A. Harrison Barnes - Best Legal Recruiter - BCGSearch.com

Harrison Barnes, Managing Director in Los Angeles

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Harrison Barnes
Managing Director

Address

23410 Civic Center Way, Suite E-10, Malibu, CA, 90265

213-895-7300

800-298-6440 (toll-free)

213-895-7306 (fax)

Contact Office

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Harrison Barnes Podcast

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About Harrison

Education
Juris Doctor, University of Virginia Law School
Bachelor of Arts, University of Chicago

Details
Harrison Barnes is one of the world’s most successful, respected and sought-after legal recruiters. His most recent contribution to the legal community is Outplacement Attorney Resources (OAR.com), which directly teaches attorneys and law students the best ways to find legal jobs. With thousands of placements under his belt, contacts in every echelon of the legal world, an uncanny ability to draw out the best in his candidates, and a tireless drive to not quit, Mr. Barnes is the guy you go to when you need a legal job. He truly is an example of what an outstanding legal recruiter should be.

BCG’s number one core value is “We Must Get Attorneys Jobs” and the company averages more than one placement a day. Mr. Barnes and his BCG team place more attorneys in law firm jobs than any other recruiting firm in the world.

Mr. Barnes is so devoted to his mission that along with BCG Attorney Search he has created a network of over 500 technologically-advanced and research-based companies and websites geared toward helping lawyers and professionals find jobs. His companies collectively comprise the largest legal career company in the world and include LawCrossing, a job board that has been twice-listed on the Inc. 500 and several others.

A prolific author on everything related to getting a job as an attorney and succeeding in the legal profession, Mr. Barnes writes a daily career-advice blog that circulates to 800,000 readers. He and his companies also publish a host of books, including BCG's Guide to America's Top 50 Law Schools; BCG’s Comprehensive Guide for Law Firm Partners; BCG’s Guide to Practice Areas; Attorney Resume Secrets Revealed; and The Perfect Legal Job Search Book.

Mr. Barnes went to college at the University of Chicago, where he earned his B.A. in Public Policy Studies and was awarded multiple academic honors. He attended law school at the University of Virginia, where he was an editor of the Virginia Law Review and managing editor of the Journal of Law and Politics. At Chicago, Mr. Barnes co-taught a college-level class on race and society.

After law school, Mr. Barnes clerked for United States District Judge Robert H. Cleland in Bay City, Michigan. Then he headed to Los Angeles and worked as a litigation associate at both Quinn Emanuel Urquart Oliver & Sullivan and Dewey Ballantine. He also taught professional responsibility at Whittier Law School, an experience that ultimately inspired him to elevate the ethical standards of the recruiting profession by implementing BCG’s Code of Conduct.

While at Dewey, Mr. Barnes found himself at a career crossroads. He turned to several legal recruiting firms to help him consider career options and find a new job. But he was dismayed to realize that these firms did not seem to care about him or his future, could not identify even a fraction of the leads Mr. Barnes found on his own, and would not return phone calls. They also sent out letters and candidate materials riddled with typos and inaccurate information. Mr. Barnes felt he – and other attorneys who had worked so hard and had so much to offer – deserved better. So he founded Barrister Consulting Group (now called BCG Attorney Search) and found his calling as a legal recruiter.

Mr. Barnes has true passion for helping attorneys get jobs. Even more, he genuinely wants to help his candidates find fulfillment in every aspect of their lives. He spends a great deal of time helping clients figure out what career path makes the most sense for them from both a professional and personal standpoint. Mr. Barnes believes that his job is to advocate for his attorney-clients with the same zeal and tenacity that his clients advocate for their clients. He works tirelessly – leaving no stone unturned or angle unconsidered – until each and every candidate secures the job that best matches his or her unique skills, experiences and mindset.

Through Mr. Barnes’ leadership, BCG has set itself apart from other recruiting firms. For one thing, BCG specializes in law firm placements and does not handle in-house or contract assignments. BCG recruiters devote all their energy to mastering law firms and have unparalleled expertise in, and connections with, law firms of all kinds and sizes throughout the world. There is simply no other recruiting firm anywhere that knows law firms like BCG.

Because Mr. Barnes demands excellence in everything he does, he hires recruiters who have similar expectations of themselves and their work product. Most BCG recruiters are attorneys with degrees from top-tier schools and have either worked as lawyers or recruiters in premiere firms.

The BCG culture is marked by collegiality and a sense of purpose. The common goal is getting attorneys jobs and Mr. Barnes personally mentors each new hire. Recruiters participate in weekly roundtables to exchange information and benefit from frequent coaching and evaluation sessions. They stay active in the legal community by writing articles, meeting with law firms and attending networking events. Each year, the recruiters reconnect, brainstorm, and hone skills at the week-long BCG College.

But not even the most dedicated recruiter can do it alone, and that’s why the company employs hundreds of professional researchers, writers, designers and proofreaders who work behind the scenes to make sure BCG candidates have the competitive edge when it comes to their job searches. BCG has a data scientist on staff whose job is to follow legal market trends. The company has over 100 researchers who comb through every law firm employment possibility in every market across the globe. Staff writers, designers and proofreaders ensure that each cover letter and candidate package lands on the hiring partner’s desk in the most thorough, compelling, and flawless manner possible.

