Play To Your Audience

Professionally, you’ve played the over-stressed, hard-working law student; the eager, young Summer Associate; the ready to please, entry level attorney; perhaps the mid-level attorney trying to find her place in the firm and the greater legal market. During each of these stages, you have taken on different characteristics, attributes, that pushed you further along in your career. Whether you are aware of it or not, you have represented your version of what the professor, employer, supervising partner has wanted to see and you have shown your value to them. When searching for a job, you must do exactly this, from the formation of your resume and throughout the interview process. You might, however, find that you have to juggle a few identities. Let me explain.

My goals as a Recruiter is to give my candidates as many options as possible. As a job seeker, it’s always important to be familiar with all of the viable paths available to you. This is especially true for a trying legal market. For example, if I am representing a litigation attorney that has done work in employment law, I would encourage my candidate to pursue openings in general commercial litigation as well as employment litigation. This attorney should have two separate resumes that are tailored to each type of position, but more importantly, their interview will differ because their audience is different. In one scenario, this individual will be speaking with attorneys for a general litigation position and should play up her interest in variety of work. The same week, she may be interviewing with a national labor firm, where she must emphasize her commitment and passion for labor/employment work. This is the same, well-qualified attorney, but she has two different “identities.”


Here’s another example. If I’m representing a candidate that is interested in lateraling to a smaller firm, but is hesitant to give up his market salary, I may suggest that this attorney also look at large, national firms with smaller regional offices. In this case, his resume would probably look the same, but the transcripts of his interviews would be drastically different. He needs to play to his audience. With an interview at a smaller firm, he cannot express that what he enjoys at his present firm is the national platform and would like to join a firm with greater logistical support. With the interview at a large firm, he cannot say that he prefers to be in a more contained environment, where he is the “head of the ship” and does not have to work with attorneys from other jurisdictions. I know this may sound obvious, but the firm that you are presently interviewing with at that moment, is your dream law firm.
 

• See Interviewing Tips for more information

Firms have ways of teasing the truth out of you with questions like, “Why do you think you would be happy here?” or “Why are you seeking other positions at this time?” or “Where else have you interviewed/applied?” This is not the time to ruminate and give them the deepest and most honest answers from you soul. If you are meeting with Latham & Watkins, do not tell them that you have an interview with a small, regional law firm. You need to make sure you have staunchly stepped into the appropriate “identity” and answer accordingly. Play to them!

Please note, I am in NO way advising that you be dishonest! Interviewers can sense that immediately. Finesse and tailor your truthful answers to convince the attorneys that you will be happy at their firm.

In addition to knowing the firm you’re interviewing with, be very familiar with the interviewers. Look for commonalities, either professionally or personally. Maybe this interviewer attended college where you went to law school? Perhaps they used to live in a place where you spent a lot of time? Even if these parallels do not come up in the interview, you will be more confident sitting across from someone you know a little bit more about and can identify with in some way. This will inform your identity.

Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
 

• Why Most Attorneys Fail Telephone-Screening Interviews

Remember, the objective is to get as many offers as possible. Then, the real power of your career path rests in your hands. The best way to elevate your career confidently is to know that you have explored all of the possibilities.
 

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information

We all act. Everyday. Let’s recognize this, use it to our advantage, and position ourselves to secure the best law firm position possible.

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.