This candidate had completed a summer associateship after his 2L year with a highly-regarded, U.S. News & World Report-ranked law firm in the area performing sophisticated defense-side litigation (drafting legal memoranda and reviewing documents produced in discovery). He had received an offer for full-time employment upon graduation, but realized that he truly remained drawn to the plaintiffs' side of the law. He made the difficult decision to forego the opportunity with his clerkship firm, and upon graduation, sought out and joined the team of a well-known plaintiff side labor and employment practice in the same town, where he began focusing on representing plaintiffs in cases involving breach of employment contracts and race, gender, and age discrimination.
This candidate came to BCG after about 7 months of practicing post-graduation. While he was performing very well at his firm and receiving great reviews, he realized that he was seeking a better cultural fit for his practice. He had not had the opportunity to work with his current firm as a clerk prior to joining full-time, and while he remained passionate about the work he was doing, he felt there may be an opportunity to continue his career in a different environment. He did not want to give up on the prospect of performing on the plaintiff's side of the law, but was also open to a practice that would reflect a mix of plaintiff and defense-side work if an opportunity presented itself. BCG desired to honor this candidate's wishes for the future of his practice. While recruiting agencies traditionally perform most of their work with defense-side firms, BCG performed outreach to many plaintiff-focused firms in this candidate's geography and felt confident that the candidate's stellar credentials and work ethic combined with his true passion for the type of practice he was cultivating would pose a meaningful value proposition. Indeed, this candidate received multiple interview requests from various types of firms - both mid-sized and small.
This candidate ultimately received multiple offers from firms to which BCG had introduced him. One such offer stood out - it was with a highly-regarded and U.S. News & World Report-ranked firm that performed sophisticated work and was incredibly impressed by this candidate and the skillset he had to offer. While this firm performed much defense-side work, it had prominent attorneys also performing meaningful plaintiff-side labor and employment work, and respected and appreciated the fact that this candidate desired to do the same. The opportunity felt like a perfect fit for this candidate, and he was incredibly excited to be able to pivot his career so shortly after graduating and with a wonderful new firm. He is able to continue to work in an area about which he is truly passionate, and BCG was honored to be involved in the process!
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.
