I recently worked with and placed a Las Vegas candidate with an unusual background. He attended a Top 20 law school, earning a JD and an LLM in Tax. He also attended a well-regarded undergraduate university, graduating with a B.A. in Economics and International Studies (Economics is known to be a difficult major). He summered at the Las Vegas office of a multi-office, well-respected national firm, and ended up joining the firm post-graduation from law school as a real estate, construction (transactional), finance and general corporate associate. He was with the firm for a year before he was let go for failing the NV bar two times. At that point, he joined a small firm, at which his practice focused on criminal defense and civil litigation, and he was at the firm for a year before lateraling to his current firm, at which he has been for less than a year. His current practice focuses on insurance defense.
This candidate, at first blush, looks like a candidate that a Recruiter couldn't possibly place. He 1) failed the NV bar twice, only passing on his third attempt, 2) has been at three different firms in only three years, and is looking to lateral to his fourth and 3) he has a very mixed practice, including real estate and general transactional, criminal defense, civil litigation and insurance defense. I believe that I would have had difficulty getting traction for this candidate in a major market, where there are many highly-qualified candidates applying for most elite boutique, mid-sized and Big Law firm positions. However, Las Vegas is a small market, and it is difficult for firms in this market to find qualified candidates. I think that his strong points are and were his academic credentials (the schools that he went to), his LLM in Taxation (this is a unique and desirable skill set) and his summer and year spent at a well-regarded national firm doing sophisticated transactional work.
Interestingly enough, I ended up getting this candidate interviews in very different practice areas, despite marketing and submitting him as a litigation associate candidate. His first interview was with an elite boutique firm in Vegas that liked his transactional experience and especially his LLM in tax. This firm would have hired him but for Covid (transactional work has since dried up across the country). They loved him and wanted to give him the offer, but they simply didn't have the work for him a few months after Covid got bad / a few months after they interviewed him. He also got an interview with two firms for insurance defense (a natural fit given his current practice). And lastly, he got an interview with a well-respected local firm, for their Trusts & Estates / estate planning for high net worth individuals group.
He ended up getting the offer and accepting with one of the two insurance defense firms, but this firm is a multi-office firm with a more sophisticated insurance defense practice than his current firm. He really liked that the Las Vegas office of this firm was very young - everyone was in their 30s and 40s. The base salary was very close to what he currently makes, but the billable hours are very reasonable and it is an upwards lateral move for him, due to the size of the firm and the sophistication of the practice. He is very excited about the opportunity with this firm, and I couldn't be happier for him!
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.
