This candidate was fantastic - he went to one of the top law schools in the world and was extremely easy to talk to, very articulate, and wicked smart. The candidate also was at on the of top firms in the world -- a really well known Vault 10 top firm. So it feels like the search for this candidate would be easy, but as this candidate recognized, they were very senior at this point - having graduated from law school 12 years prior. Moreover, the title was still Associate and he would love to have moved up in title at this point, one of the reasons he was looking.
Despite fantastic schooling and a fantastic personality and a fantastic job, it can be very very difficult to get a new lateral opportunity at a big firm once 12 years out with no business. Despite the fact the big law model encourages service attorneys and does not support business development always in younger attorneys but simply wants them to work on institutional clients, firms at the same time do not seem to understand why people do not have larger books of business. And the lateral market for someone 10 years out of law school requires this. The bump to Counsel title is also extremely rare- we work with many attorneys who are looking for and expect a counsel title, but at the end of the day, they realize that the reality of a lateral search is that you would have to be okay with a likely class year cut and an associate title to land a new job.
This candidate, however, managed to pull of the extremely tricky task of getting a firm to make a Counsel level offer. We applied him to many firms in his major market (another issue since he was not in a regional market, but looking in one of the top markets without businenss). In the end, he landed one interview. This is typical - for senior level attorneys with no business, especially in litigation, it can be difficult to land any interviews in big law, but he managed to do so through my connections and help and the firm told me that the cover letter I wrote was the best they had ever received and made a difference in interviewing him.
He is a superstar and once he got in the door, he sold himself and the firm was enamored by him, and knew that he was as fantastic as his credentials. He was taking a salary cut, since despite being big law, it was not market scale at this firm, and this was something he was totally fine with and understood was likely in a job switch. He, however, was really set on wanting Counsel which can usually be a deal breaker, but this firm was willing to do that for him to land him.
He took the job, and was so thrilled, and now this firm encourages development of business, and he is excited to start growing his book with a really solid named firm under his belt.
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.
