Should I Conduct a Summer Search or Wait for the Fall?

Answer:


Very timely inquiry! You should absolutely start your search immediately! I know that it has been rumored that summer is a slower season. Yes, recruitment coordinators are handling their Summer Associates and preparing for the incoming class of new attorneys. Yes, some Partners are taking off on vacation. However, summer is the perfect time to start your search.

Here is your great advantage: Everyone has heard the same rumors as you and therefore, you have a better chance at securing a job.

Let's address some of the general objections to summer law firm submissions:

My resume will be overlooked.

As I mentioned, everyone has heard the same summer-downtime rumors as you, and therefore, fewer attorneys are focusing on their job search. Many people would rather take a summer break and gear up for their job search in the fall. Don't follow the crowd! If there are less resumes being submitted for a particular position, your resume will stand out to the recruitment coordinator and you will have a better chance of being selected for an interview.

To make absolutely certain that your resume is not overlooked, you should consider working with a good recruiter, who will certainly follow up with busy recruitment coordinators and make sure you are on the firm's radar.

The competition for law firm positions remain fierce, so anything you can do to have your resume stand out from the pile is a plus, even if it's taking advantage of a theoretical seasonal "lull."

Everyone is on vacation.

While it's true that many people go on vacation during the summer, the recruitment coordinators generally stick around since they play a key role in Summer Associate programs. Therefore, it's more likely to catch them in the office. They actually tend to be more responsive to submissions and follow ups during the summer months.

Yes, Partners go on vacation and so the interview process may take a little longer. Guess what? Partners are out of the office for one reason or another throughout the entire year! The length of the interview process has to do with the immediacy of the law firm need, the current state of the market, and how many candidates the firm plans to interview. Most likely, if there are less qualified applicants, the firm will arrange fewer interviews. If selected for an interview, you have a better shot at landing the job.

There are no openings.

To the contrary. Firms actually have more pressing needs during the summer than other times of year. Unlike the turn of the year, when firms make decisions about their upcoming hiring needs and have a planned approach to selecting lateral candidates, firms searching over the summer typically have more immediate needs. These are needs for which they did not plan.

Many attorneys choose to give their two-week notice during summer months so that they can time their departure with a family vacation. This leaves the firm with an open slot that they need to fill (and fast). The firm's clients aren't going on vacation. Until this slot his filled, the other associates and partners in the group have to work longer hours to maintain the workload and keep their clients content. Believe me, they will be more than happy to see qualified candidates walk through the door for interviews. You are a solution to a problem.

For your case in particular, keep in mind that the process generally lasts a few months. As a recruiter, we typically see more lateral positions for a 4-5 year attorney than a 6-7 year attorney. Unless you bring with you a certain level of business, you are more marketable as a 5th (going on 6th) year attorney. Waiting, even a few months, could close off potential opportunities with law firms that could be a great fit for you. Even if you are just considering a move (especially at this level), I would strongly suggest working with a good recruiter that can keep you updated with the pulse of the market and present you with current openings.

See 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 for more information.

The combination of fewer resumes with more pressing needs makes summer a great time to submit your materials to law firms. Even if you do not land a position during the summer months, you are way ahead of the attorneys that choose to start their search in September.
 

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.