Hiring Trends Look Positive

The legal market, like most markets, is cyclical in nature, both at the macro and micro levels.  Overall hiring trends in terms of the number of lateral job listings, the number of newly graduated attorneys who find gainful (and law degree-required) employment, and the number of firms who maintain or increase their revenues tends to follow the broader market.  Similarly, activity in particular practice areas tends to follow trends in the market related to the client base that practice area services.


A very obvious example is real estate, which completely tanked following the overall market crash that was in large part precipitated by a crash in housing prices and the related mortgages and security instruments that had been fueling the initial bubble.  Not only were law firms not hiring in the real estate sector, many firms were rescinding associate offers, pushing associates into other practice areas, and laying off attorneys who had otherwise been very productive up to that point.

Fast forward a couple years later, and now that the market has recovered and real estate development is booming once again, particularly in major metropolitan areas, junior and mid-level attorneys with solid real estate experience are heavily in demand, and will frequently have a choice of firms to consider when making a lateral move.

When I graduated law school in 2007, I was the fortunate beneficiary of the tail end of the salary wars, where firms raised salary levels numerous times, even within months of prior announcements, because the overall market was doing so well that law firms were competing with hedge funds for the top law school graduate talent.  To my surprise and delight, I actually received two “raises” to my starting compensation between the time I accepted my offer letter and my first day of actual work at my firm.  Then, of course, things began to come apart the next year, and due to the hiring trends and rising salaries, law school applications had continued to increase until there was a huge surplus of newly-minted attorneys and a sudden lack of jobs when law firms started laying off rather than hiring.

Anyone who has paid attention to the legal market the past few years is familiar with the doom-and-gloom articles that pervaded legal publications, such as the article finding that less than half of newly-graduated attorneys were able to find employment in a position that required a legal degree, and the numerous articles about contract attorneys struggling to pay off massive six-figure student loan debts.

As is always the case, however, things do eventually come back around, and we have been very encouraged to see lateral hiring picking up across the board.  Current and would-be law students should also be encouraged by recent trends.  It has been a buyers’ market for a long time, but recent numbers released by the American Bar Association show that the fall 2014 entering law school class is the smallest in 40 years, even though the number of law schools has actually increased over that time.  In practical terms, that means that the shift of supply and demand means that we can optimistically project hiring at the entry-, junior-, and mid-level will continue to increase over the next couple years, barring any unforeseen major economic events.

If you are looking to make a lateral move, or to re-enter the market, now is an excellent time to begin positioning yourself to be the strongest possible lateral candidate, and our BCG recruiters are happy to discuss your current and future prospects with you, so please get in touch!
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.