21 Pieces of Career Advice No One Gives Attorneys

1. Your Attitude Is Just as Important as the Quality of Your Work

Harrison Barnes

In most law firms, there are various people who have a negative impression of the firm or don’t like the management. There are also people who may have no problem with the organization but who get angry or have a bad attitude when they are assigned additional tasks. For a deeper perspective on these hidden dynamics, see a deeper look at the systemic reasons attorneys lose control of their careers.

Most healthy legal employers will generally not advance these people and, in many cases, will try and force them out the door. The saying “one bad apple can spoil the bunch” is certainly true. If you have a bad attitude, the firm generally does not want you around.

Several years ago, there was a large law firm in Silicon Valley that suddenly lost almost all of its corporate/transactional-related work. They had over 100 corporate attorneys who were sitting around doing nothing, complaining about the lack of work and being quite negative. This law firm did the most interesting thing. It took all of these attorneys and moved them to a separate building because they were dragging down the morale of all of the other attorneys in the firm. They did not want these negative attorneys around their other attorneys. Ultimately morale improved after the negative attorneys were removed from the equation. To see these insights in action, watch our video on finding legal jobs even in a tight market for practical strategies.

• Much of this hidden advice reinforces the importance of essential skills and qualities attorneys need to succeed and survive, which frame career wisdom in a practical context.

2. If You Spend Time with Negative People, Your Firm Will Assume You Have a Negative Attitude Too

When I was in high school, one of my best friends was suspended for a semester. He had upset a teacher in the school greatly by his actions. For reasons that are unclear to me to this day, this same teacher sought me out and told me he really wanted to write my college recommendations for me. I agreed, thinking he had good intentions. He wrote me the worst possible recommendation he could. He also did the same thing to another one of my friends. For attorneys considering a bold career move, watch this insightful video on why relocating to a different market is the greatest way to get ahead in the legal profession.

• When considering firm options, Exploring Sidley Austin: Key Insights for Prospective Attorneys adds concrete context on evaluating a global law firm.

There was a bit of scandal because a few of the schools that I applied to ending up contacting my high school and asking why this teacher had written such remarks. I was called into a meeting where the teacher apologized to me and stated that he had been angry with my friend, and assumed that I was also a troublemaker. My school ended up fixing the situation. They had several teachers write glowing recommendations to the schools in which they pointed out why the one teacher had written such negative remarks. Among the most underrated pieces of advice is mastering the art of listening — a principle thoroughly explored in The Art of Listening: Why Lawyers Must Listen to Their Clients. As one example of outside-the-box thinking, Why Applying to Law Firms Without Openings Is a Smart Strategy offers practical ways to uncover hidden legal opportunities that others overlook. For attorneys wanting to avoid these subtle but career-derailing behaviours, check out this video on Why Attorneys Lose Jobs and Opportunities: The Top 5 Toxic Behaviors to Avoid for practical guidance.

You will not always get this lucky in your career. In most cases, if you spend time with negative people, your firm will also assume you are negative. Partners know the people who are gossiping and creating problems. They assume that if you are associating with these people, you too must be negative. If you’re preparing for a move or your first firm interview, review the Top 10 Interview Questions During Your Law Firm Interview to strengthen your readiness.

Additionally, surrounding yourself with positive people has huge benefits. You are generally going to be happier, do better in your job and enjoy yourself more when you are around positive people. A hidden tactic few attorneys leverage is explained in The Secret Legal Career Tactic of ‘Lock In’, providing a clear example of how to cement your value in a firm.

• For additional guidance on resilience and professional growth, see this article on building a resilient legal career.

 

3. Getting Promoted and Moving Up Often Depends on Doing Unassigned Work

Many people are under the impression that if they come to work every day and do their job, they will get promoted and do well. While it is important that you are consistent in your job, you also always need to do more than is asked of you. When you complete each assignment, you should do it as well as you possibly can. The more value you add and the more you help, the more you will succeed. For attorneys evaluating their next steps, career transformation is described in Unleashing the Power of BCG Attorney Search: How We Transform Legal Careers. For an inspiring reminder of what makes the legal field so rewarding, see 21 Unsurpassed Reasons Why Practicing Law Is the Best Profession, which highlights the many enduring benefits of choosing this path. Some of the best examples of resilience in the legal profession are found in Overcoming Dyslexia: Famous Attorneys and Their Accomplishments, showing how determination can redefine limitations.

