Beautiful, sunny San Diego is the place to be. Well known for its beautiful beaches, great family fun, terrific dining, and extraordinary nightlife, San Diego is one of the best spots to bathe in the sun or just stroll the Pacific in Coronado, a peninsula located just across the bay from San Diego. This charming seaside community is home to several beautiful beaches, and a favorite of the locals is the terrific dog park at Ocean Beach. There are many leisure activities located on this 14-mile peninsula, including two live theaters, miles of bike paths, tennis courts, swimming pools, and golf. For family fun, one can take the kids to the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Wild Animal Park, or SeaWorld. Don't forget to schedule breakfast with Shamu. For nighttime dining, you won't want to miss Old Town San Diego, where you can walk through gardens, enjoy delicious hot tortillas made right in front of you, and shop at unique and fun boutiques that feature everything, including chocolates, clothes, toys, and artwork.
San Diego is a strong legal market and one of the most desirable areas to live. As such, there are a number of well-qualified candidates who apply to firms in the area. So if you aren't already in the area and are considering a move, it is important to demonstrate a commitment to relocating to the area or show strong ties to the area, such as having family there. Although a select few firms require the California bar, most firms in the area will take advantage of a great candidate when they see one.
There are many areas of activity, and litigation is probably the hottest right now. Candidates with large-firm experience and/or strong academic credentials will likely get interviews. We have firms of all sizes seeking litigators, including large national firms and small boutiques. Areas of litigation that are hot right now include complex commercial litigation, insurance litigation, and securities litigation.
There is a need for labor and employment attorneys at all levels. For senior-level attorneys in this practice, having portable business is not required. Attorneys with 2-6 years of experience in the labor and employment practice are hot as well. Experience in both litigation and counseling is always a plus.
San Diego firms are seeking experienced attorneys in the areas of employee benefits and executive compensation. Qualified candidates should have 3-5 years of solid experience in qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and non-qualified deferred-compensation plans.
Junior and mid-level land use and environmental attorneys are also in demand. Qualified attorneys should have 2-5 years of experience from top law firms and strong academics. Experience in land use, environmental, and administrative law are sought after, especially experience with public agencies and experience in representing developers and property owners in land use transactions.
San Diego also needs junior and mid-level real estate and project finance attorneys. Qualified candidates should have 2-5 years of solid experience at a top law firm and strong academics. Transactional experience is a requirement, as is familiarity with banking and financial transactions or subdivision documentation.
Several months ago, IP and patent law were the hottest areas to be in; however, the firms' needs in this area have tapered off. Many firms are still interested in highly qualified patent and IP attorneys, though. Qualified patent candidates should be admitted to the patent bar. Firms have a strong preference for candidates with technical backgrounds (such as electrical engineering, mechanical, physics, biology, or chemistry).
As the market is improving, we are seeing more firms hire corporate candidates. Still, it is incredibly competitive to get a job in this area because there are so many well-qualified and experienced attorneys vying for these jobs. Qualified candidates should have experience in securities law, M&A, corporate compliance, and general corporate representation.
Partner and practice group movement is on the rise as we continue to get requests from firms for partners in all practice areas. We currently have a large number of partners interviewing at firms, and we are finding that partners with books of business of at least $750,000 are receiving multiple interviews. Partner activity is strong due to the economy: Firms simply need more people with business to generate work and make more profits. Most firms are currently seeking partners with a minimum of $500,000, and they are actively recruiting partners with significant books of business valued in excess of $1,000,000. The most desirable practice areas for partners with business are litigation, IP, bankruptcy, environmental, and real estate.
The market is definitely improving, and this is a strong market for experienced and talented attorneys. Firms are much more conservative in their growth than they were a few years ago and are hiring attorneys only when there is a demonstrated need for additional help in a practice area.
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.
One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.
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.
Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.
In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.
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.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
