You've landed your dream job and you're a mere two weeks away from leaving your current firm, taking that tropical vacation, and then making a fresh start at your new position. You feel exuberant, on top of the world, like you could do anything. There's a bounce in your step and a playful smile hovering around your mouth as you begin cleaning out your office with unleashed enthusiasm. You've got Radiohead's new album on and you're making rim shots into the industrial sized trash can that would make Lamar Odom weep. The world is yours.
That is, until your intercom buzzes and suddenly your play time is interrupted by a junior partner needing some research done ASAP on a case you've already sent to the file room. Crashing back to earth, you sigh, push aside the legal detritus that's accumulated onto your desk, and sign on to Westlaw. You've got senioritis, and you've got it bad.
Senioritis is a completely normal affliction that varies in degree; it's power over you is directly affected by a number of factors such as (a) the excitement you have for your new job; (b) your desire to leave your current position; (c) the emotional roller coaster of your job search; (d) the fabulousness of your so-close-you-can-almost-hear-the-waves-vacation; and (e) the fact that you may be just plain worn out.
Continuing to do strong work in a job that you are ready to cast off is extremely challenging. Unless engaged in a trial or a deal that you've been working on for months, you're more than likely to fall victim to senioritis. Senioritis is an affliction that results in feelings of ennui towards your normal routine coupled with a galloping excitement about what the next job/adventure will bring. But not to fear, there is hope! The important thing to do with senioritis is to diagnose it then treat it. Diagnosis is easy. Treatment takes some effort.
II. Part One: Diagnosing Senioritis
Ask yourself the following questions and any number of affirmative responses is a likely indication that you have it.
1. Has a certain malaise come over your attitude to current tasks?
2. Are you (unpleasantly) surprised when called upon and expected to engage in rigorous critical thinking and/or brain numbing document review?
3. Does your lunch time actually resemble a small party? That is, do your gather friends together, frequent a place with real silverware and perhaps enjoy an adult beverage?
4. Do you go to the gym when not reveling in special lunchtime parties?
5. Do you come in at 10:00 am?
6. Leave at 5:00 pm?
Now that we've established the diagnosis, let's discuss treatment.
III. Treating Senioritis
The important thing to keep in mind when treating senioritis is that it's temporary, and, generally, harmless. However, to ensure that there is no damage done to either your reputation or your networking relationships, bear in mind that it is your goal to leave your current firm with well-wishers and potential business contacts. You want to be missed. Not shown the door.
To do this, we recommend keeping in mind the following guidelines as you make your way towards the finish line.
1. Remember the original excitement that you had when you accepted your current position. At one point in time, it was your dream job.
2. Remember that your current firm invested in you and you developed your current, marketable skills under their tutelage.
3. Remember that you are still being paid. While supervisors understand and anticipate a certain amount of slacking off, it's very important to complete the tasks that you've been assigned and to do them well.
4. Remember that "this too shall pass." Senioritis is infamous for the death grip it can have over its victims, but again, it's only temporary. You're going to get through that last brief, last depo, last review of a purchase and sale agreement. Just hang in there!
5. Make the rounds. Now that you have some free time, use it to your best advantage. Pop in to offices, make some small talk. Chances are that people have been talking about your departure so beat them to the punch.
6. Thank people. Be sure to make your gratitude known to all the people that you've worked with during your time with the firm. Practice groups are like little colonies and it can be a difficult time when one of the members leave. Some folks may be taking on more work to cover you and a recognition of that fact goes a long way.
7. Be sensitive. While you are now starting a fresh chapter in your life, others are left behind slogging away. So, while a certain level of excitement is expected, be careful not to go overboard. Firms have feelings too. No tap-dancing on the conference table at your last calendar meeting.
8. Be proud. You've obviously done a terrific job at your current position which propelled you into the new one. Take a little time and think about all that you've accomplished. Remembering your achievements can also help any nervousness and fear about the next step. But that's another article.....
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.
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.
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.