Thanks to Mr. Barnes’ high expectations and commitment to creating the infrastructure necessary for world-class job searches, as a BCG client you will never worry that your recruiter will miss an opportunity, fail to return your phone call promptly, treat you with disrespect, or send out your materials with typos.

Whether it is a partner with $3-million in business trying to move into a firm that requires $5-million, or someone without the “right” law school or other credentials trying to move into a better firm, Mr. Barnes has an innate desire to fight for people who are trying to better themselves and become something more. He understands the social dynamics entailed with “not quite” being good enough—because he has both witnessed this and grew up around it—and he fights tirelessly for people trying to better themselves.

When you become part of BCG Attorney Search, you will quickly see how Mr. Barnes instills in you the need to become something more, not be held back and be the person you were meant to be. BCG Attorney Search is a different type of attorney recruiting firm. It is one of substance and one that wants you to be everything that you are capable of being. It is about awakening the power that is within you so that the good and power inside of you can come out and make you everything you were meant to be.

Eventually, Mr. Barnes started a paving contracting business and hired his workers from the inner city and from drug rehabilitation centers. He enjoyed mentoring these men who sought to “repave their lives” as much as he enjoyed running the company. Still today, a highpoint of Mr. Barnes’ recruiting work is helping people get back on their feet and negotiate the complex and daunting world of law firms. Nothing brings a smile to Mr. Barnes’ face like watching a candidate succeed in law and in life!

In his free time, Mr. Barnes surrounds himself with positive activities, energies and influences. He practices Kundalini yoga and has studied yoga with masters in India.

A dedicated athlete, Mr. Barnes runs eight miles a day and also swims in his pool and the ocean. He enjoys traveling and reading business and history books.

Mr. Barnes lives in Malibu, California.

CASE STUDIES


Articles Contributed

Legal Career Advice


Legal Job Interviews/Offers


Getting a Legal Job


Being the Best Attorney


About Legal Recruiters


About BCG Attorney Search


Employer Resources


Sales and Goal Setting


General Career Advice Articles

Advancement

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Employment Do's and Don'ts

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Finding a Job

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Goal Setting

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How to Succeed

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Job Market

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Keeping a Job

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Life Lessons

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Staying Positive

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Publications

  • 15 Greatest Growth Hacks of All Time
    In order for all businesses, whether they are "start-ups" or established companies, to maximize revenue and remain competitive, it is essential to employ multiple forms of "growth hacking." Growth hacking represents an innovative departure from conventional marketing strategies and stresses an interactive relationship between the merchant and the consumer. Many of the most notable and successful companies operating today started with one computer in an office garage and, through the use of effective growth hacks, have catapulted into multi-billion dollar companies.
     
  • Attorney Job Search Secrets Revealed
    Attorney Job Search Secrets Revealed is a compilation of articles by A. Harrison Barnes, the founder of BCG Attorney Search. Known as the leading U.S. legal recruiting firm, BCG Attorney Search addresses the importance of a well-planned career path and provides instruction and direction on efficient career planning methods that will result in a rewarding legal career.

    Exploring the inner workings of the legal profession, addressing topics of importance to law school students, novice and seasoned attorneys, the compilation of articles in this e-book do more than merely assist attorneys in finding jobs. These articles help guide attorneys in the process of developing satisfying and fulfilling careers. Attorneys at all levels, and in all legal fields, will benefit from the information on legal recruiting services, resume development, networking, handling job changes and lateral moves.
     
  • Attorney Resume Secrets Revealed
    Attorney Resume Secrets Revealed is a publication of the well-known resume writing company, Attorney Resume. This e-book delves into the intricacies involved in writing effective resumes for attorneys and legal professionals. Due to the critical role that resumes and cover letters play in the job-hunting process, this e-book is essential reading material. Helping guide job seekers through each step of the resume writing process, this e-book provides valuable insight from beginning to end.

    This e-book does more than provide basic resume and cover letter layout and formatting. The information educates job seekers on the methods of marketing themselves employers, presenting them with the opportunity and ability to create a dynamic resume and land their ultimate dream job.
     
  • BCG Attorney Search Reference Guide to Legal Practice Areas
    The BCG Attorney Search Reference Guide to Legal Practice Areas is an e-book produced by BCG Attorney Search, one of the most selective legal recruiting firms in the nation. This e-book identifies and describes the intricacies of the current top 10 legal practice areas and is an extremely valuable tool for legal recruiters, legal recruiting coordinators, attorneys and law students.

    This e-book provides indispensable information about the details of working in a top 10 legal practice area, offering an inside peek into bankruptcy, banking and finance, corporate practice, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, intellectual property litigation, labor and employment, reinsurance and tax law.
     
  • Finding a Dream Job in a Nightmare Economy (Up The Ladder in a Down Economy)
    Finding a Dream Job in a Nightmare Economy is the first e-book in a series of career education e-books titled Up the Ladder in a Down Economy. This motivational and practical guide for jobseekers trudging through this less than ideal job market, helps jobseekers identify what steps they need to take to find a job during tough economic times. This e-book takes readers through a reflective process to help determine what their dream job is and how they can realize that dream. It very aptly highlights the importance of having a positive state of mind, which leads to finding both career happiness and success.
     
