I reached out to this candidate in the fall of 2019, because BCG was working with a small firm in the San Francisco Bay Area that was looking for a junior litigator. I liked the look of this candidate on paper: he had attended great schools, and he was class of 2018, so he wasn't too senior yet for the position I had in mind. The candidate got back to me right away, and after we talked, I knew I was right and that he was a great candidate.
This candidate went to a highly ranked state school for undergrad on a full (merit) scholarship, did extremely well there in a hard science major, and then attended a law school ranked in the top 5 law schools. His academic success continued in law school. This was a candidate who could have gone to a BigLaw firm if he'd wanted to, but instead he took a job with a District Attorney's office in Northern California. This decision wasn't ideal, because some firms can be somewhat rigid about what sorts of backgrounds they want to see in potential associates, but I hoped that this candidate was impressive enough that his stint at the District Attorney's office wouldn't work against him. He also gained great experience at the District Attorney's office that I was able to discuss in his cover letter.
It also helped that this candidate then moved from the District Attorney's office to a small but well respected firm in the Bay Area, so he had firm experience. He hadn't spent long at this firm, but he had gained experience both in writing and in arguing motions and defending depositions. I was also a little worried because this candidate had actually left that firm before I first spoke with him, and he was unemployed. But he had not been unemployed for long, and he had a fairly good reason for having left the firm.
I thought this candidate was strong enough that it made sense to submit him to more firm that just the initial firm I had targeted him for. So, over a two-month period, I submitted the candidate to more than thirty firms in both the Bay Area and the Los Angeles area (he had ties to both locations). The candidate received invitations to interview at a number of places - including the first firm that I was initially targeting. At that firm, the candidate was fairly quickly called back for a second-round interview, and asked to do a writing assessment. All was looking pretty good, and we both expected an offer - and then the firm told us that while they had liked the candidate a lot, they had hired someone else.
The candidate and I were both disappointed, but I thanked the firm for their time and we continued to submit the candidate elsewhere. He went on several more interviews, and even received an offer at a small LA-area firm, when I received a surprising email: the first firm--that is, the firm that had already passed on him--wanted to extend an offer to the candidate! Moreover, I had told this firm months before that the candidate wanted a base salary of $120k, and that is exactly what they offered.
The candidate and I were both thrilled. He accepted and started at the firm less than a week later.
This situation was obviously very unusual - I've never had a firm pass on a candidate and then later change its mind - but I credit this candidate for continuing to work hard on his search with me and staying positive about the outlook of his job search. It's an important reminder that anything can happen during a job search!
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.
