Conversely, associates who have moved around a lot, jumping from firm to firm, raise a red flag for prospective employers. More than one move on the resume signals that the candidate may not get along with others, has trouble getting assignments, doesn't do good work, dislikes the practice of law, is restless and thinks they are above the work or should make more money, or has any number of other issues that make the candidate a weak associate for a prospective firm.
If you have a lot of moves on your resume, you need to work with your recruiter to come up with a narrative that addresses the reasons for your moves, reasons that are justified and make sense to a hiring partner. Ultimately, candidates must make a business case for why the partner and firm should hire them. Specifically, will the candidate work hard, produce great work for the firm, make money for the firm, and exceed partner and client expectations?
One of the best reasons to make a career move is geographic. The desire to relocate to another city is a great excuse to look for another job. This is particularly true if the candidate has a good reason to relocate. A desire to move home or be closer to family is a great reason to move. Another good reason might be that the candidate's practice area is stronger in the new market, so much so that the hiring partner appreciates the desire to move into this market.
Here, the candidate had several years of experience with a top boutique firm, where he was also a summer associate. He had a great relationship with his firm. He exceeded his firm's billable hour requirement, received stellar reviews from the partners he worked with, and was even sent abroad to work with clients overseas and help develop business. He also had a great educational background that was a perfect match for the new firm's practice. He had a great reason for wanting to move - he and his wife had recently started a family and wanted to be closer to their extended family.
This candidate also stood out to firms because he clearly got along well with his coworkers and clients. He had started developing client relationships early in his career and his current firm was clearly grooming him to eventually make partner. He also had specialized experience in a bust practice area in the new region.
Here the partners moved quickly after receiving the candidate's application materials. Since applying for the job, this candidate had been assigned to work in a foreign office with his current firm. This made it difficult to conduct an in-person interview. Fortunately, the hiring partners were so impressed by this candidate's resume that they interviewed him on the phone while he was waiting in the airport for his plane to his foreign assignment. They then scheduled a video interview for the second round and made him an offer to join the firm without meeting him in person. He joined the firm when he finished his foreign assignment and found the perfect fit for his long-term career goals.
A few of take-aways from this case study: 1) Law firm partners want to hire loyal associates who take pride in the work they do for the firm. Consider your law firm moves carefully, keeping long term goals in mind; 2) Show prospective firms your value by exceeding your firm's billable hour requirement and building great relationships with your partners and clients; 3) Be flexible when firms invite you for interviews and do everything in your power to make the interview happen, even if it means taking an interview from the airport or conducting late night Skype interview.
This search demonstrates that law firm partners are impressed by loyal go-getters.
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.