• Among the most underrated forms of career advice is the power of simply showing up—a lesson many successful attorneys cite as pivotal.

 

I run a legal recruiting firm. As part of my job, I have recruiters write various articles every few months. The point of these articles is for the recruiters to share what they know with attorneys, so the attorneys can find jobs they like. In the history of doing this, I have always noticed something: The people who put the most effort and time into writing the articles are the ones who also experience the most success (i.e., placements) as recruiters. The recruiters who do the best are the ones who write articles even when they are not asked. For a more comprehensive roadmap, watch this video on building a $100M+ book and making partner which complements these lesser-known career tips. Some advice also relates to financial potential—our article on elite law firm partners: $25M+ compensation illustrates what reaching the pinnacle entails.

I believe the people who put forth the most effort and are willing to take the most initiative do this in all aspects of their work. The extra effort they put in makes them stand out and be more effective.

In most law firms, there is always additional work that can be done. Choosing and completing these extra projects is something that can make a gigantic difference in your career. Taking on extra work shows your superiors and others in the firm that you care and can be trusted. This video on the soft and hard skills BigLaw demands expands on how perseverance, work ethic, and emotional intelligence translate into attorney career advantages.

• One often-ignored truth is that chasing money can backfire—explored further in Why Chasing BigLaw Salaries Could Be the Worst Career Move for Attorneys.

4. The People Who Leave Your Law Firm Are an Important Network

Many people think that once someone leaves their law firm there is no need to stay in touch with the person. This could not be further from the truth. The people who leave your firm will often be going to similar firms or in-house jobs. If things change inside your existing firm or you find yourself looking for a job down the road, these people will often be able to help you. Staying in touch with people who have left your firm is something that can provide you with numerous opportunities throughout your career.


For a concrete look at how this advice plays out in practice, see Achieving Your Career Goals at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, which explores how attorneys can build fulfilling careers at a top firm.

5. Never Act Entitled

One of the biggest problems that lawyers experience in the workforce is having a sense of entitlement that a firm should be happy to have them, that their job will always be there tomorrow and that they should always get raises, larger offices, and promotions.

This is an incredibly dangerous attitude; I have seen it crater the careers of numerous attorneys–especially younger lawyers. This ties closely to the insights shared in Why Your Family and Social Background Will Determine Your Happiness and Success as an Attorney, which highlights how your origins shape your career decisions more than you may realize.

In general, partners look down on associates who act entitled. Before certain rewards come, you need to work hard and prove yourself. If you do not put in the time, you will not get the respect of your fellow associates, partners and clients, and rewards will be difficult to come by. For an in-depth look at how attorneys from non-elite law schools can still rise into top firms, watch the insightful video “How to Get a Job with a Major Law Firm if You Did Not Go to a Top Law School”.

Titles, offices, and raises are generally earned with time. Your job in any firm or organization should be focused on your employer’s and your clients’ needs. It is not about you. You are hired to serve others. The more effectively you serve your clients and fellow attorneys, the better off you will be. The most-respected and best attorneys are those who come to work ready to do the job. At BCG Attorney Search, we’re dedicated to helping you make your firm a great place to work and attract elite legal professionals. For a structured system that aligns with this advice, read The BCG Attorney Search Advantage.” For additional context on common career errors, watch our video covering 15 career mistakes attorneys make.

• Hidden career wisdom often points to consistency—see Why Hard-Working Attorneys Should Stay at Their Firms for insight on why resilience pays off.

6. Never Act Too Stressed at Work

If you act extremely stressed by your job, tell everyone how hard you work and make a big deal out of how much you do, it will not help you. Instead of thinking how hard you work, your superiors will think you have reached the limit of how much responsibility you can handle. This will hurt you. Many of these lessons are reinforced in this video on avoiding pitfalls to stay marketable.

