Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Law to Big4 – What am I qualified for?

I have an undergraduate degree in accounting, a JD and an LLM in tax.  I currently practice law at a small transactional law firm in the midwest (8 lawyers).  I have decided that I don't much care for the small town life and wish to relocate to an urban area.  The legal market in urban areas is ridiculously overcrowded these days and I think my best shot will be with Big 4.  My law practice was mostly estate planning and small/medium business transactions, with all of the relevant tax topics thrown in the mix.

I am considering taking the CPA exam and applying for a job with Big 4.  I would like to stay away from doing too much compliance (i.e. tax returns), although I understand it's rare to completely avoid this aspect.  I was hoping a few of you could shed some insight on the following questions:

1. How in demand are my credentials to Big 4 these days, provided I get the CPA?  Will I have the freedom to choose my location/tax specialty, or will I more or less need to take what I can get? 

2. I would very much like to work in advisory/consulting.  Do I have a good shot at this?

3. Is a CPA license even worth getting at this point?

4. What sort of salary/position could I reasonably expect if I was hired by Big 4 at this point?  This is an important point, as I do have student loans.

5. What sort of tax specialty would my educational background prove most useful for? 

6.  I am 27 years old as of the date of this post.  Is this kind of lateral move common at all?

Thanks in advance, any insight is much appreciated.

Latest Accounting Jobs--Apply Now:

Have something to add to this story? Give us a shout by email, Twitter, or text/call the tipline at 202-505-8885. As always, all tips are anonymous.

Comments are closed.

Related articles

cryptocurrency consulting accounting job

Should Cryptocurrency Consulting Be the Next Phase in Your Accounting Career?

Think the hype over cryptocurrency has reached its fever pitch? Think again—the crypto craze has only just begun. Businesses are increasingly viewing cryptocurrency as a viable investment. New tokens are gaining steam, and Bitcoin, the OG crypto cash, continues to trade at a frenzied pace. More than 200,000 Bitcoin transactions occur every day, and investors like […]

Mastering Data Analytics Can Make You a More Valuable Accountant

What can you do to make yourself more valuable to your organization? If you’re an accountant or if you work on a corporate finance team, becoming a master in data analysis is a big step forward. But why? And what does data analytics have to do with accounting? Accountants use data analytics to help businesses […]