When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Back to Basics

I’ve noticed an uptick in recent weeks in news stories, blog posts and general chatter about all of the “opportunities” available to attorneys in these harsh economic times. For example, there have been numerous articles about what a great time it is to put out your own shingle or to shift to a boutique law firm that may be able to weather the economic downturn better than BigLaw. While my personal career success is dependent upon attorneys moving from one firm to another, I recognize that there are many attorneys more concerned about hanging on to their current jobs than undertaking a dramatic (and potentially risky) new venture. What is the best strategy to hang on to what you already have?

 

 

Well, it’s simple: Get Back to Basics.

 

 

While there are a lot of factors outside of your control that may affect whether you keep your job (economic times, partner business development, cases settling or transactions being put on hold), there are a host of things that you can do to keep yourself off of the short list of the next round of layoffs or firings. All of them boil down to one essential strategy: Demonstrate to your employer that you are valuable and, ideally, indispensable.

 

 

 

By this I don’t mean that you should send a firm-wide email outlining your positive attributes, but rather that you should strive to outperform expectations and to raise your profile so that the decision makers know what you are doing. In tough times, the strongest performers survive. What does this mean?
 

• Be loud, aggressive and persistent in seeking new work. There may not be much, but everyone in a position to dispense work should know that you want to be first in line. Take partners to lunch or coffee. Visit partners’ offices and remind them that you want to work with them. If you are aware of specific new matters, ask the decision makers directly to staff you on them.


• Volunteer for the most unattractive and unpleasant assignments. Be enthusiastic about completing them quickly, professionally, and without complaints.


• Talk about yourself. Be sure that everyone knows your skills, expertise and interests. This is not the time to be a wallflower or to downplay your capabilities.


• Be positive. No one wants to work with (or to give work to) someone who is negative, complaining and unpleasant.


• Be a team player. Demonstrate that you are willing to do whatever it takes for the success of clients and the firm.


• Latch onto successful people. If there are partners, counsel or other associates in the office who seem to be busier than most, do whatever you can to connect yourself to them. Success breeds success.


• Lastly, and perhaps most importantly: Do excellent work. Now is not the time to be making careless mistakes or, frankly, any mistakes. Your goal should be to exceed expectations on every project.





 
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None of these strategies is new, innovative or pioneering. But that is the point. Getting back to basics is the surest way to making sure that you are recognized for the right reasons, and to improving your chances of hanging on to what you have, at least until you want to make a move.

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.