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Small Firm Life

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There is a perception that going to a small firm means that attorneys do not bill the crazy hours of a large firm. This is sometimes true; however, it can also be a trap.
Small Firm Life

A Discussion of Small Firm Life

Much of my job entails listening to attorneys talk about why they feel they need a change.  Often, my candidates will announce that they are looking for an opportunity with a small firm.  I have found, however, that attorneys sometimes have misperceptions about small firm life.


I myself was an associate at a small/mid-size firm in Washington, DC firm.  My firm had all the great stuff associates often seek in a small firm: reasonable hours, near-lockstep equity partnership, nice people, and an excellent lifestyle. However, I realize since becoming a legal recruiter that I was very, very lucky, and that this is not always the case.  If you are considering a move to a small firm, you need to understand some of the realities of small firm life.

Myth #1:  Small Firm= Less Hours.

There is a perception that going to a small firm means that attorneys do not bill the crazy hours of a large firm.  This is sometimes true; however, it can also be a trap.  Keep in mind that small firms tend to feel economic pressure more quickly and directly than a large firm might, and they must work hard to keep costs down for their clients.  Therefore, small firms can be more sensitive to the efficiency of an associate’s billed work than large firms (this is also the reason why many smaller firms will not hire new grads, only lateral associates).  Some small firms may actively or passively encourage associates not to bill for time worked.  For example, I have seen associates in small firms not bill their time at all for “getting up to speed” when they need to familiarize themselves with a new subject matter area, whereas this happens less in large firms (where partners may simply write the work off, but the associate is not expected to).  Because small firms tend to value efficiency of work over number of hours billed, a small firm associate may easily work just as many hours as her large firm counterpart, she just won’t necessarily bill for those hours.

Myth #2: Small Firm= More Congenial Atmosphere.

Another issue I have seen pop up in small firms is political in nature.  While it is true that many small firms are populated with wonderful, pleasant attorneys, this is not true in every small firm. If an associate gets stuck with a partner or practice area she is unhappy with, it can be very difficult to make a change within a small firm.  This isn’t to say that this scenario never happens in large firms; it absolutely does.  However, I have seen large firm associates who are savvy and realistic transition to other practice areas or work providers within the same firm.  If they are very lucky, they end up on another floor and rarely have to see the partner or group they left.  In a small firm, it is far more likely that an unhappy associate can make such a change, and even if they do manage, they may end up having to deal with that partner regularly anyway.

Myth #3: Small Firm= More Opportunities to Build Client Base

Often associates perceive that because smaller firms tend to attract smaller clients, they will have greater opportunities to build clientele and become equity partners.   This is a logical assumption, and is often the case.  However, the flip side of the coin is that sometimes, name partners refuse to retire (large firms sometimes have mandatory retirement ages).  I have seen this countless times, and have had many attorneys come to me as 20-year associates looking to be placed in a larger firm where they can become partner.  Small firms often do not have a lockstep partner system, and promote only as needed, which may mean never.   It depends entirely upon the firm, and it is up to each job-seeker to figure out what type of firm she is talking to.

In sum, each small firm is different.  Don’t make assumptions based solely on the number of attorneys in a firm.  It is up to the job-seeker to ask herself what she finds acceptable in a small firm atmosphere, and what she doesn’t, and then to figure out which small firms may provide what she is looking for.


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:

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.

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.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

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.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

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.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

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.


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.

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.


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