Should I Submit My Materials Through a Friend?

It’s wonderful when my candidate has a contact at the firm that I present.  If you have a friend at a firm that interests you, it gives you the ability to get some inside-information from a source you trust.  However, when it comes to presenting you as a candidate to the firm, here’s why it may be a BAD idea to submit your materials directly through your friend:

Your friend may not be viewed as impartial.


Granted, recruiters may not be viewed as impartial because we want all of our candidates to secure jobs.  However, my reputation as a recruiter depends on the quality of the candidates that I submit. If I can’t solidly stand behind WHY I submitted a candidate to a particular firm, I won’t send that individual.  For this reason, recruiters are viewed as a pre-screening process.  Generally, the higher quality candidates are submitted through a recruiter. Good recruiters are often known in the industry and their submissions go to the top of the pile.

Everyone wants to work with their friends or help their friends in securing a job.  In this way, their word that you are a good candidate for a particular position may not go so far as a more impartial judge whose reputation is on the line.

Your friend might not be persistent.

If there is an open position, recruitment coordinators are inundated with resumes (some qualified, some not). It can be easy to get lost in the shuffle, especially during active hiring seasons.  If you submit your resume in through a friend, it puts your friend in a precarious position in terms of the follow-up.  Will your friend know how to follow-up?  How often? Let’s face it, your friend is busy working for a prominent law firm.  Will she have the time or even remember to follow up with the recruitment coordinator on your behalf?

Your friend might be on her way out the door.

Do you know with absolute certainty that your friend has a positive reputation at her firm? Does this person have a future at the firm?  It is entirely possible that the firm has an opening because they are looking to replace someone (yes, possibly your friend). Believe it or not, this has happened before.

Even if this isn’t the case, if you submit your materials through a friend your first impression with the firm is directly tied to how the attorneys feel about your friend.  This can be a definite positive for you, but it can also be a large drawback. Are you willing to take that risk?

Here’s where your friend comes in:

It’s really great that you have a friend or a contact at a firm that interests you. Allow a recruiter to put together a professional package and present you to the firm (a package that can be emailed, snail mailed…and yes, faxed). Let the recruiter handle the follow-up phone calls and emails.  It’s a recruiter’s job to be persistent.  Then, have your friend put in a good word for you. If your friend has a good reputation at her firm, her word could certainly go a long way.  If she doesn’t, there is nothing tangible that connects you to her. Your submission is still impartially considered.

Recruiter + friend is a great way to take a bite out of both ends of the apple.

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.