It is especially important to share your resume with us if you are in a niche practice area that is not always busy, or if you are interested in in-house openings that do not come along very often. I have placed several candidates who submitted their resume to BCG in the past and were still open to new opportunities when the right job came along. Additionally, we often hear of jobs with firms that candidates would not identify on their own.
We were recently contacted by a small immigration boutique that concentrates its practice on family-based immigration petitions, primarily for Spanish speakers. This firm practices a very specific and complicated form of immigration law, unlike larger law firms that handle business based immigration petitions, which require less direct immigration experience. This firm was looking for a junior attorney who was fluent in Spanish, who had some experience in family-based immigration. They were willing to consider candidates from any region and offered a competitive salary and relocation expenses. Their main priority was finding someone with experience and a genuine interest in the practice area, who would be great with candidates and could handle cases on their own.
Fortunately, I found the perfect candidate for the firm very quickly after starting the search. I searched our files for an immigration attorney who was fluent in Spanish. I identified several potential candidates for the firm, including the associate I ultimately placed with the firm. At the time, he was working as a solo practitioner handling immigration cases in another jurisdiction. He was the son of immigrants and had a passion for immigration work. He was committed to the practice area and loved the idea of joining an established and busy immigration practice in a major city.
After getting the candidate's permission to submit him to the firm and helping him revise his resume to make it as strong as possible for the opportunity, I submitted him for consideration. The firm moved very quickly on his application. They set up a call with him almost immediately and flew him down for an in-person interview right after that. They quickly realized that my candidate was a perfect fit for what they were looking for, based on both his personality and experience. They gave him a competitive offer, which he was happy to accept. The candidate started with the firm shortly after that. It was a happy result for both the candidate and the law firm. He has helped them tremendously by taking the lead with clients from the start and assisting the named partner with his case load.
A few of take-aways from this case study: 1) Don't be afraid to share your resume with BCG Search, even if there are no current openings in your region or practice area. We maintain confidential files and will reach out to you if we see a job posting or receive a search for someone with your experience; 2) Seize job opportunities when they come along and don't hesitate to apply to active job searches when a firm has an urgent need for someone with your qualifications; 3) BCG is always adding jobs to our database and frequently receives job orders from firms, both large and small; 4) Don't underestimate small boutiques; they often offer more opportunities for meaningful legal work and often pay competitive salaries and benefits; 5) Focus your career on a specific practice area and know what makes you a strong candidate for specific job openings.
This search demonstrates that small firms work with recruiters for niche searches and often move very quickly to give candidates competitive offers that they will accept.
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.