When I was working in large law firms, I sometimes worked over 100 hours straight without sleep. I would work through the night. The next morning, I would take phone calls and go into meetings as if nothing had happened. I was by no means the only attorney who did this. When you work really long hours, or are under a lot of stress, you are expected to keep your cool. If you are complaining and making a big deal out of it, people will simply avoid giving you important assignments in the future. One of the most important steps toward long-term career stability is understanding the economic cycles of the legal profession — see The Legal Industry Layoff Report (2008–2026) for valuable data-driven context. To put this advice into practice during your initial year, explore Surviving Your First Year as an Attorney for actionable strategies. One often-overlooked piece of wisdom is the value of a structured search strategy — Why Following BCG’s System Gets You Interviews—and Hired reveals exactly how this structure propels attorney careers forward. To complement these insights, The BCG Advantage: Total-Market Capture™ reveals how proactive market outreach secures opportunities beyond job boards. Your success depends on more than skill—it’s about where you thrive. Explore Law Firm Culture: How to Identify, Compare, and Thrive in the Right Environment for actionable insight. You can also explore practical examples of these overlooked missteps in the video 15 Attorney Career Mistakes You’re Probably Making Without Realizing It, which breaks down the subtle patterns that hold attorneys back.

For a deeper look at how persistence and emotional intelligence fuel long-term success, this video on thriving in large law firms through intelligence, work ethic, and social intelligence offers invaluable perspective. This video further explains why consistent action compounds over time in an attorney’s career: building real wealth as an attorney through consistency.

 

7. Always Try to Accept Invitations to Spend Time Outside of Work with Colleagues

While it is never a good idea to let coworkers into your personal life too much, it is important that you make a habit of accepting invitations to spend time outside of work with your fellow associates and partners.

Lawyers generally want to work with other lawyers they like and feel connected to. It’s important to be as connected with others at work as you can. If your fellow lawyers feel an affinity to you, they will be more likely to help you, give you the best assignments and promote you. At most law firms, some sort of favoritism is operating. It is important that you be on the right side of this. For a practical look at how self-presentation influences opportunity, check out Transform Your Legal Career: Harnessing Personality and Salesmanship — a concise guide on leveraging your personality to open unseen doors.

• Attorneys who follow this advice often find success at firms like Lane Powell PC, where career possibilities are actively supported.

8. You Should Put Away Your Cell Phone in the Office

Many lawyers spend incredible amounts of time messing around with their cell phones in meetings and at the office. In fact, in many firms, there are people who appear to spend more time playing with their phones than working.

Years ago, I knew a guy who owned a telephone answering service. I expected him to tell me that the service got busier when the economy was good instead of when it was bad. At the time, we were in the middle of a recession, and I asked him how his business was doing.

“My business actually increases during recessions because bosses see their receptionists playing with their cell phones all day, and it is the first place they see they can save money. They let their secretaries go and use my service to answer their phones instead.”

When you are there to work, you are there to work. Attorneys who appear focused and on top of their jobs are the first ones to get promoted and the last to be let go. When you are playing with your cell phone in the office, it sends the message to the partners that something else besides work is important to you.  For a visual guide on applying these insights in a new firm, see Everything an Attorney Needs to Know About Surviving in a New Law Firm Job.

• For practical examples of career growth in action, explore Your Path to a Rewarding Legal Career at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. One powerful example of this principle is Lorraine D’Alessio’s path, captured in From Fashion Runways to Legal Prowess

9. Your Law Firm May Be Monitoring Your Computer and Phones

While I wish people had better things to do with their time, many law firms monitor the computers of their employees. In the recruiting world, I have actually seen lawyers fired for personal things they said on the phone or in emails sent from their work computers. For an engaging walkthrough of how to implement this advice in practice, watch Treating Your Career Like a Small Business.

In addition, many IT people inside of law firms amuse themselves by learning everyone’s secrets by reading their emails on an ongoing basis. I was out to dinner once with an IT person, and he asked my advice about whether it would be illegal to blackmail his former boss about having an affair that he had learned about by reading his boss’s emails. To deepen your understanding of what truly drives success inside law firms, watch The One Simple Rule You Must Understand for Succeeding in a Law Firm for a clear, actionable framework.

• Perhaps the greatest advice of all is acknowledging the brutal truth that only extraordinary attorneys survive and thrive in this profession.

Years ago, I was working with a group of partners at a major law firm who were interested in switching firms. The firm they were at learned they were considering leaving because they had installed screen recording software on their computers. Despite the fact the partners were communicating with one another using their personal email addresses, the law firm was recording their screens and was able to read everything. Many of the overlooked tips discussed here are expanded on in our video The Number One Reason You Are Not Getting the Jobs You Want, which helps attorneys identify what really holds them back.

While it may be tempting to communicate with others from your work computer or phone, it’s never a good idea. For more structured guidance, don’t miss BCG Attorney Search Q&A: Enhancing Your Legal Career Prospects, which addresses key attorney concerns. For a more in‑depth perspective, watch Why You Will Never Succeed at Practicing Law Until You Understand This One Thing to see how the advice in this article connects to the mindset top attorneys embrace.

