Writing Your Own Ticket

I've discussed in previous posts how the interview process has lately become a drawn-out affair, often involving multiple rounds including a phone or video conference screen, in-person interview sessions, and sometimes additional phone or video interviews with additional members of the practice group and/or hiring committee who are located in different firm offices across the country or internationally.  This is particularly true when you are interviewing at a firm where the practice group in which you would be working does a lot of cross-collaborative work involving attorneys from multiple offices (corporate is the most typical example of this, but we are seeing a lot of it in IP as well, specifically in patent prosecution).
 

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information

The upshot of this is that a candidate is able to gain a lot of valuable information throughout the process, not just about the particular office that they are looking to join, but about the larger practice group and the firm and the firm’s culture as a whole.  The downside of this is that sometimes the process can seem to be moving at a relatively glacial pace, and it can be difficult to maintain the momentum towards an offer and hiring decision when interviews are set weeks apart.

Another thing that can serve to protract and complicate the process is that a lot of firms are constrained in their hiring budgets in terms of reimbursing candidates for travel expenses if the candidate is interviewing for a position in an office in a different city than where they are currently located.  In this scenario, firms will often decide to wait to schedule an interview around a candidate’s existing or future plans to be in the city where they are interviewing, either for a visit to friends and family, or for interviews with another firm.  Either way, a candidate can find him or herself at a distinct disadvantage relative to more local candidates.


In these instances, and particularly when a candidate is on a constrained time frame in terms of their job search, I almost always recommend that the candidate schedule a prospective trip to the city where they have a pending interview request, or even if they don’t have an existing request.  Make it for a couple of days, and then notify the firm that you will be in town on those dates.  Almost always, firms are able to put together an interview itinerary if they have already expressed interest in an in-person follow up interview.  Additionally, you can let firms where you have applied but not heard back know that you will be in town for a limited time, and can make yourself available for an in-person interview.  Firms who may have been on the fence about your candidacy because of the geographic distance (and expense) of interviewing you can develop a very sudden interest when you are available to meet with them on an opportunistic basis.
 

• See Interviewing Tips for more information

It would be nice if we were still in the boom times of the mid-aughts where firms would not only pay for all travel expenses, but sometimes offer signing bonuses, generous relocation packages, and other perks because the sky was the limit on hiring and prospective future business.  But we are in a much different market now, and as much as I hate to advise candidates to put their own money forth to book an interview trip, particularly a prospective trip, spending the few hundred dollars on such a move can pay huge dividends in the form of additional interviews and offers that might not otherwise be available.

Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
 

• Why Most Attorneys Fail Telephone-Screening Interviews

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.