
If you go into any firm that has been around more than twenty or thirty years, you will inevitably find a handful of attorneys who have been there from the very beginning of their careers. These well-adjusted souls will typically report to work each day at a similar time and have managed to be the only ones presumably left in the law firm after generation upon generation of attorneys coming and going.
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Harrison Barnes |
Many attorneys do last for decades in the same firm and there are characteristics which uniformly seem to characterize these sorts of attorneys. While I am a legal recruiter, I do have a great deal of respect for attorneys who in this day and age are able to "stay put" at the same firm for a long period of time and remain at a single firm throughout their careers. None of this is to say there are not really good and solid reasons for leaving a law firm or other legal environment if the going gets impossible. I am the first to admit that there are legal employment environments that can be intolerable for many. Nevertheless, you need to keep in mind that if a legal employer has been around for 30+ years, there is a chance the employer is doing something right. Before leaving, it is often wise to take inventory of yourself.

There are certain characteristics that tend to characterize attorneys who stick with the same legal employer for long lengths of time and also certain characteristics of this employment situation. These characteristics are discussed below:
1. Attorneys Who Remain With the Same Firm for Long Lengths of Time Are Generally Very Committed to Their Jobs
Many people were raised with the idea (or have the idea) that fidelity to an employer is something that is simply expected. The unwritten rule is that if you are not treated horribly, then there is really no reason you should ever end up leaving a job.
One of the saddest, but also the most refreshing things I have seen as a legal recruiter, is when I interview and meet with attorneys who have been with the same firm for 20 years or more and whose firms are going under or are in a position of being forced to look for other opportunities. When attorneys like this look for a new position, their rationale is most often that something profound has happened at the firm that is making their separation necessary. These attorneys appear as if they are going through a divorce or have just had a death of someone they are very close to. For these attorneys, leaving a position is something that would be unthinkable and only something they would consider in the event of a massive trauma.
This fidelity between employers and employees reminds me often of people who have been married 50 years or more. There is a mutual respect that comes out of this and a way of thinking that both need one another. I believe that this sort of thinking is really rare in this day and age. While this may not seem related to careers, a statistic I once saw in a social science class showed that as divorce rates went up in society so did rates of drug abuse, suicide and other associated societal ills. The bond between an employer and an employee is a powerful force that, in its best form, is much like the bond between a husband and wife with a very committed relationship. Both sides respect and accept one another for the most part unconditionally.
The attorney who is committed to their job is in many respects similar to someone who is committed to anything. There may be something else out there, but they have decided to remain loyal. This attitude is a very healthy one, I believe, and can also make these attorneys very settled. I know an attorney that was offered over $1,000,000 a year by a rival firm when he was making just barely above half of that. He was not interested in the money and was more concerned with the bond he had with his current firm. This is how it works when there is commitment on both ends.
See the following articles for more information:
- Be Committed to What You Do
- The Only Thing That Matters is Commitment
- Your Life is Controlled by Your Decisions and Your Commitment to Decisions
2. Attorneys Who Remain With the Same Firm Are Not Interested in Office Gossip or Reasons Not to Succeed
In every organization, there are typically people who are not succeeding at their jobs. These people generally are not doing their work in a competent manner and are also often looking for ways to cut corners with their work. Most organizations will generally call out this behavior and then speak with the employee. Some employees correct their behavior and others simply get mad at the organization. Some employees may be mad at their organizations for no particular reason at all, or they may be angry with a previous organization and simply transfer their anger to their current employer. I remember a recruiter once telling me never to hire someone who had been fired from their last job. People who have been fired from their last job will typically take out their anger on their next organization he told me.
You need to understand that there are always going to be people in the organization who have a lot of anger towards their employers. These angry employees will start rumors, attempt to share their anger with others in the organization and often subtly (or not so subtly) forecast "gloom and doom" for their employer. This is how rumor mills get started and these rumor mills are prevalent in every legal organization there is for the most part.
Attorneys who remain with their employers generally do not participate in these rumor mills or even pay attention to them. At certain times in an employer's history, there are likely to be calls of "crisis" of seemingly epidemic proportions as lots of people leave, for example. At other times there will be other issues. The overwhelming characteristic of attorneys who remain at firms for long periods of time is that they generally pay no attention to these rumor mills whatsoever.
