Talented (but unemployed) Real Estate Attorney Placed in NYC Boutique | BCGSearch.com

Talented (but unemployed) Real Estate Attorney Placed in NYC Boutique

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2020 started as a promising year, but we soon found ourselves in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and the furloughs and lay-offs ensued. Adding insult to injury, the hiring market in the Northeast started to dwindle. But even during a pandemic, and arguable even more so during a pandemic, niche practice areas start to stand out, probably because the generalist positions start to fade. Generally speaking, real sstate is an area that does not fare well during an economic slowdown. However, niche real estate practices, like land use/zoning/ tax credits do remain steady and active.


My first candidate placement of 2020 is an example this. In terms of his background, this candidate attended a regional (low-ranked) law school, but had received a merit based Dean's Scholarship. He had also performed very well in law school. For undergrad, he attended college in the mid-west where he graduated summa cum laude and where he played Division I Ice Hockey. I find that firms appreciate candidates that have participated in collegiate sports as they see it as a positive team building and character development activity.
 
This candidate started his career as a document reviewer attorney, but quickly transitioned to a sophisticated real estate boutique in New York City that predominate represented developers. When I started working with him he had been with an AmLaw firm for two years as an associate in the Real Estate Group. While some of his practice was general real estate law, including typical real estate acquisitions, real estate dispositions and development of public and private property, the majority of his practice was very specialized and included property tax issues, property tax exemptions or abatement benefits, housing programs, using governmental financing though low-income housing tax credits, etc. It was this particular niche that initiated interest in this candidate.
 
This candidate was barred in both New York and New Jersey, and he was a licensed real estate broker.
 
The challenge with this candidate was that although he was working at an AmLaw firm, doing well, billing over 2000 hours, and making good money, he wasn't happy at the firm and had decided to quit. Working with unemployed candidates is already a challenge, but explaining a resignation, even if it occurred on good terms, is even more difficult because law firms understandably don't like people who quit - at anything.
 
I started working with this candidate in early January, right before the pandemic started. I had already been working on a search for a client law firm, so when I spoke to this candidate and heard about his experience and what he was looking for, I immediately thought he would be a good fit for our client.
 
The client was a boutique real estate firm in New York City that had a practice group focusing on tax incentives and affordable housing. They were looking for a mid to senior level associate to work closely with the head partner of the firm.
 
I was right! The candidate had heard of the firm and was absolutely excited to be presented to them. The firm reviewed his materials (which included a resume, a cover letter, law school transcripts and a writing sample) and invited him for an interview. We prepared for the interview, and we discussed how to explain his recent departure from the AmLaw firm, as this was a tricky issue to address. The candidate did well on his initial interview, and he was invited for a second round of interviews. The candidate finally received an offer at the end of the month. The offer came in at $200K + bonus, which was competitive, and the candidate accepted.
 
This was an unusual placement, but is an example of how narrowing in on a practice group and becoming an expert on a particular subject matter, instead of being a generalist, can help you stand out amongst the rest of the pack. Also, this placement shows how working with a recruiter who understands what a client firm is really looking for in a candidate is extremely helpful in a job search. Here the fact that the candidate was unemployed faded in the background because of his strengths elsewhere and my zealous representation of his positive attributes.
 
The firm was very excited to have him join them, and this client has trusted BCG with additional searches. I am excited for this candidate, and I know that he will do very well in the future!


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.
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