  • Keeping Your Job When Everybody Else is Losing Theirs (Up The Ladder in a Down Economy)
    The current economic climate provides little job security for the average person; however, there are certain steps that people can take to make the best of a bad situation. Keeping Your Job When Everybody Else is Losing Theirs is an e-book geared towards explaining how to keep hold of a job amidst massive layoffs and cuts. It highlights how to effectively distance oneself from coworkers and how to guarantee job security by constantly showing your employer your value as an employee.
     
  • Law Crossing's Career Advice Revealed Part I
    LawCrossing’s Career Advice Revealed Part I is an e-book by LawCrossing, America’s leading legal job board. Providing expert tips and guidance to young and seasoned attorneys throughout all aspects of their careers, this guide not only provides information on how to keep a legal career on track but offers direction on how to choose the preeminent career path.

    Whether someone is looking for his/her first legal job after law school, reevaluating his/her career path, or taking his/her career to the next level, this e-book has the information jobseekers need to master current industry trends and land the ultimate dream job.
     
  • LawCrossing's Career Advice Revealed Part II
    LawCrossing’s Career Advice Revealed Part II is the sequel to the largely successful LawCrossing’s Career Advice Revealed Part I. After the success of the first e-book, LawCrossing collectively decided to continue providing tips and advice to attorneys all over the world. This career advice is simply, yet logical written and compiled in an approachable format.

    Laden with articles highlighting the best action plans throughout all stages of legal careers, this advice guide remains relevant throughout the cyclical ebbs and flows of the legal industry. This e-book has jobseekers covered from the commencement of their legal career, to the later, more mature years of their career where viability within the fast-paced technology-driven legal marketplace may become a concern.
     
  • LawCrossing's Guide to Alternative Careers
    LawCrossing’s Guide to Alternative Careers is a necessary read for any recent law school graduate and any attorney contemplating a career change. Attending law school and receiving a J.D. is a major feat that often times goes hand-in-hand with student loans. Therefore, for many recent graduates and attorneys interested in a career change, the ability to earn a substantial salary is important. With that in mind, this guide catalogs a wide range of career paths, including those open to jobseekers with legal training and education, providing a detailed description of career options, ranging from nonprofit services to private ventures.
     
  • Resume Truths: 12 Important Articles to Perfect Your Resume
    Despite a jobseeker’s qualifications, there is no denying the fact that the current job marketplace is a less than hospitable environment. The professionals at MarketingCrossing have compiled a series of articles into an e-book, 12 Important Articles to Perfect Your Resume – Resume Truths, that will help jobseekers navigate the waters of this difficult job market.

    First impressions are crucial to a jobseeker’s success, and generally, the first impression an employer has of a jobseeker is from his/her resume. A powerful performance-based resume and cover letter will get a foot in the door and land an all-important interview. To obtain an interview, however, a jobseeker needs to produce the best resume and cover letter in order to set him/her apart from the crowd. A vital marketing tool, a resume and cover letter can effectively yield positive marketing results.
     
  • The Perfect Legal Job Search Book
    The Perfect Legal Job Search is an e-book geared towards streamlining and enlivening the legal job search process. With over a decade of experience helping legal professionals find their dream jobs, Legal Authority has compiled countless useful job search tips in this easy-to-read guide. Highlighting common mistakes and pitfalls encountered by attorneys when conducting legal job searches, this guide focuses on helping jobseekers stand out and be noticed by the right people
     
  • The Advertising Career Guide
    The Advertising Career Guide is a compilation of 20 articles written by the zenith tier of advertising experts. The articles are relevant, effective tools for developing a top-notch legal advertising crusade.

    To effectively highlight the best way to develop and implement an advertising campaign, The Advertising Career Guide discusses topics ranging from mistakes made in advertising, netting a return on advertising investments, strategies to help design an effective online campaign, how to launch new products, promotional items and creating clever campaigns with zing.
     
  • The Architecture Career Guide
    The Architecture Career Guide, by ArchitectureCrossing, provides readers with an assortment of articles written by professional architects. Exploring beyond traditional study topics, this guide focuses on areas of importance to both practicing architects and those seeking to break into the industry. Examining the fields influenced by architects, it explores the subjects of landscaping, historical building preservation, beautification and environmental undertakings.

    The field of architecture projects a 16-percent increase from 2008 to 2018, making it an ideal career path for talented young professionals. The Architecture Career Guide provides information on professional degrees, courses, training standards and required examinations for practicing architects.
     
  • The BCG Attorney Search Guide to America's Top 50 Law Schools
    The BCG Attorney Search Guide to America’s Top 50 Law Schools is an annual publication produced by BCG Attorney Search, widely regarded as the most discerning attorney recruitment firm in the nation. Largely based on the rankings provided by U.S. News & World Report, the guide gives insight into the individual components used to determine these elite rankings.

    Offering thorough and accurate information on each school, compiled from a number of different sources, including law students, faculty, admissions offices, the NALP directory and the ABA-LSAC Official Guide to Approved Law Schools, this is the only reference guide that offers the most current information.
     
  • The Psychology of Success (Up The Ladder in A Down Economy)
    The Psychology of Success, the third book in the Up the Ladder in a Down Economy series, is by Harrison Barnes, the founder and CEO of the Employment Research Institute. Functioning as a career guide and providing valuable information on achieving and maintaining career success in an ailing economy, this book is geared toward the legal field, but provides relevant and invaluable advice for all career paths.