See the following articles for more information:
- Are You a Critic
- Focus on Doing and Stop Talking About Those Who Are Doing
- Sick Crows, Attitude and Being on the Winning Team
- The Most Important Person You Communicate With is Yourself
3. Attorneys Who Remain With the Same Firm for Long Periods of Time Generally Are Not Interested in Being Grand standers -They Are There to Do Their Jobs and Do Them Well
I once heard someone say that the most successful people are often the most screwed up. I am not sure if this is true, but there is some wisdom in every saying like this. Attorneys who are able to remain with the same employer for long periods of time are generally not concerned with "getting ahead" to the same extent as many other attorneys are. Many attorneys who are extremely concerned with getting ahead will often leave saying they are looking for better opportunities because they are interested in immediate advancement. In other cases, attorneys will try and show up various attorneys in their firm.
Attorneys who remain at their firms for long periods of time are generally most interested in just doing their jobs. They have faith in their organizations and that things will work out for them. They are not loud and do not go out of their way to attract attention. Their main concern is to simply do the best job possible.
What ends up happening to attorneys who remain focused on their work and not grandstanding is they end up getting ahead while other attorneys end up putting their foot in their mouth. When I first started practicing, I met an attorney who was first in his class from a major law school and the Editor-in-Chief of his school's law review. Everyone thought this particular attorney was really on his toes and someone likely to have major success at the firm. This attorney wrote articles in his spare time and argued with firm partners about the finer points of law (and was right when he argued). While this attorney was very smart, he thought he was so good that he ended up sabotaging his career in the long run when he called a newspaper to discuss a case he was working on and ended up being quoted on the front page of the Los Angeles Daily Journal. The fallout from this incredible incident caused the attorney to leave the law firm, and he never worked for a large law firm again.
This sort of incident aside, it is important to keep a moderately low profile in order to have long-term success in a law firm. It is never wise to raise your swords and capture the limelight. While someone can win a sword match for some time, they will eventually lose, and in a sword match (which your legal career could be compared to), the loss is usually permanent.
See the following articles for more information:
- Get Security by Concentrating on the Needs of Your Employer
- Production Assistants and Assessing Your Employer's Needs
- A Message to Garcia and Your Career
4. Attorneys Who Remain With Their Firms for Long Periods of Time Typically Do Good (But Not Necessarily 'Brilliant') Work
An attorney who remains at their firm for long periods of time typically has learned to "pace themselves" and manages to do work on a day-to-day basis that is good, but not necessarily extraordinary. This does not matter. I would estimate that the majority of the battle of being an excellent attorney is simply showing up. Sure, some people can do extraordinary work; however, the brightest flame is not always the longest burning flame. The ability to consistently show up and do the work is the most important aspect of being a long-term performer in a law firm.
The smartest attorneys out there are often the ones who end up having the most problems in the practice of law. Attorneys who can consistently show up for work and do an excellent job send the message to colleagues, clients and others that they have the ability to get the job done. In the end, it is all about getting the job done.
See the following articles for more information:
5. An Understanding of 'Insiders' and 'Outsiders' Typically Develops Between Attorneys Who Remain At Their Firms for Long Periods of Time
After an attorney has been with a law firm for an extended period of time, an understanding develops between that attorney and others who have been at the firm a long period of time. An institutional understanding develops. This understanding seems to say something to the effect of "people may come and go, but we are the ones who are committed to this organization, and we are the heart and soul of this place."A similar sort of understanding that develops is that "we owe each other because we have each demonstrated a commitment."
Bonds form between people who have been part of the same organization for long periods of time. These bonds are often invisible, but they are real bonds. These bonds are powerful and make the organization and forces within it come to the defense of those who are committed to the organization during times of organizational change and reorganization. These bonds are something that gets stronger over time as an organization changes. After some time, attorneys who have been with the firm for decades are simply treated as part of the very fabric of the firm and are virtually unquestioned.
See the following articles for more information:
- Groups and Their Norms Determine the Outcome of Our Lives
- Group Rules, Walking Off, Suffering, and Your Career
- The Importance of Being Well-liked in Your Job
- Get Security by Concentrating on the Needs of Your Employer
Conclusions
While it may seem odd for a recruiter to write a story in defense of attorneys remaining with their firms, longevity with a firm is something that is meaningful in this day and age. There are many characteristics of attorneys who remain at their firms for long periods of time, and these characteristics, in my experience, are usually found in most attorneys who demonstrate this level of stability.
A final factor is that, in my experience, attorneys who remain with firms for long periods of time are often less tormented than the average attorney. By looking for reasons to like and respect their organization rather than find fault, they find themselves in organizations which ultimately welcome them.
It is always important to remember that if a law firm or other legal organization has been around for 20 years or more, the chances are it is doing some things very right. There will always be people who succeed in these organizations and, of course, always those who leave or fail.
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About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration Law
- Workers Compensation
- Insurance
- Family Law
- Trust and Estate
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
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With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.
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If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
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Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
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.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.