McKinsey vs LEK Consulting: MBB vs Boutique Due Diligence
Updated January 2026·10 min read
Head-to-Head: McKinsey vs LEK
9/10
Interview Difficulty
7/10
5/10
Work-Life Balance
5/10
10/10
Compensation
7/10
10/10
Prestige
6/10
10/10
Exit Opportunities
8/10
McKinseyLEK
Quick Summary
Both McKinsey & Company and L.E.K. Consulting are excellent consulting firms with strong reputations. McKinsey is known for maximum career flexibility, while LEK excels at pe-focused careers. Your choice should depend on your career goals, preferred working style, and cultural fit.
Detailed Comparison: McKinsey vs LEK
| Category | McKinsey | LEK |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Full-spectrum strategy | Commercial due diligence, PE |
| PE Exposure | Part of broader portfolio | PE is core business |
| Compensation | Industry-leading | 15-20% below McKinsey |
| Brand Recognition | Universal recognition | Well-known in PE circles |
| Case Style | Interviewer-led, PEI | Candidate-led, DD-focused |
| Exit Paths | All doors open | Strong PE, portfolio ops |
Key Takeaways
- Focus: LEK for pure PE due diligence
- PE Exposure: LEK for maximum PE work
- Compensation: McKinsey pays more
- Brand Recognition: McKinsey for broader brand
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose McKinsey if you...
- ✓Maximum career flexibility
- ✓Brand-focused candidates
- ✓Non-PE interests too
Choose LEK if you...
- ✓PE-focused careers
- ✓Due diligence specialists
- ✓Those certain about PE path
Interview Process Comparison
McKinsey Interview Process
- • Online assessment/screening
- • 2-3 rounds of case interviews
- • Behavioral/fit interviews
- • Final round with partners
LEK Interview Process
- • Online assessment/screening
- • 2-3 rounds of case interviews
- • Behavioral/fit interviews
- • Final round with partners
Prepare for Both McKinsey and LEK
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Start PracticingFrequently Asked Questions
Is LEK good for private equity careers?
Excellent. LEK is one of the best firms for PE exits if that's your definite goal. The heavy due diligence exposure and PE relationships create strong pipelines to funds.
McKinsey or LEK for megafund PE?
McKinsey if you're unsure; LEK if you're certain about PE. McKinsey brand helps for megafunds. LEK places well but more to middle-market. Both can lead to top funds with strong performance.
How does LEK interview differ from McKinsey?
LEK uses candidate-led cases focused on market assessment and due diligence. McKinsey uses interviewer-led format with PEI. LEK cases feel more like actual PE work.
Is LEK prestigious?
Yes, in its domain. LEK is well-respected as a top commercial due diligence firm. In PE circles, LEK brand is known. Broader brand recognition is less than MBB.