Between the time of his summer associateship and full-time employment, the firm underwent significant changes. His mentor had left the firm, and began recruiting this candidate away as well. Our candidate ultimately agreed to make the move to another firm, and joined a prestigious midsized management-side labor and employment law specialty firm that was formed by former attorneys from DLA Piper's employment practice group. With this new firm for three years, he worked as the primary associate for many of the firm's clients that included some of the largest employers in Southern California. His experience included wage and hour class actions ranging in potential exposure from several hundred thousand dollars, to over $12 million; a class action based on alleged improper non-competition agreements against one of the nation's largest staffing companies; a class action against a Fortune 500 technology company filed by a leading Southern California plaintiffs' class action firm; a multi-plaintiff wage and hour matter against a large health care company; and a multimillion-dollar breach of contract matter between two large biotech companies regarding breach of a collaboration agreement.
Ultimately, this candidate and a colleague decided to take a leap of faith and begin their own employment litigation and trial law firm, which this candidate jointly managed for close to 9 years and worked at the time he approached BCG. His firm was an employment litigation and trial law firm representing primarily employees in civil cases in California state and federal courts across a wide range of industries. His primary areas of practice included disability and other forms of employment discrimination, FMLA and medical leaves of absence, sexual harassment, wage and hour, whistleblower retaliation, breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, and review of severance agreements and other contracts. In this role, our candidate served as lead or co-lead counsel at over 75 private mediations and judicial settlement conferences before state and federal judges; prepared clients and witnesses for deposition and took and/or defended over 100 depositions in employment lawsuits; drafted and reviewed hundreds of contracts, including severance agreements involving C-level executives, non-disclosure agreements, complex and class action settlement agreements, confidential and proprietary information agreements, and individual settlement agreements; gained extensive experience in negotiating settlement agreements involving EPLI and general liability insurance coverage; and gained extensive legal research, motion writing, and oral argument experience, including drafting and arguing numerous motions for summary judgment and other key motions in both state and federal court.
Our candidate received many referrals and had built a strong reputation as one of the best employment litigators in town. However, he and his family had realized over time that they ultimately desired to return to Boise, where our candidate grew up and still had many connections. He reached out to BCG to help understand what the market would look like for someone with his unique background in solo/ small firm practice, and for the prospect of returning to a national, defense-side firm. Despite this candidate's seniority and practice on the plaintiff's side of labor and employment for many years, BCG recognized that the market for labor and employment expertise was particularly active during the winter and spring of 2020 (when COVID-19 swept the nation).
Additionally, this candidate's passion for and proven ability to build his own practice would be seen as a valuable asset on either the plaintiff's or defense side of the legal practice. Additionally, ties to regional markets like those in Idaho are always very meaningful, as firms search for individuals that will truly commit to moving to and staying in the area long term.
We were able to help this candidate gain interest at a national, AmLaw firm, who was impressed by his background and work ethic. They began a dialogue in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, and while the uncertain times persisted, the firm ultimately determined that this candidate would be an incredible asset to their team - both in Idaho and nationally, remotely, as well. Our candidate was incredibly honored to receive an offer from the firm, and looks forward to a long career trajectory re-establishing himself in the defense labor and employment space. We were incredibly honored to help this firm and candidate find each other in uncertain times, and are very happy with the outcome!
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.
