This candidate was, I think, the latter. He came to us in the Fall of 2018, and was interested in making a move from CA to Portland, but because his wife also needed to find a job in Portland, he wasn't ready to start the search full steam ahead. He was actually a referral from a candidate that one of my colleagues had placed, which is always great for a Recruiter, because it means that we made a favorable enough impression on our candidate that they are willing to recommend us to their friends and colleagues. I also find that referral candidates generally tend to be stronger candidates. Between the Fall of 2018 and March of 2019, my colleague left our company for an in-house opportunity, and I was passed along this candidate's profile. He's a dream candidate – Class of 2016, Big Law, looking to move markets and settle down in the new market long term (a great reason to make a lateral firm move without raising any flight risk eyebrows at firms), moving to Portland, a small market that has trouble finding great candidates with serious ties to the market, real estate transactional / finance (a very marketable practice area), and to top it all off, the nicest guy in the world. I reached out to him about potentially making a move to Portland, and I didn't hear back from him for a couple of weeks, and then one day, out of the blue, he calls me and tells me that he's very ready and eager to get his Portland search started. Such a great day for a Recruiter!
This candidate was also a dream because he trusted me to apply him to basically every strong firm that does real estate transactional / finance in the Portland market, including firms that didn't have a posted opening. While I normally research the best firms for my candidate's practice, especially when they are interested in applying opportunistically, this candidate sent me a list of firms that he wanted me to apply him to, so he made my job very easy. I sent him out to 22 firms in Portland in mid-March. Unsurprisingly, a Big Law firm that has a big presence in the Pacific Northwest and a small to mid-sized firm both reached out wanting to interview him. I wasn't sure how quickly he would get traction, simply because Portland is a small market, his practice area is quite niche (so there aren't a ton of openings), and he doesn't have the OR bar. I really wasn't sure how the latter would play out, but I was hoping that with his stellar credentials, great firms wouldn't care, and indeed they did not!
I ended up placing this candidate at the end of March, within two and a half weeks of submitting him. Both firms that interviewed him moved fast, because he's such a stellar candidate and because his wife already has a job lined up in Portland, and the family is planning on moving there in mid-April.
This candidate seemed very happy with how quickly things moved, and with the two firms that ended up giving him an Offer. He accepted one of the two offers within 24 hours of receiving it, and seems very excited for the opportunity. He tells me: "Amazing! You really are the best! I will be writing a fantastic review / reference / etc., as you absolutely deserve it!" Great candidates like him who are as kind and grateful as they come make me so happy to do this job!
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.
