It goes without saying that it is difficult to make partner at a large law firm. Most firms require significant books of business to even consider an attorney as a partner. The most prestigious firms require at least $1.5 million in business for partnership, and some of the top Am Law firms require as much as $3 million to consider someone for equity partner. Smaller and mid-sized firms typically require at least $500,000 in business. These are big numbers, especially in a slow economy. And, for all that business, the payout to partners is not always that high. Big firm partners can expect to make about a third of what they bring into the firm.
There are many advantages to non-traditional firms. In many ways, attorneys at non-traditional firms are their own boss. They have much more autonomy to do what they want and less bureaucracy to deal with than they would at a traditional law firm. They can have a work-life balance that is unheard of in more conventional legal environments, where attorneys answer to others and are at the whim of the firm. Compensation is collections based, so attorneys can make as much or as little as they would like. Non-traditional firms have much lower overhead expenses than large law firms, so the percentage of collections that goes to the attorney is much higher than average, typically at least 65%. These firms will consider attorneys with a small to moderate book of business and provide a platform for business development. They have fewer clients, so it is easier to get through a conflict check. They also provide many of the benefits of a large law firm, including a team with which to collaborate, support staff and associates, marketing, and firm benefits such as insurance, 401k, and an expense account.
Of course, there are also drawbacks to non-traditional firms. Sometimes attorneys leave large law firms because they do not play well with others and have a tough time getting along with their coworkers. As a result, some non-traditional firms can become an island of misfit toys. Another drawback is that non-traditional firms often have a small platform, so it is harder to cross sell business in other practice areas. They also lack a large bench of associates to delegate work to. It is important to consider all the costs and benefits of a non-traditional firm when making a move. Here the candidate had over twenty years of experience and a moderate book of business. He had moved firms several times in the last few years, in part because he did not have enough business to keep him busy at a large firm. Many large firms look for experienced attorneys who can help them staff associates on projects. This candidate simply did not have that much work. After multiple moves and a lot of searching, this candidate was looking for a place where he could settle down long term.
This candidate had an amazing work history and broad experience in corporate law. He had worked with some of the top firms in the country, making it to counsel level with three of them. He has advised clients in through all stages of the business cycle, including major transactions and day-to-day legal needs. His focus includes corporate governance, capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, strategic transactions, and commercial contracts. He also has extensive experience drafting and negotiating transactions for private equity sponsors and portfolio companies. He is well-versed in representing lenders, borrowers, and financial institutions in complex deal structures. This diverse experience made the candidate a perfect choice for a nontraditional firm. The candidate had the expertise to help clients in a wide variety of corporate matters and the credentials to give clients peace of mind that he knew what he was doing.
This candidate is also very well-liked by his clients and colleagues. He is considered an expert in his field and was recognized by his law school with various awards. He is a frequent speaker and writer, which gives him a great platform for business development. He also knew several attorneys at the firm where I placed him because they went to law school together. He knew it was a great cultural fit.
I had never worked with the firm where I placed this candidate. I sent them another candidate's resume and they told me that they were looking to grow during the pandemic. They had office space available and a business plan for growing during lean times. The head of the firm quickly scheduled an interview with the candidate. The candidate was not sure he wanted to join the firm right away because he had some matters to finish up at the big firm where he was working. However, they continued to talk and eventually he accepted the offer to join the firm. It is a great fit for him because he has a modest book of business that he would like to grow. The firm will provide a great platform for him to do that. And he is excited to work with someone he knows and likes. A couple of take-aways from this case study: 1) Non-traditional firms are a great career option for experienced attorneys; 2) firms are hiring during the pandemic; 3) it is important to work with people you like.
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration Law
- Workers Compensation
- Insurance
- Family Law
- Trust and Estate
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
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.