10. Always Help Others Even If There Is Not a Direct Benefit to You

I have never understood why so many people go into law firms with the idea that they are in competition with everyone around them. They withhold information, do not tell people when they are doing something wrong and play a variety of games. It takes very little effort to give referrals, answer questions and assist others. For practical guidance on whether a market move is right for you, watch our video on attorney relocation considerations.

When you help others and get a reputation for doing so, you will also become well-liked by the attorneys you work with. Being well-liked and getting a reputation for helping others will pay unexpected dividends in your career. Complementing these tips, our 25 Reasons to Move to a New Firm video explores real-world scenarios where lateral moves can boost career growth. Pairing career guidance with strategic pay is key—see our Attorney Compensation Strategy article for more. To complement these tips, you can watch our video You Need to Have Desire to Achieve Your Goals for actionable advice on cultivating the drive to succeed.

Additionally, if someone at work needs help, it means your firm needs help too. Helping others is simply part of your job and something you should always do.
 

• For practical tips on differentiating yourself in a competitive market, see our guide to standing out in your law firm job search.

Most attorneys have certain skills they are better at than others. You should always do the things you are best at and avoid the things that are weaknesses. Some people are good at management. Others are good at following directions. Some people are good with clients. Others are not. Regardless of your skill set, you will generally do better throughout your legal career if you focus on doing the tasks you are most skilled at and get the most positive reinforcement from. One often-overlooked aspect of career success is client rapport—see the client-lawyer relationship for an in-depth look at how to strengthen this critical bond. Additionally, watch this video on practice area selection and resume positioning for practical guidance that complements these career tips.


For more firm-specific insights, How to Thrive in Your Legal Career at Squire Patton Boggs illustrates how attorneys can apply these lessons in practice.

• One key to career happiness is choosing firms like Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, where attorneys report fulfilling professional lives.

 

I like to give the following example: Imagine Mike Tyson decided he wanted to be a neurosurgeon. While I do not know everything there is to know about Mike Tyson’s intelligence, I think this would probably be a real uphill battle for him. Tyson is skilled as a boxer. He is far more likely to experience fame, admiration and financial success through being a boxer than anything else. For additional actionable guidance, watch Seven Proven Strategies for Attorneys to Secure, Retain, and Advance in Legal Jobs, which covers practical strategies most attorneys overlook.

• For additional guidance on balancing salary expectations with career development, see The Hidden Costs of BigLaw.

 

You need to do the work you are good at and have the most talent for. If your current legal employer isn’t utilizing your strengths, it may make sense to switch jobs. Generally you will only advance when you are able to do the work you’re best at.

12. It Is Important to Take Care of Yourself and Look and Act Healthy

Very few people will tell you this, but how you look at work (your weight, health and dress) will have a direct impact on your success in any legal career. It sounds a bit cruel, and it sort of is, but it is true. For the most part, the most successful people at law firms and elsewhere are also the fittest. They take care of their bodies and look the best they can.  To complement this advice, watch Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating the Maze of Legal Job Search with Precision, where we provide actionable tips to advance your legal career with clarity and precision.

I am sometimes invited to CEO roundtables and other events. When I go to these events, I am always amazed that most of these men are very fit, slim and healthy-looking. For better or worse, I believe many people are advanced at least in part based on their fitness.

I spend my days looking at resumes. I often see attorney resumes that do not make a lot of sense. Someone may have gone to a less-than-stellar law school and not done that well there. Yet, they have had a succession of jobs at the very top law firms in the country. I would estimate that 95% of the time when I view these resumes, the person turns out to be extremely attractive and someone who has made a real effort to take care of themselves. Some lessons are best understood visually — watch our video on the difference between those who get hired and advance and those who do not to see these career insights in action.

No one is going to tell you that being overweight and not taking care of yourself will hold you back, but it will. You need to take the best care of yourself as you can. Almost all of the most successful people do. Supplement this advice with practical interview techniques from our video The Art of Interviewing.
 

• Above all, one timeless piece of advice is to focus on meeting the needs of others and building value, a perspective that differentiates thriving attorneys from those who struggle.

