BBA Lunches: A Great Resource at the Right Price

As you make this transition, here is some advice that may serve you well in the long run: be sure to set aside some time to get involved in the Boston Bar Association committee system.

Although internal commitments may seem more pressing (it is hard to argue that anything should take precedence over client service), it is important not to neglect professional relationships outside your firm. It is professional relationships outside of the firm that may someday help you solve a difficult practice issue. It is professional relationships outside the firm that may help you to cultivate business in the future. Outside relationships may also help you to make good career decisions (e.g. what skills you should be trying to cultivate). The lunches offered by the BBA committees can help you build these professional relationships with only a modest investment of time.


The Boston Bar Association offers a broad selection of educational luncheons throughout the year. Some of the topics are substantive legal updates (in virtually every major practice area), but many others address things happening in the business community. In the past two years, for example, there have been presentations on the Big Dig, minority retention in major law firms, the architecture of the new Federal Courthouse, the new SJC rules on Alternative Dispute Resolution and electricity deregulation in Massachusetts. All of these sessions are free of charge (you can pay five dollars if you want to buy lunch or you can brown bag it-as many do). Attorneys who are considering membership in the BBA are also invited to attend. In general these lunches are all informal and educational.

Here are some suggestions on how to begin getting involved in the BBA. Approach each new year like would the beginning of any college semester. Look for lunch topics that are of interest to you. Select a few committee meetings to attend. Once you have attended several meetings, decide which committee seems to have subject matter and personalities that are the best fit with your professional and personal style.

Make a point of speaking to least one individual at each meeting. Choose a new person each time and try to learn as much as you can about the person, their interests and their professional areas of expertise. Your only objective is to try and get to know more professionals. Try introducing yourself to the committee chairperson and ask if there is any way that you can be of assistance. Volunteer to make phone calls to remind members of the committee about the next lunch (to increase attendance). In doing so you will have the chance to speak with many members of the committee and you will be looked at with favor by the committee chairperson.

Later on in the year you can offer to help the committee chairperson make phone calls to find guest speakers and identify good topics. Some chairpersons will be very good at doing this on their own. But others may be happy to receive the help.

Keep looking at the lunch topics that are being presented at other committee meetings. Be sure to attend meetings of other committees when topics seem interesting to you. Bring your practice questions to the committee meetings. Try to find a more experienced lawyer who might be willing to speak with you for a few minutes to answer your questions (either at the end of the meeting or over the phone). Try to identify ways you can be a resource to the members of committee (even if the resources you have to offer are not professional resources -- e.g. perhaps someone needs information about taking a vacation to a place where you have been or maybe you saw an article on a subject that is of interest to him).

The BBA committee system is a feast for the inquisitive mind. While not every lunch topic promises to keep the audience spell bound, most committee meetings provide a great forum for informal learning. The committee system also provides an invaluable way to connect with others who may be able to assist you in shaping your career. It is a very worthwhile investment of time and it takes very little commitment. Most importantly, there is no substitute for meeting other professionals in person (even if you like to exchange ideas through electronic bulletin boards.)

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

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One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

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Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.