughout the career, provided the students have built a strong relationship with alumni during the program, and are actively involved in Alumni networking events and other social initiatives, after graduation.  Truth be told –the strong relationships that individuals build with each of their respective networks when they are part of a law school or business school are not similar to the ones that a Joint Degree students build. Most JD students get very little time to network. However, access to two networks is a privilege that a very few have.

3) Differentiation

The JD/MBA program is suitable for students who would like to continue in legal jobs. With the number of qualified lawyers in the market, a Joint Degree program would allow lawyers to differentiate themselves. The recruiting law firms also appreciate the network that you bring to the firm. With access to two networks, the differentiation from other lawyers can be substantial.

Cons

1) Expensive

JD/MBA programs are expensive. Students have to fund an extra 2-years or 1-Year in Tuition Fee, and other expenses. Unless, JD/MBA student has kept the option open to pursue a career in law, or management position that requires extensive knowledge of law, the extra 2-year cost cannot be justified.

2) Time

The 1-Year or 2-Year that JD/MBA students have to spend to complete the program is an additional hurdle as JD/MBA students will have to compete with regular MBAs. The offers that students receive would be based on current market conditions. This can change when they graduate. Another hurdle that an extra year or two brings is that JD students who have completed their internship after the MBA program would be less preferred when it comes to full-time positions, as employers would be reluctant to hire a student, who would join the company after a year or two.

3) Intensity

An MBA program or law program in itself can be intensive with the courses, exchange programs, projects and internship. A JD/MBA program increases the intensity of the program by 3-4 times, making the whole experience more stressful than the regular MBA. If the student is not motivated or does not understand the value of the JD program, performance will be impacted.

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