 

13. Your Career with a Given Law Firm May Depend on Having a Good Mentor There

In many law firms, you may have a very difficult time advancing unless you have a strong mentor. Mentors serve multiple purposes. They will lobby on your behalf, point you in the right direction, prevent you from going the wrong direction and can assist you in many other useful ways. One piece of advice reinforced by this list is the importance of choosing the strongest professional environment possible, a topic explored in depth in Why You Should Work with the Best Law Firm You Can as Long as You Can.

When you watch and observe your work environment, you may discover advancement is extremely difficult without a mentor. If you are in an environment where you cannot find a mentor, it often makes sense to leave.

When I was practicing law, I saw numerous attorneys who were advanced and made partner with the assistance of a good mentor. Similarly, I saw many other attorneys who were severely held back by not having good mentors. You should do everything you can to find a strong mentor.
 

• One need only look at Lathrop GPM LLP: Shaping Careers in Law and Beyond to see how practical guidance and mentorship translate into real career success.

14. If You Behave Poorly Outside of Work, Your Superiors Will Generally Learn About It

Many lawyers think they can behave poorly outside of work and it will not affect their jobs. This could not be further from the truth. Your personal behavior outside of work, if it is offensive enough, will generally get back to your law firm and affect you at work. One tip that often gets overlooked is understanding experience requirements—this video walks attorneys through how much attention to pay to job postings.

I have seen many attorneys lose jobs because of their behavior outside of the office. In some cases, this behavior was not even that bad but ended up upsetting the wrong people. You are a representative of your firm when you’re at work and when you’re not. If you behave in a way that reflects poorly on your firm, it can affect your job negatively.
 

• To dive deeper into resilience and long-term growth, see the Essential Q&A for Legal Career Success, which explores overcoming rejections with clarity.

 

15. Ask Your Superiors What They Think You Need to Improve at and Perfect It

Most lawyers are not great at every aspect of their jobs. You likely have some weaknesses. There is nothing wrong with having weaknesses. Everyone has them. If you have certain weaknesses, the smartest thing you can do is fix them. To strengthen your professional network, the Top 250 US Cities – Bar Associations & Job Boards Directory is an invaluable resource for finding the most active legal associations in any U.S. city.

When you address your weaknesses, you show your legal employer that you are interested in improving and taking your job seriously. Firms want people who are interested in improving and take their work extremely seriously. For new attorneys seeking foundational guidance at the very start of their careers, From Bar Exam to Offer Letter offers practical advice for securing your first position.

• One example of how these career dynamics play out in practice can be seen in Inside Winston & Strawn: A Comprehensive Look.

16. If You Are Not Engaged in Your Job, You Should Find a New One

You need to enjoy your work and what you are doing. If you do not enjoy your job, odds are good you are also not performing well. If you do not enjoy it, find a new job doing something you really like.

While many attorneys do their best at work even if they do not enjoy their jobs, you are rarely going to get ahead or have any sort of success doing work you do not like or enjoy. Lawyers have successful careers doing all sorts of things that no one would ever expect. You are going to be far better off doing something you really, truly enjoy rather than working at a job you are not happy doing. For attorneys weighing their next step, watch this video on simple ways to decide whether to continue at your firm to complement these career tips. Choosing the right job search strategy can influence your entire career trajectory — see our breakdown of how attorney placement compares to attorney recruiting to make an informed choice. For attorneys and law students looking to uncover less obvious strategies, our video The Seven Untapped Ways for Attorneys and Law Students to Find a Legal Job provides a concise guide to actionable methods beyond traditional advice.

• For a closer look at how these principles apply inside a top Am Law 100 firm, explore Seizing Career Opportunities at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.

 

17. If Your Law Firm Is Going Downhill, You Should Find a New Job

There are certain firms and organizations that are simply in trouble. Perhaps they have been mismanaged, they’re too heavily invested in a practice area that is shrinking, or they’re going out of business for one reason or another. You need to remember that other firms out there are still growing and moving forward. For a detailed analysis of how various specialties rank across the market, explore the Likely Ranking of Attorneys in Different Practice Areas guide.

To protect your legal career, invest your time and effort with legal employers who are growing (and not retreating). There are generally more opportunities (and there is more job security) with employers who are growing than those that are shrinking. One underappreciated tip is to consider multiple markets — this video Top 10 Reasons Attorneys Should Look at Multiple Markets in Their Job Search explains why this approach often leads to greater opportunities.

• One example of overlooked but powerful guidance comes from unlocking career success at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, which illustrates how firm culture impacts career longevity.

