In terms of this candidate's academic credentials and experience, she attended a small, no-name private school for her undergraduate studies, graduating in 1997, and a relatively low-ranked law school in the Bay Area, graduating in 2002. She was not in the top of her class in either college or law school. Her strong suit and selling point is her experience. She worked at one mid-sized, California based law firm from 2002 through 2017, for 15 years (!), specializing in products liability and risk. In 2017, her firm wound down and closed shop, and at that point, I helped her to lateral to a small boutique litigation firm in SF. She was only with this firm for about a year before she wanted to make a move again, as she felt that some of the senior male partners at the firm were old-school and favored men when assigning work. I helped her make a move to her current firm, another boutique litigation firm in the East Bay, where she specializes in motorcycle recall litigation, premises liability, PI, property / habitability and construction matters venued throughout CA. She was looking to move yet again because her firm has been struggling during the pandemic, her hours have been low and she is afraid that the firm will fold just like her first firm did. Despite this candidate's academic credentials being average if not below average, and despite the fact that she doesn't have any really big law firms on her resume, she has really proven herself through the trial experience that she has obtained over the years. She has done everything up to trial, in terms of pre-litigation, and has second chaired numerous trials. It is surprisingly hard for firms of all sizes to find attorneys with strong trial experience, and I think that this is why she has had so much success in making lateral firm moves, even multiple moves over the course of only a couple of years.
This candidate obtained an offer through me at a mid-sized, multi-office, national insurance defense firm in February, which she turned down because the base was low and the billable hours were very high. However, a month or two later, after the pandemic had hit, she was asking me to get the offer back, because she was very concerned that her firm wouldn't survive the pandemic, and she didn't want to be left without a job. Unfortunately, the mid-sized firm had put its hiring on hold, and it continued to be on hold throughout the fall.
It was in October that I found this candidate a small boutique litigation firm in the East Bay, where one of her old colleagues from the first firm that I placed her at worked. Her experience was just perfect for this firm, and the firm asked to do one Zoom callback interview with her. They loved her so much that they decided not to check references (as they normally do) and gave her an offer within an hour of her interview! Wow!
While this candidate will make less at her next firm than she does at her current firm, the billable hours will be lower and she has realized that she is paid over market at her current firm. She was and is really looking for the best long-term fit, and this firm seems to be it. The billables are lower and the firm seems to really care about work life balance and having a life and a family outside of work. This is perfect for my candidate, and it seems to be a perfect match on both ends! I am very excited for both my client, the firm, and my candidate, and I know that it will be a long-term match this time.
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.
