He came to us at a crossroads, as most attorneys do. Always quick on his feet and instinctively drawn to the courtroom, after he graduated from law school he had joined the district attorney's office in a major metropolitan area. He spent several years there - not only prosecuting cases and doing trial work - but also working on appeals in the appellate division. He had even worked on cases of first impression and in the high court of the state. The work was stimulating and important, but after several years in the trenches he decided that a career in civil litigation might be a better fit for the long-term.
He "bridged" the gap for a year by clerking for a federal magistrate judge, as magistrate judges handle both criminal and civil matters. Interestingly, magistrate judges handle criminal matters like search warrants, arrest warrants, bail hearings and preliminary hearings. On the civil side, magistrate judges also handle discovery and pre-trial matters, write reports and recommendations about dispositive matters, and sometimes even preside over jury and bench trials. When his clerkship ended, this candidate contacted BCG for help in taking the next step into the civil arena.
I connected with this candidate immediately. I liked his energy, intellectual curiosity, and strong work ethic. I liked that he had followed his heart and served the public. I liked that he was brave enough to do trials but also stay at the top of his game in legal research and writing by taking on the toughest appeals and burning the midnight oil to leave no cite unchecked. I liked that he had gone to an HBCU and participated in BLSA and other beneficial organizations while at his Top-10 law school. He had also interned for a congressman and did additional legislative work for a worthy cause. He had multiple references from all of his jobs and even law school professors ready to go, which is also very helpful in lending credibility to a candidate. This was someone I could get behind, even though I knew what he was trying to do was challenging!
Making a legal placement is a team effort. My part was to help this candidate think broadly and provide him with as many possibilities as I could, as I did not know what would eventually be the match. This meant I had to research possible firms and opportunities on a weekly basis and send them to the candidate. I also needed to help firms understand that many of the skills he cultivated in the DA's office and clerkship were transferable to a civil litigation context. For example, this includes research and writing, attention to detail, understanding the rules of evidence, and, as a law clerk, seeing various civil matters like discovery disputes and motion practice.
The candidate's part was to stay motivated, optimistic and open-minded, approve the firms I sent him, and be as responsive as possible to the process. He definitely did his part. He stayed open minded when I suggested different markets where I thought he could be placed and he always immediately reviewed the firms I sent him. He approved almost all of the firms and he did so quickly. One of the problems that can derail a job search is if the candidate gets discouraged and throws in the towel because something does not work out right away. But that did not happen with this candidate. He stayed focused and excited throughout the process.
We each came through on our team effort. After just a few months he landed a position working on class action cases. It was a great fit and tapped into his strengths of research and writing, his desire to use his law degree in a socially impactful manner, and his goal of one day making his opening and closing statements to juries sitting in civil courtrooms. The lessons from this placement is that you can make the switch from criminal to civil law, so long as you can show a solid track record of achievement, make a convincing argument as to how your skill set is transferable, and be open to a variety of opportunities and markets to make the next step.
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.
