Despite how well credentialed and really amazing he is, and what he has been spending years and years doing prior, it is often difficult to understand how hard a return to law firms can be after spending some time away. He was very senior at this point, and had been away from a law firm for many years. He had been working in law and putting significant time in the related niche practice area touching on international arbitration, but even that experience is not often valued by firms the way it should be, whether fairly or not. The search, despite his credentials, would not be easy, especially since at the beginning of the search he was still living abroad.
But this attorney did what he needed to do - he had many connections, but instead of just sending resumes to them and making it so BCG would then not re-apply him, he understood that we market him in a way that is extremely important and make sure his resume gets seen by the right people.
Although, ultimately, the partners decide whether to interview, we do all we can to make sure the decision is made by the right partners and that he is marketed in the strongest way. We recommend that if you have connections at a firm, that you always use them solely as support and not as the place to drop your resume, since more often than not all that results is an awkward situation where the attorney at the firm is not able to go to bat for you, or a courtesy interview since it was not reviewed by the correct HR and partners. This attorney understood this and we coordinated together to use our marketing and some references internally to support our application to garner interest.
He also understood that despite his seniority and impressive experience - a counsel title was not realistic in big law after leaving for so long in public service. Although this does not mean it is impossible it is just not a very likely scenario. He was open to an associate role at a top firm, and realistic about what it takes to get there.
He was a one of a kind candidate and I am so thrilled that he ultimately landed an amazing opportunity as an associate at a top firm. He did what he had to do to break back into big law, and listened to BCG's advice, and as a result, he was successful when many other senior attorneys are not.
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.