 

18. You Are Not a Fit for the Culture

You should always try and work in an environment where you fit in. If you do not fit in, you may find yourself denied promotions and held back from advancement opportunities. Conversely, when you do fit in, you could be advanced up the chain quite effortlessly. A practical complement to this advice is found in Never Say No: The Definitive Guide to Why Attorneys Should Accept Every Law Firm Interview.

It is extremely important that you go to work inside of firms where you fit in. If you feel like you do not fit in with your firm, you should find a firm or organization where you do.


One way to see these hidden lessons in action is through the insider’s career guide to Alston & Bird, which sheds light on firm culture and advancement strategies.
 

• Practical advice is best understood through examples, and Inside Day Pitney LLP: Exploring Employment Options in a Premier Law Firm offers an in-depth look at how firm culture and structured opportunities shape attorney success.

19. You Need to Always Be Improving

You can literally do whatever you want in your life and become the person you want to be if you never stop improving. The idea of constant improvement, of always getting better and better at what you do, is something that can change your life.

There are countless people out there who are very successful, yet they have refused to stop where they are. They continue to learn and improve and grow. You need to get better and better at what you do. If you have lost a job, make sure your next job is an even better one. You own your future. The past has already happened, but you can make the future whatever you want it to be. Who are you going to be? What are you going to achieve? To better understand the rarely discussed personal trait that drives lasting attorney success, watch this video: The Most Important Characteristic Attorneys Need to Succeed and Why It Is Almost Impossible for Them to Keep It.

• Among the lesser-discussed but vital aspects of career advancement is constructive evaluation — Transforming Performance Reviews explores how modern feedback models empower attorneys long-term.

20. Face Time Is Very Important

While most legal employers will not tell you this, face time is very important. When you are hired to work somewhere, you are being hired to be part of a group that works together. Your presence is important to the employer, regardless of whether they say so. When you are in the office, you are available for questions, collaborating with others and working within a team. Many attorneys miss crucial career lessons—our video on seven reasons attorneys fail to achieve success complements this advice with real-world examples.

Many legal employers will also assume you might be “goofing off” or not being focused if they do not see you in the office. In most jobs, if you want to get ahead, you’ll generally be better off if you spend much more time in the office than the people you are working for. Many of these career strategies align perfectly with insights from our video Why You Will Never Succeed at Practicing Law Until You Understand This One Thing, which highlights the single mindset shift that can dramatically accelerate your legal career.

After reading through these often-overlooked insights, it’s inspiring to revisit the core reasons why being a lawyer is worth it, especially for those rediscovering their passion for law.

• For attorneys seeking even more guidance, this in-depth success guide explores how deep skills and relationships cement a lasting career.

 

21. You Are a Product

Very few lawyers realize they are “products” that are bought, sold and used by employers. Because you are a product, you should always realize that you need to be the best possible product in the legal market. You are expendable and can generally be replaced. I have seen many firms let hordes of attorneys go because they wanted to replace them with better people. For attorneys ready to elevate those habits toward partnership readiness, the article Want to Make Partner? Learn the 10 Characteristics of Successful Associates explores the personality traits that consistently lead to partnership offers. One powerful piece of advice is to avoid long absences from practice — a concept explored in Why Attorneys Who Take Extended Breaks Risk Losing Their Careers.

• Another overlooked element of career growth is resilience; here are stress management strategies for attorneys that support long-term success.

 

You should always be aware that you can be replaced. You need to do your absolute best to stay on top of your job. You should never get complacent. If you do, your firm may choose to replace you. One piece of advice rarely discussed is avoiding the red flags firms use to screen out candidates — our companion video 23 Types of Lawyers Top Law Firms Refuse to Hire expands on this with vivid real-world examples. This video expands on a similar mindset shift by explaining why you should never worry about finding an attorney job and how opportunity is always available for attorneys who stay focused and prepared. As part of your career toolkit, our video Why You Should (and Should Not) Quit the Practice of Law offers practical guidance on making one of the most important career decisions.

• One overlooked truth is how central resilience is to success. This article on [overcoming rejection and turning setbacks into opportunities] explains why grit defines lasting careers. Among the best pieces of advice is persistence — the theme of Why an Attorney Should Never Give Up after Being Rejected from a Few (or Many) Law Firms, a motivating video that resonates with attorneys in transition.

Click here to contact Harrison

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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.

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.