    Exploring the common behavior that people unknowingly exercise to sabotage their own success, this e-book addresses methods for recognizing and overcoming these poisonous behaviors and patterns. Focusing on the dangers of allowing negativity to dictate career choices, this guide teaches the benefits of positive thought. In order for one’s career to progress, it is crucial to have inner faith and confidence. Many people are casualties of self-doubt and fall into a pattern of caring what other people think, rather than trusting themselves. This e-book provides guidance on maintaining a positive outlook and seeks to help people develop a personal satisfaction that extends into their professional lives.
     
  • Truth or Consequences (Up The Ladder in A Down Economy)
    Truth or Consequences, the fourth book in the Up the Ladder in a Down Economy series by Harrison Barnes, the founder and CEO of Employment Research Institute, is a career advancement guide that discusses a broad range of issues in today’s anemic economy. This guide offers valuable advice for individuals in all career stages, from job candidates to seasoned professionals.

    Communication is crucial in any career, but many fail to communicate effectively in their work environments. This instructional guide provides how-to advice for communicating with an employer, examining how the successful development of communication skills leads to a rewarding relationship of trust between employer and employee. Going beyond verbal communication, this guide also explores the actions and behaviors that can either ascertain or annihilate employee credibility.


Testimonials

  • Thank you, Harrison. Insightful as always. Your articles have been a window for me into firm life.

    Tom Shafirstein
     
  • Thank you Harrison! Your articles providing advice on so many topics have been a huge help. I wish you the best.

    Robert Brookman
     
  • I always enjoy your writing.

    Donald H. Sienkiewicz
     
  • I always like your articles because they resonate with how I view the legal market/careers.

    Andrew Victor
    Perkins Coie LLP
     
  • I am Bruce, an appellate lawyer practicing in Texas. I have read and copied a number of your articles. I enjoy reading them as they are full of wonderful advice. I have been searching for a job. But, now I am convinced to do more business development. Your articles give me hope and encouragement. I may stop searching for an associate job; but, I will not stop looking for more business opportunities. Thank you.
     
  • Hello! I enjoy reading your articles so much that I've been known to quote them aloud to rooms full of disillusioned colleagues during down-time on doc review projects. I love your candor and no-b.s. way of letting people know the real deal about law firms and the legal profession. I was once a "big law" associate, have been aimlessly working in temp positions for about 10 years now, and am finally tired of the roller coaster.

    Heather
     
  • I'm an aspiring M&A attorney at a private law school in Minneapolis. I've read numerous articles of yours and it would be an understatement to call myself a fan. Your various perspectives on the law are invaluable.

    Allen Chen
     
  • Hi Harrison,

    I want send a quick note to thank you for your many articles and invaluable insights on job searching for lawyers. I am a Canadian lawyer (in my first 4 years of practice) and at a bit of a crossroads personally and professionally. It has helped me to know that I am not the only person in this profession with doubts and worries about my current situation (at my firm) and whether I want to continue as a lawyer, or if perhaps a switch to another firm or practice area would better suit me. Many of your articles spoke directly to me on these issues.

    Thanks again,
    Stefan R.
     
  • Thank you for your articles. I am in awe. My only wish is that I read them a few years ago when I was a "comfortable" and (more) desirable mid-level associate.

    Inna D.
     
  • Dear Harrison:

    I recently stumbled across your "Why You Should (and Should Not) Quit the Practice of Law." It seemed like the article was written for me specifically, as I just had the managing partner of my midsized firm bring me into his office and tell me that he and the executive board decided I was not a fit after working for them for a year and a half following law school.

    I have certainly considered more than once leaving law to pursue other interests, but I really enjoy the practice of law. Your advice about finding a suitable environment is in line with what I have been trying, looking at public service options as well as law firms that seem to be more tailored to my style.

    Just wanted to thank you for the thoughtful analysis and insights into staying or leaving law. It has helped validate and give direction in a time of important considerations for that next step.

    Cheers,
    Kirk
     
  • Harrison, thanks for the continued strong content regarding the legal profession! Definitely found your article about whether or not to start a law practice to be a great guide, hits all the important considerations plus some others that may go overlooked. Not sure I'll ever take the leap (although I'm continually intrigued by the possibility), but if I do get serious about that down the line will certainly re-reference your article.

    Nick Eusanio
     
  • I have found many of your articles helpful.

    Pamela DeNeuve
     
  • Your article on an apprentice and builder has had and continues to have a profound effect on me.

    Landry Subira
     
  • Your articles have been influential in my journey as a returning lawyer.

    Sarah Pavlik
     
  • Hi Harrison. I get your emails and regularly read your articles. You have some very good insights into the legal profession that aren't often voiced. I appreciate the effort they take.

    -Public Company General Counsel
     
  • As I start my transition from BigLaw to solo practitioner, I stumbled on one of your articles and after just reading the first couple of lines I could not stop [until the] end. Great, eye-opening read. Thanks.

    Gustavo Laborde
    Shearman & Sterling LLP
     
  • I'm a huge, huge fan of your work on legal career advice. Your points about loving your work and finding your tribe resonates. Your honesty and frankness shines through.

    D.W.
     
  • I always enjoy reading your articles.

