Why Your Firm Should Use Social Media for Social Recruiting: How to Do it Right

Across the business world, recruiting has changed drastically, responding to the styles, preferences, and culture of the Millennial Generation (ages 18-34). No longer are they reading newspapers, they read blogs; no longer are they mailing out résumés, they are posting them on LinkedIn; no longer are they hobnobbing in person, more and more of their social life happens on the internet. Most hiring managers have caught on and matched their search to work in tandem with the emerging interconnected economy. The legal profession, however, has only slowly changed their hiring to incorporate social media in their legal recruiting.

The lag may relate to the surplus of candidates they can sift through. On average, only 55 percent of JDs are employed in law jobs 9-months out from their graduation date. The rest are eagerly waiting for an opportunity, and maybe resentfully delivering pizzas in the meantime. Nevertheless, those firms hoping to land the cream of the crop to their firms would be smart to plug into what Millennials care about.


This means establishing a strong internet presence. To make your company visible to potential hires, you will need to place yourself where they are looking—and give them a reason to spend time on your site. This means mastering the ways of LinkedIn, of course, and also such upstart companies as ViewYou, which many law students have been using to make short videos to introduce themselves to potential employers. Firms are only slowly catching on to the students who are making such videos, but those students, who include the most technologically savvy, would be tapping into a pool of candidates attuned to the changing structure of society as well, not to mention the business world, and including even the legal world and intellectual property.

Aside from mastering the obvious sites such as LinkedIn, you want to create a buzz around your business. You can do this only by catching the interest of students and others, and you do this by adding content to your website. You can do the following:

• Make videos
• Write advice
• Give information

Be a source prospective employees would want to return to again and again, and better than that, to tell their friends. After all, desire is not a personal matter, but a crowd matter: we desire what we think others will be impressed by. If you can update your site with interesting materials, including engaging updates, and giving content they are likely to reference -- such as handling student loans, how to network, this sort of thing -- then you will have created something of value to them. If you can arrange it so you become a prestigious topic on the lips of respected people, you will have the buzz you need to establish interest, and attention.

Meanwhile, get your current staff buzzing about their business. Ask them to use their social media to spread the word about job openings. Such a cloud of witnesses gives you a presence and charges your name with a sense of desire and respect. This, after all, is what you want, and can be achieved, in part, by upping your internet savvy.

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.