This candidate also came off as very kind, grateful, poised, eloquent, well-spoken, detail-oriented and mature in her initial intake call with me, which really tilted the balance in her favor in terms of my decision to work with her. Sometimes, LLM candidates don't have a firm mastery of the English language, but this candidate was clearly fluent and had an extensive vocabulary in English. Also, if you get the sense that you might be a borderline candidate (which, I understand, is sometimes hard to tell), it can help to be kind to a Recruiter who is considering working with you. I always prefer to work with candidates who I like and who are kind to me, rather than entitled candidates with unrealistic expectations about their job search! This candidate was very kind and grateful, even for just my taking the time to speak with her initially, which helped to convince me to give her a shot.
The other thing that this candidate did right was approve all types of firms, from boutique to Big Law. She was willing to consider any American law firm of any size - she was currently working with an all-Chinese team and Chinese clients exclusively, so she really wanted to expand her practice and return to an American-centric practice and firm. We ended up submitting her to mostly Big Law firms, however, since General Corporate is one of those practice areas for which the openings are mostly at Big Law firms.
I also made sure to take the time to listen to and understand her story, to understand why she started at an American law firm in China post-LLM, why she moved to her current Chinese law firm in Silicon Valley and why she wanted to return to an American law firm, ideally a Big Law firm. A candidate like this will need the help of a thorough and detailed cover letter to explain her moves and her career trajectory. Not all Recruiters write cover letters, but I and my colleagues at BCG take the time to write very detailed and extensive cover letters, sometimes two to three pages long. I think that my cover letter really helped this candidate. Her resume alone may have made a different impression on firms, especially Big Law firms.
This candidate also did everything right in terms of extensively prepping for her phone screener and then for her callback interview with the firm that ended up hiring her. She researched all of the attorneys that interviewed her, their practices, their backgrounds, their clients and even watched YouTube videos on the firm and some of its attorneys (which she had found through her own prerogative). She took the time to come up with thoughtful and detailed questions for all of the attorneys that interviewed her. I think that her thoroughness, thoughtfulness and sincere interest in the firm and the position really came across in the interview. The best thing that a candidate like this can do for himself or herself is really prep for the interview, like this candidate did. I think that she really sold it in the interview.
This candidate received one interview from a top Am Law 100 firm in Silicon Valley, received an offer from the same firm (but with a two-year class year cut, which she was fine with) and accepted the offer, all in the span of just a month! She absolutely deserves this opportunity and I know that she will excel at her new firm home!
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.