    Catherine van Kampen, Esq.
    Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP
     
  • I really enjoyed your article titled "The Top Reasons Why Money Is the Dumbest Thing Any Attorney Should Focus on When Joining a Law Firm." It was relatable, inspiring and definitely worth breaking through the short attention span that plagues us today (especially when it comes to articles online). Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    Dani
     
  • Enjoy your written product very much -- fascinating articles.
    Reed Rubinstein
     
  • I stumbled across a couple of your blog posts about business development. I found them to be extremely helpful, insightful, and a bit terrifying (in the way they should be). As someone working to build a practice, I truly appreciate you taking the time to write on the subject.

    Thanks and best regards,
    Ryan Clinton
     
  • Thanks, Harrison. I truly enjoy reading your work. You are a thought leader and I love your confidence and swagger.

    Paul G.
     
  • Harrison Barnes you're a genius. Who writes your articles? They're so right on! I've been reading your work of art for so long I can't remember when I started. Practicing for over 25 years your words are gospel to lawyers. Thank you and keep it up.

    Michele M. Volpe
    Bershtein, Volpe & McKeon P.C
     
  • I always enjoy your legal articles, Harrison. One of your previous articles really resonated and inspired me. Even though we've never worked together, I always try and read your articles.

    Buck Dougherty
     
  • I actually loved the most when you wrote that a lawyer must stand out for you to notice - as most are boring.
    That's true for the engineers! and for most professionals! Everyone is so serious.

    Going to read your other articles.

    Cheers,
    Sonia Fortuna
     
  • Good article about how to grow a career from an insurance defense job to a better position. It's the story of my career, so far.

    Joe
     
  • Mr. Barnes,

    I just have to say that I am impressed with how prolific you are with the articles that you write for your website. You write so many articles! And each one has so much substance to it and is really in depth and provides great advice. And I am not saying this to get a testimonial on the website. I just had to write because I was so impressed.

    I find the legal market extremely vexing and you put that into words extremely well.

    Thanks.
    Jeff Cohen
     
  • Your article on boutique firms is one hell of an article. Well thought out and spot on - I know from experience. Great article.

    Alexander M.
     
  • I just read your article about whether or not an attorney should leave the practice of law and I very much enjoyed it. It was well written and I could relate to what you were saying.

    Z.
     
  • Thank you for your insights. Your articles make me think hard about my past and future paths.

    Dario Arezzo
     
  • Thank you Harrison. Keep the great articles coming.

    Dwight Mersereau
    Partner at Crowell & Moring LLP
     
  • Harrison,

    I must say your article ("Why Upper and Lower Class Attorneys Rarely Succeed in Law Firms") was shockingly accurate and on-point from start to end. I wish there were more people in our profession that had the nerve to be so candid and direct about this topic!

    Kiran Chaitram, Esq.
     
  • Hi Harrison,

    I accepted an offer from a great San Diego defense firm that is expanding, and opening an office in Los Angeles.

    Just wanted to say thank you so much. Your web articles helped me tremendously in understanding the process, and in understanding myself better. What an insightful resource.

    Rich Gagliano
     
  • Thank you, Harrison. You are the most professional recruiter I have worked with. Overall, my experience with recruiters has been disappointing. I've had recruiters fail to communicate an employer's decision with me and even use my profile and references to find other candidates (i.e., my subordinates) to compete with me for the same job. I look forward to working with you in 2017. Have a happy and successful 2017.

    Joseph Garibyan
     
  • What an amazing message. Thank you for taking the time to send it. The people at BCG are wonderful and extremely skilled at what they do. Happy New Year to you and your family!

    Patricia Moore
     
  • Thank you and Happy New Year. You don't know what joy and perspective your columns have brought me and my circle of lawyer friends. Keep up the awesome work.

    Joshua Verdi
     
  • Thank you, Harrison. I enjoy reading your little nuggets of wisdom.

    Donald
     
  • Thank you, Harrison! I enjoy reading your articles that provide unique your insight, which I have applied to my career and interactions with others.

    Devin Blackburn
     
  • Thank you Harrison. I appreciate what you and BCG helped me with the past year, and I wish you, your family, and your business all the best in the new year.

    Matthew Bottomly
     
  • I enjoy reading your blog posts on a regular basis. Thanks for taking the time to write.

    Brent O.
     
  • Just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your legal career development and recruiting articles. I find them very informative and thought provoking, and think the anecdotes from your prior practice and continued involvement in the industry are very illustrative. I also really enjoy the writing style - up front, honest, no sugar coating. I've had some experiences within, and outside the profession, both positive and negative, and could identify quite a bit with many of your articles.

    Keep up the good work and I hope we can connect further sometime!

    Nick E.
     
  • I must confess that out of the job search companies I know, yours is in a class of its own, and I commend your efforts in this regard. I read your tips on common mistakes made on CVs, and I cannot agree more. Those tips were very useful.

    Femi Gbede
     
  • Dear Harrison,

    I hope all is well. I want to congratulate you on another terrific article about the importance of having your own business.

    So well written and so true!

    I am now meeting with at least one potential new client (ship owners, aircraft leasing companies and investment banks) at least once a week. I am also introducing them to one another in the hope that they will do a deal and use me as their lawyer.

    Thanks again for all your support!

    Best,
    Christopher J. Papajohn, Esq.
     
  • I wanted to write and say thank you for days.

    I've been reading your blog every day and I have dozen of tabs open at the same time - all your articles. You are talking to me in each and every article. Once again, thank you so much.

