Many times in my career in attorney placement, especially since the economy has been suffering, I have seen a steady stream of applications from attorneys who possess substantially more experience than the position for which they are applying. These attorneys are sometimes frustrated at not being considered for a job that they feel they could do in their sleep. Why would a law firm not want someone with 10+ years experience to fill a slot calling for 2-5?
There are several reasons.
1. Law firms want their associates to be happy.
Law firms invest in their attorneys, and they don’t want to waste their investment dollars. They want the attorneys they hire to be happy, so that they will stay and make money for the firm. To this end, law firms generally frown on hiring someone and then making that person take a cut in seniority because they fear it will cause grumbling. I have personally seen this happen. Attorneys who take a class year hit may obviously complain about salary. Perhaps of greater concern, however: they sometimes also are unhappy with the work they are expected to do, because it is too junior for them. Attorneys are trained to be ambitious and hungry, and to go after responsibility: qualities that are often valued in young associates. However, if a firm hires a 15-year attorney for a mid-level associate position, the fear is that the attorney will want to do senior level work, and will fight other attorneys to get it. That attorney may also impose strategy ideas where they are not welcome. Similarly, attorneys who are more qualified than the job they are hired to do may also seek to make partner at a faster pace than the firm is comfortable with, or has room for. These are all factors that may create an unhappy hire, and law firms seek to avoid this.
2. Law firms want to make an investment in their associates.
Law firms understand that they may not get fabulous, perfect work out a second-year associate. Why, then, would they invest in such a person, rather than hiring a 10-year associate? The answer is loyalty. Law firms hope and believe that if they train, nurture, and show a junior associate how to practice law, that person will feel loyal and appreciative, and will remain with the firm down the road. Good firms are not afraid to invest in promising junior people, with the hope that the person will be a cheerleader for the firm. Similarly, they may be skeptical about investing in an associate who has been trained for many years at another firm; that person may want to do things her way.
3. Law firms know that they want.
If a law firm advertises for a 2-5 year associate, generally speaking, that is what they want. Large firms especially prefer to have a good balance among their class years, sometimes adhering slavishly to class year quotas. Therefore, while it doesn’t hurt someone from other class years to apply for those positions, those applicants will probably not get in the door.
So… What’s a well-qualified attorney to do?
It is true that there are not many senior level positions for attorneys who do not have partner-level portable business. This is the sad reality, and I speak with many attorneys who are in that situation. My advice to these attorneys is to network as much as possible, especially with smaller firms, and sell what you do have; your skills and ease of practice. Often, firms will talk to well qualified attorneys who have no business , but they won’t advertise those needs. They might be part time or temporary opportunities where a firm needs extra hands on a particular matter. It is up to you to be proactive. Figure out which firms might be interested in your skill set, contact them, and let them know that you are available and what you can do.
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.
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.
