This is a common thing that happens on the government side. People decide to either go straight from law school or to leave after spending some time at a firm and become an AUSA, or take a position with the DOJ, or became a DA, and plan to stay 3-4 years, but quickly stay a longer time then the imagined. The issue with this is it can often be quite difficult to make a move to a firm after working for the government for so long, and there are always many many government employees on the market ready to make the move to the private sector. It is not an easy thing to do, and many recruiters will not even work with candidates with significant government experience, especially here when there was no prior firm experience either.
However, it is possible to make the move and get the job, and I saw amazing potential in this candidate. As noted, he had really strong, superstar credentials that I do not see often, with top law school. His reason for working in the public space is amazing, and I really value and respect people who are able to take time to grow as an attorney and get incredible trial experience under their belt. In this regard, he had some really great trial experience first chairing trials for many years, which is something that many firms in the area he was looking find to be a real skill. While it can be hard to make the argument for the criminal to civil side, there are definitely firms that could see the potential in someone like this candidate, especially with his strong credentials.
Another plus is he was very willing to apply and try things and see what sticks, which is often a very important part of a job search. Candidates who are only willing to apply to a small number of jobs are statistically not going to land anything, not because they are not great candidates, but just because the markets are extremely competitive, and people often overestimate the amount of other equally or better qualified for a particular job candidates are out there on the market. It is very difficult in any market to land multiple interviews, and especially multiple offers, but it does happen, and it is more likely to happen if you are open.
This candidate let me apply him to a wide range of firms, but we targeted more firms on the plaintiff side as the best fit for his background and credentials. We felt plaintiff side firms would be the most transferrable skill wise for someone with his background, which is what he was looking for and wanted. He ended up being a really sought after candidate - he got numerous interviews, and he was also a very strong interviewer, and willing and able to go through the processes he needed to to get the job. At the same time, in something I do not experience as often, firms really went to bat for him.
Within a matter of 3 weeks, he had 3 offers. Yes, not 1, but 3 offers. And he had a hard time deciding which one was the right fit for him, but I think he made an excellent choice, and he joined one of the arguably top plaintiff side firms in the area he was looking in at a really strong salary. I was really excited for him, and I know he is going to be amazing in the position. The firm is also really excited for him to join, and believes his background is an great, strong, and perfect fit for their firm. I am looking forward to hearing how he likes being on the private side! He was open to a lot, he was a great interviewer, and he understood where he brought value, and that is what ultimately landed him the perfect position.
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.