    You are my light in my shaken, dark, young lawyers life, where I am confused about what do to and how to feel about my doubts and professional problems. Your articles address each and every situation I had at work, how I feel about it, thinking on if the law is right fit for me or not and a number of other things. I am just sorry I didn't know about your blog earlier. It would have made my life much more easier, with you verbalizing and appropriately calling all of the normal emotions attached to the law and job searching.

    One more thing, I used your advice on interviewing, in terms of which questions to ask and why. Recruiters loved it and I got short listed.

    Thank you!
    All the best.
    Emina
     
  • I have enjoyed your recent posts about law practice and the law firm job market. Spot on in my book.

    Dimitri M.
     
  • I love all of Harrison's articles because they are very to the point. They are very helpful and I save all of them in a file to refer back to. I would really like to thank Harrison.

    Anonymous
    10/12/2016
     
  • Hi Harrison!

    Congratulations on another great article! I saw it on linked in this morning- "How Not to Fail, Die or Go Crazy Practicing Law". It is nice to know that I am not the only lawyer dealing with these issues.

    Thanks again for all your support!

    Best,
    Chris
     
  • Hi Harrison,

    We've never met, but for years I've enjoyed reading your articles on the legal job market and law firm careers. I find your insights to be 100% accurate and I enjoy your straightforward and accessible writing style. I'm no longer part of the law firm game, but I find myself passing on your articles to younger attorneys and law students constantly. I wish I had read more of your stuff when I graduated law school back in 2008.

    Thanks and keep up the excellent work!

    Best,
    Peter Scoolidge
    Scoolidge Kleiman LLP
     
  • I enjoyed your recent article on the only three reasons to work at a law firm.

    Fermeen F.
     
  • Harrison,

    Thank you for all the articles. I placed my resume on your website, but at this time I have decided to start my own law firm. The articles you have written have and will continue to be useful in my new journey.

    Ashby Underhill
     
  • Mr. Barnes,

    I want to thank you for your terrific articles and the resources your website(s) provide. They were a huge help in my job search. I'll be starting a new position at a large law firm in metro-Detroit in two weeks! Thanks for everything!

    Best,
    Jonathan
     
  • Harrison is very thorough, on top of it, proactive and hard working. It took a lot of pressure off me for you to do the work. The word that comes to mind when I think of BCG is connected. I haven't worked with many recruiters, but BCG is the best one so far. I would definitely recommend you guys. Working with you was a very good experience and was very helpful. I would tell someone else that working with you could only be a good thing.

    Stacey Bradford
     
  • Harrison,

    Thank you! I am grateful for all that you and your team have done for me. While I did not receive a direct placement from BCG, I read every article on your site and adhered to the advice. I believe your insights and encouragement contributed to my success. I will absolutely recommend my peers contact you for potential opportunities.

    Michael Thicksten
     
  • My most favorite thing is that I got a job through BCG. I liked that I had a good introductory call with Harrison. We had a good discussion about my background and interests which I thought was helpful. I had mock interviews that were informal with Harrison and some other people too. I thought that was good as well.

    B.
     
  • Very responsive, obviously successful, and Harrison really listened to what was looking for as well.

    Tayanah Thomas
     
  • Harrison,

    Thank you very much for your assistance. I have learned 10 years' worth of information in a matter of days reading your publications.

    Michael
     
  • I am not an attorney nor do I work in a law firm. I am an instructor who recently began my own tutoring center. I currently have four students and I know it will grow.

    I want to thank you for your articles. These articles do not help only attorneys in law firms. The reader can easily substitute "lawyer" for employee, "law firm" for place of employment and greatly benefit from the intended teaching. That is what I do and it is beneficial.

    I most especially liked this most recent article that addressed "One Simple Rule." I wish I had read this article earlier in my life. I recently lost responsibilities at my former workplace due to associating with a Negative Nellie out of what I perceived to be kindness. It hurt my chances of advancement greatly and made it easier for the employer to lessen my hours to the point I needed to leave. Your writing clearly demonstrated (from the employer's perspective) why this must happen. However, that same article encourages a positive focus and I take that with me too.

    Thank you again for your articles and teachings.
    Christina
     
  • I hadn't heard about any of this stuff with Albert (Robert Kinney), but for whatever it's worth it wouldn't have mattered to me. I have worked for a large law firm since 2003 and been on BCG's mailing list for years.

    I have quietly read and shared many of your articles within my firm, including "Why Going In-House Is Often the Worst Decision a Good Attorney Can Make", which is permanently saved in my email. To me your character always comes through your writing. You are honest, encouraging and uplifting. I look forward to reading your insights and they make me feel better about decisions I've made and my career in general. You have sometimes challenged me to work harder or to rekindle my love of the law.

    Sometimes you have encouraged me or even said exactly what I needed to hear at the time that I needed to hear it.
     
    You are being attacked because you are making a positive difference in this world. Take encouragement from those of us you are helping and keep doing what you do.

    Leanna Anderson
     
  • My name is Vladislav Arkhipov, and I am an of counsel of IT / IP practice of Dentons in St. Petersburg, Russia.

    I have just found and read with a great pleasure a number of your articles, including "Top 9 Ways for Any Attorney to Generate a Ton of Business" and "Why Attorneys with 5+ Years of Law Firm Experience Are in Serious Trouble...".

    I would like just to say thank you very much for the quality material which came right in time for me, as I have very little business currently. Your articles are very relevant and inspiring.

