A Summer Evening at the Ballet

I spent three hours last night watching one of the greatest ballerinas on earth — Gillian Murphy — perform at Lincoln Center. For anyone who knows ballet, Gillian’s beauty is only outshone by her technical abilities. In other words, she is someone who “makes it look easy.” However, underneath her performance lies hours and hours of work, rehearsal, and diligence. It’s not surprising that Gillian’s performance resonated with me this week as, prior to arriving at the theatre, I was on the phone with an active candidate who also “makes it look easy” — and I realized there might be a lesson here for other attorneys who are interviewing this summer.

The candidate I am referring to above is someone who — despite typical summer time distractions — preps for her interviews 4 days before, reads treatises on the weekend, spends her lunch hours digesting case law in her chosen field, and spends her evenings networking. As a result, when she gets in front of a partner for her interviews, she radiates confidence, poise and knowledge. She’s beauty on the outside supported by hours of study underneath. Her calm demeanor is only possible because she is well prepared and well rehearsed.


Prepping for an interview during the summer months can be hard! I’m sure you would rather be at a barbecue or out at a summer associate event. A few of my candidates have said to me recently , “I don’t need prep. I am who I am; if they don’t like me, it’s not meant to be.” (I hear that a lot during the summer). If that’s you, ask yourself, “do I really mean that?” ….. or “do I just not feel like doing the prep work?” If it’s the latter, reconsider your approach. The summer can be a great time to find a job sometimes because your competition on the marketplace may be distracted with their own barbecues, vacations, parties, event. With a smaller candidate pool for firms to chose from, you increase your odds at those firms where you do interview. So, why not do your very BEST at the interview? Prepare, prepare, prepare. Don’t let the hazy summer days interrupt your usual ambitious approach. As I tell my candidates, “I know it’s the summer, but don’t let the sun catch you crying.” Ok, I don’t really say that, but it sounded good (my apologies to Gerry and the Pacemakers). The bottom line is: If you are interviewing this summer, dedicate the time you need to prepare well for your interviews. If you put in your time, your performance will radiate calmness supported by intelligence and experience, and that’s the ideal.

Reflecting back to the ballet last night, there was one ballerina on stage who fell out of her arabesque two times. Yes, the audience noticed and, yes, they actually gasped (welcome to NYC). I wonder if she put in her prep time?

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.