This candidate had a unique path to becoming a successful and competitive lateral corporate associate candidate. She had worked as a summer associate during law school with a regionally ranked boutique transactional firm, but after taking a clinic with the state attorney's office during law school, she decided to pursue that path upon graduation. She became an Assistant Public Defender, managing a high-volume caseload for 3 years. However, she ultimately realized this wasn't her long term calling, and decided to reach back out to the firm she had clerked with during law school. They said they would love for her to come back, and so she returned to the firm and began her career as a corporate associate.
When BCG began working with this candidate, she had been in private practice for almost four (4) years. She had become a highly valued associate who was given great responsibility in her role. She spent the majority of her time involved in M&A transactions ranging from $1M to over $100M, and in various industries and sectors. She had put together an impressive representative transactions list of deals in which she had taken a pivotal role. When not performing M&A work, she performed various other transactional responsibilities including in the corporate governance, private equity, and commercial agreement spaces.
This candidate enjoyed the work she was performing, as well as her law firm and her colleagues. However, she had never ventured outside of her home state, and also believed that she had room to grow professionally with a potentially larger, more full service/ national firm. She decided that she wanted to take the opportunity to spread her wings and pursue a move to Colorado where she had friends who loved living there and where the robust but congenial legal market appealed to her. She garnered interest from multiple AmLaw firms right away, and was able to capitalize on a visit for multiple interviews. Despite her unique career trajectory, this candidate was highly marketable given the state of the economy/ demand for corporate attorneys, and the solid mid-level range of expertise she had gained since entering private practice. She had also been committed to her current firm for four years, and would be able to provide strong references upon her departure.
This candidate received an offer at the Denver office of a Vault Law 100 firm that was very excited about her skillset and fit for the firm. She was able to make a highly desirable geographic move, increase her salary substantially, and transition from a regional, boutique firm to the local offices of a national, AmLaw 100 firm performing highly sophisticated corporate and M&A work. It felt like the perfect opportunity for her to get a fresh start in a new city and with a new firm while continuing to build her transactional legal career. The firm was very excited to have her and she is very happy there!
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.