    Thank you!
    Vladislav Arkhipov
     
  • I found your articles about life, work and the legal profession extremely interesting and insightful.

    Chris Payne
     
  • I read many of your blog posts. You have unique knowledge of the legal industry.

    Justin Cain
     
  • Thank you for your articles. I enjoy reading them!

    Natalia Lantonio
     
  • I'm a fully recovered attorney - ok, I never really practiced much - and will never be looking for an attorney job but I am really enjoying your brutally honest articles for attorneys seeking jobs. Well said!

    Best,
    Melissa
     
  • I've been reading your articles on LawCrossing and I love all of them!

    Henry Duong
     
  • Harrison,

    I've been practicing law for 40 years, including mostly patent prosecution, but also employment discrimination litigation and environmental. I'm winding down, and NOT looking for work, but I find your articles both interesting and well written. Your insights are right on.

    Thanks.
    Jay Drouillard.
     
  • Thank you for your profound research and insights. Always finding time to read your articles.

    Karl Weitz
     
  • I wanted to congratulate you on your outstanding knowledge of legal recruiting and ease in writing about it. Your articles are one of the best I have ever read, combining experience and knowledge from many disciplines. Reading your articles is like sitting in a mind of a recruiting attorney. Thank you a lot for publishing them on your company's website for free for people like me. They really motivate and make me feel I will succeed. Thank you a lot and I wish you all the best.

    Kind regards,
    Agnieszka
     
  • Mr. Barnes, I just wanted to let you know that I enjoy reading the articles you post on LinkedIn. They're not only well written but are also interesting. So, thank you for writing!

    Gurneet Singh
     
  • Great post! (You Will Succeed in Your Job and Job Search When You Are Concerned with Giving and Not Taking)

    Carol Fine
     
  • Thank you. Very insightful.

    (Ensure Your Lateral Move Is a Success)

    Jacqueline Hodes
     
  • Thank you Harrison, your articles were very helpful and inspiring to make a decision to join a new firm!

    Karol Lewandowski
     
  • Dear Mr. Barnes,

    In all sincerity, realizing you must be engulfed by innumerous submissions from the like of me who seek your unparalleled expertise, writing to you took quite a bit of courage; and certainly, a "decisive moment." Yet, I reached out to you, particularly, because I recognize that my case calls for guidance and advice, not just from any good -or even great- recruiter, but exclusively from someone of your mastery, art, and facility.

    Before taking the liberty of taking your time to divulge any details, please find a summary of my history here: http://www.cohengresser.com/attorneys/mina-s-reiman. My resume is also attached for you review.

    My personal email address and phone number are listed on my resume. I would be grateful for an opportunity to speak with you. Please let me know if you would like more information.

    Thank you in advance for you time and consideration.

    Sincerely,
    Mina Reiman
     
  • The BCG Attorney Search site and especially the articles written by Harrison Barnes are consistently thought-provoking and informative. Mr. Barnes addresses various topics of interest, not merely superficially, but always in depth, offering a lot of insight. I habitually return to browse his articles, finding, as expected, another well-written article to read in my downtime. - Tina Hopper
     
  • Thank you Harrison, your articles were very helpful and inspiring to make a decision to join a new firm! - Karol Lewandowski
     
  • Why Most Attorneys Are Unhappy. Awesome article - David Plante
     
  • It made it easy in that I really didn't have to look at postings on my own and I also didn't have to do the cover letter, which was super helpful. The firm that I got placed at, the HR rep, he used to work for BCG so there's already some sort of familiarity and something that was helpful going in and starting the process. - Melissa Shimizu
     
  • The responsiveness, whether it was by email or by phone call. And then keeping on track of the schedule of the interviews I had. I would always get text messages beforehand. The responsiveness was very good. - Keerthika Subramanian
     
  • My favorite thing overall was that it streamlined the process for me…no way I would be able to devote the time required to gather materials and put together cover letters and mass mail… It allowed me to work at my prior job and allowed the process to move forward even though I couldn't devote all my day to it.- David Rodriguez
     
  • The #1 Attorney Career Killer That Attorneys Are Never Taught, I found that this article extremely helpful. I really wish that I had this information 20 years ago when I was asking these questions. You give a great voice to what it means to practice law. Not harsh, at least not unfairly harsh, but you nail it. - Marc Sommers
     
  • I liked how many resumes BCG sent out for me. I felt my resume was always going out and there was consideration put into what kinds of firms and locations I wanted to concentrate on. There was constant communication and updating on whether you were or weren't hearing back on my resume and the possibility of interviews getting scheduled… so that was really nice- the level of communication. - Jessie Kempf
     
  • Production Assistants - and Assessing Your Employer's Needs, I thought this was a really good article. It has some good points about looking at a job from both the person who is seeking the job as well as the employer. - Denise Hedrick
     
  • Dear Mr. Barnes: Your website and articles have been like a favorite movie over the years. I don't watch them every day, but when I do, they always seem to reveal something new and worthwhile. So thank you. - Joseph Simpson
     
  • Harrison, The Power of Gratitude in Your Job Search was a great article! - Nancy M. Valent, NMV STRATEGIES
     
  • I enjoyed your recent article on not undervaluing yourself. I can attest from experience - U Chicago degree, federal clerkship, former Baker Botts lawyer--that when I moved to Florida, worked in recruiting (family business), and then accepted a job at a less prestigious firm, it took many years to claw myself back to a respectable level. I'm back in the saddle, but it was a lot of hard work. I would have been better off in retrospect taking bar immediately and getting back into law game right away. - Chris Roach
     
  • Harrison,

    I have been very impressed with your recruiting firm, and with Christina's work. As she may have told you, I was previously working with a recruiter from another firm, and was not happy with the progress there. In the few short days I've been working with your firm and with Christina, she has already done much more than the other recruiter had done in several weeks' time.

