Timing Your Move in 2014

In the recruiting world, it pays to keep track of trends in the market, both in terms of when law firms are most actively hiring, and also when lateral candidates are most likely to be looking to make a move.

In many past years, on both the law firm and candidate side, a traditionally slower holiday season has been followed by a marked uptick in the month of January.


For law firms, this is usually because they have recently completed their year-end/ projected next-year budgets, and discussed the direction of the firm at the annual partner retreats that occur near the end of each calendar year. With a business plan for the year and a new hiring budget in hand, firms often tend to make a push to fill openings and get ahead of their anticipated client needs.

For lateral attorney candidates, it’s no small coincidence that movement is slow during the holidays, and picks up rapidly in January because, surprise, annual reviews have occurred and bonuses have been distributed. If your lateral move is opportunistic, and not premised on an immediate need such as a change in city because a spouse or partner obtained a new job, it is certainly prudent to wait out the end of the year and collect your bonus check that you worked so hard for before moving on to the next opportunity.

This year, however, January has not seen the same increase in either job listings or lateral movement. There is still activity, to be sure, but we are starting to see firms become more conservative in their future projections and hiring at the beginning of each calendar year. Rather than immediately ramping up on hiring to get ahead of the curve, in the wake of the economic downturn, many firms have shifted to only looking to hire when there is an immediate and specific client-driven need, regardless of the time of year.

Similarly, many firms have begun to stagger their reviews and bonuses well beyond January, and so there is less immediate movement on the candidate side, because nobody wants to leave thousands, or perhaps tens of thousands, of dollars on the table in a lateral move.

While on the face of it, this may dissuade potential candidates from looking to move early in 2014, I highly suggest taking the opposite approach. If you get your materials in the door early, you will get the first look, and perhaps even a jump on a growing demand within a firm that has not yet gotten around to posting a formal opening. Even if a firm tells you they do not have a position open matching your skill set, you will get your resume on file and be able to do a quick follow-up in the event a formal opening does come online. Persistence is key in a market as competitive as the one we find ourselves in right now.

Additionally, if you are planning on making a move but want to wait out for your annual bonus, you should still get started on the search and submission process a few months earlier than you anticipate wanting to make your actual move. As I have discussed in other articles, the interview and hiring process continues to become more protracted as most firms increasingly exercise caution in their lateral hiring and expansion plans (there are some exceptions of firms who are making aggressive moves, which we think will position them well competitively as the overall economy comes back online). Thus, even if you are looking to move towards the summer months, it would behoove you to start gathering your materials together and speaking with a good recruiter now so that you can immediately jump on open opportunities well in advance of your actual move. With limited opportunities and fierce competition, you have to adapt your timing to the market, not the other way around.

If you are thinking of making a move any time in 2014, get in touch with a recruiter now. It will put you ahead of the game.

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.