I was contacted by an attorney who was clerking for a federal judge (not an appellate or district judge) in a relatively small legal market. The candidate did not go to a top law school and, in fact, had never worked with a major law firm.
When I first spoke with the candidate, they declared to me “I am going to work in New York City.” Since the candidate was in the Western part of the United States, working in a small(er) town, did not go to a top law school, was not clerking for a top judge and had never worked in a top law firm, I told the candidate that they would not have much luck getting a position. To top it off, the candidate was also in a very slow practice area (bankruptcy) that was not doing well at all in New York – there were just not a lot of positions. In fact, I told the candidate it would be a near impossibility for them to get a position in New York City with a major law firm.
“You have to look at it from the firm’s point of view,” I told the candidate. “They would much prefer to hire someone local, from a top law school and law firm. You do not have any of the characteristics a major law firm seeks—and you come with the added baggage of not coming from a large law firm.”
“I do not care,” the candidate told me. “I am relocating to New York City, and that is what I am going to do.”
The candidate filled out a candidate questionnaire with BCG Attorney Search, and the questionnaire was inspiring. They talked about how they were motivated, practicing law was their dream, how they had been a star athlete, how they loved helping others and volunteering and quoted reviews and other positive things that others had said about them. The candidate was enthused and someone excited about going after the things they wanted. They had even committed to memory their goal: By the end of this year, I will be an associate at a law firm in NYC working on corporate restructuring matters, commercial litigation, real estate, and private equity. This was something that they repeated to themselves daily.
Despite my reservations, I had rarely seen someone so motivated who wanted to work in a law firm, or go to New York, so badly. I also knew from experience that if someone is motivated enough to do something they usually succeed.
Since the candidate was a clerk, it was not essential that they apply only to firms with active openings. I researched firms with strong bankruptcy practices that had former bankruptcy clerks in them, that were national in scope and that had growing bankruptcy practices. I created a list of approximately 50 firms that were good targets and began calling and contacting these firms to tell them about my candidate.
Despite a very slow market, I was able to get a few of the firms to agree to speak with my candidate. Both firms did not have openings, and each agreed to speak with the candidate simply because she sounded so motivated, passionate and eager to succeed.
I drafted a cover letter for the interviewers that discussed the candidate’s strong motivation, desire to work in New York City and the historical pattern of achievement. One thing this candidate had, that law firms love, is they were trying to improve themselves. They wanted to rise, and moving was something that would fulfill this motivation. Law firms like this because it shows that a person will take their position seriously and work hard. It shows they want what the law firm has and will not be “jaded” when they arrive at the law firm.
Despite having a record that would never have indicated being able to work in a major New York City law firm, the candidate ultimately got an offer and moved to New York when their clerkship ended. The candidate impressed the interviewer who ultimately believed this person belonged in a major law firm. The law firm paid a clerkship bonus and moving expenses to the candidate. It surprised even me though I was glad for the candidate’s success.
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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.
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.