    And, yes, having a phone interview set up so quickly is magnificent news!

    Thank you so much for the attachments you have sent. I plan to study them this weekend in great detail. I will take any advantage I can, as I know it is a competitive market, and my lack of direct experience with law firms is my biggest weakness. Your books and attachments will give me the insight into a law firm environment that I need to be my best for the interview.

    I am very pleased and excited to be working with your firm. I feel listened to and taken care of. I am excited to be interviewing and look forward to my future in Seattle.

    Again, thank you for the message, the attachments, and all of the help you both have been giving me.

    - Jonathan L. Tolstedt
     
  • Harrison,

    ''I really appreciate your daily columns. After being stressed out about being unemployed since February, I just accepted a wonderful offer that I am really excited about by following your advice. Thank you so much, and I want you to know that your efforts have a concrete effect on people's lives.''

    - S. A.
     
  • Dear Harrison,

    Thank you for your email below, which is extremely helpful.

    I didn't expect that you can be so kind as to show me the right path for the start of my career. This attests to the high ethinical standard and professionalism of you and your firm. I will try to spread the good words about your firm among my peers in my future career and hopefully we can cooperate somewhere down the road.

    Thank you again.

    Best,

    -K
     
  • Good information for these in uncertain times you might need when the unthinkable happens and you are now unemployed. Respect the process, it matters. In law school the professors called "the process" "…learning to think like a lawyer…"

    -Kevin
     
  • Your essays show a rare level of maturity, insight and professionalism that is missing too often from the business of law. Thanks for sharing them.

    -Shelley Ewalt
     
  • Exceedingly good life information for everyone.

    -Thomas J. Kesoilts
     
  • You've got great stories. Thank you for sharing them, they're really helpful, not just for my law search, but for life and dealing with people.

    -Jacqueline

Read More Testimonials

Reviews for Harrison Barnes

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Harrison is very thorough, on top of it, proactive and hard working. It took a lot of pressure off me for you to do the work. The word that comes to mind when I think of BCG is connected. I haven't wo...Read More

Stacey Bradford

Washington College of Law, American University, Class Of 1994

Placed at Groom Law Firm
California - Los Angeles

Harrison, thank you! I am grateful for all that you and your team have done for me. While I did not receive a direct placement from BCG, I read every article on your site and adhered to the advice. I ...Read More

Michael Thicksten

University of Miami School of Law, Class Of 2014

Placed at Hawkins & Parnell, LLP .
California - Los Angeles

She never gave up on me. There was definitely a lot of effort put in for me. I liked how every so often I would get new firms chose particular for me and they really tried to address my interests and ...Read More

Rose Nankervis

St. John's University School of Law, Class Of 2016

Placed at Nixon Peabody LLP
California - Los Angeles

My favorite aspect of working with the entire BCG team was the array of helpful resources that they shared with me. Whether it be a podcast episode about how best to approach the legal job market, or ...Read More

Jonathan Berry-Smith
Stanford University Law School, Class of 2018
California - Los Angeles

I ultimately got a job at the end so that was a good outcome. I like the way the process was where I could vet the firms that were possible options. I had a good conversation at the beginning of the p...Read More

Allison Muck

University of Pennsylvania Law School, Class Of 2018

Placed at Hirschler Fleischer, a Professional Corporation.
California - Los Angeles

Case Studies

Articles by Harrison

What is Bar Reciprocity and Which States Allow You to Waive Into the Bar?

Have you passed the bar in one state and want to work in another? Find out what your options are in this article.....

Read Article
What Do Law Firm Titles Mean: Of Counsel, Non-Equity Partner, Equity Partner Explained

One of the questions that many law students—and even attorneys have—is the pecking order of people working inside of....

Read Article
Top 6 Things Attorneys and Law Students Need to Remove from Their Resumes ASAP If They Want to Get Jobs with the Most Prestigious Law Firms

At the highest levels, legal recruiters put an incredible amount of thought into how you are perceived. You can drastica....

Read Article
Why Going In-house Is Often the Worst Decision a Good Attorney Can Ever Make

Learn why the belief that going in-house is a good career move is completely wrong and what going in-house actually doe....

Read Article
Top 9 Ways For Any Attorney To Generate a Huge Book of Business

Good lawyers generate business as well as practice law.These lawyers understand generating business can be the differenc....

Read Article

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What Our Readers Are Saying

  • I always enjoy reading your articles. Catherine van Kampen, Esq. Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP
  • Your article on an apprentice and builder has had and continues to have a profound effect on me. Landry Subira
  • Thank you for your insights. Your articles make me think hard about my past and future paths. Dario Arezzo
  • Enjoy your written product very much -- fascinating articles. Reed Rubinstein
  • Thank you Harrison. Keep the great articles coming. Dwight Mersereau Partner at Crowell & Moring LLP
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