[TRANSCRIPT] Why Every Attorney Should Look at Multiple Legal Markets When Doing a Job Search

Welcome to this webinar about why you should explore multiple legal markets. In my 25 years of experience, I believe there’s no job search strategy more effective than looking at different markets. It's extremely important.

This week alone, I’ve seen great results from this approach. This morning, I spoke to someone in Detroit with a narrow practice area who graduated from a fourth-tier law school and didn’t do exceptionally well. Yet, they secured an interview with a large firm in Washington, DC, and another one with an AMLA 100 law firm in Atlanta.


Searching for jobs in different markets is incredibly important and highly underutilized by attorneys. In my experience, this strategy has led to hundreds of people securing jobs they couldn’t get in their local markets.

I'll discuss this in detail today because it's not as straightforward as you might think. Some markets are harder to break into, and certain practice areas are more transferable than others. You can't just apply anywhere; you need to find markets with actual job opportunities. Sometimes, attorneys in big markets need to consider smaller markets or even relocate across the country.

This webinar will guide you through this process. Out of all the placements I’ve made, 50 to 60 percent involve attorneys relocating. This strategy can be life-changing. It's effective for in-house attorneys moving to law firms, senior attorneys, junior attorneys, law students, and anyone struggling in their current job market.

Attorneys must go where the demand is. If you're in a market with no demand for your services, it’s pointless to keep applying for jobs there. Relocating can make it easier to get a job than in your home market. This strategy also benefits people in various situations, such as those who are unemployed or stuck at a firm doing work they dislike.

I've seen countless careers revitalized by this approach. One attorney from a top law firm couldn't find a job in Washington, DC, but by opening up to the entire country, he started getting interviews.

As an attorney, your primary job is to have access to work. If your current market doesn’t offer opportunities, you need to look elsewhere. Being unemployed makes it even harder to find a job, as firms prefer hiring those who are already employed. Therefore, you should aggressively pursue opportunities in other markets.
 

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• Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating the Maze of Legal Job Search with Precision
• I Did Not Hold a Summer Position or Other Relevant Internship During My Law School. What Should I Do to Help My Job Search?
• How Attorneys Can Excel in Second-Round Law Firm Interviews and Get More Job Offers: A Complete Guide
• Take This GIFT For Granted and Your Legal Career Will Be Dead Why Attorneys Must Always Have Access to Lots of Work and Be Busy

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I recently worked with a corporate attorney in his late sixties. By looking at other markets, he got an interview with a firm in the Midwest. Even though he had never been there, the firm had plenty of work. Similarly, many attorneys have preconceived notions about certain markets, but you can’t make judgments without firsthand experience.

Relocating often increases your odds of getting hired. Firms in new markets are less suspicious and more open to hiring. I've seen numerous attorneys, from solo practitioners to senior attorneys, find success by relocating.

This is a live webinar, so after the presentation, we’ll take a quick break and then I'll answer your questions about this topic or any other job search concerns. You're smart for joining this webinar. People who attend these webinars and apply these strategies often find success in their job searches.

If you're an attorney, you must be willing to go where the work is. Whether you’re a partner, associate, or counsel, having access to work is the most critical aspect of your career. If your current firm or market doesn’t offer sufficient opportunities, you need to look elsewhere.

This strategy is vital for all attorneys, from summer associates to senior lawyers. I recently placed a senior corporate attorney in a small Midwest town because the firm there had plenty of work. This attorney had never been to that town, but by considering other markets, he found a great opportunity.

Many people limit themselves with preconceived notions about different markets. You might think you wouldn't like a place based on TV or stereotypes, but the reality can be different. Relocating can give your career a significant boost.

In my experience, relocating is often more successful than staying in your current market. For example, a senior attorney who tried to start a business ended up jobless for a year but found a great position in Seattle. Another attorney in Chicago who struggled to find work locally secured a job in Texas.

This strategy works for all types of attorneys, including those who have been blackballed in their local markets. Relocating can save your career. I've seen solo practitioners and those who have been out of work for years get jobs in top law firms by relocating.

At BCG, we work differently from most recruiters. We don’t just focus on one market. We search for jobs nationwide and even internationally. This comprehensive approach helps our candidates find the best opportunities.
 

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• Ask Yourself These Questions If You Are Not Getting Job Offers, or Not Getting the Job Offers You Want
• Seven Proven Strategies for Attorneys to Secure, Retain, and Advance in Legal Jobs
• How to Explain “Legal Job Hopping?”

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This morning, I worked with someone from Detroit. I’ve also helped attorneys from places like Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Orlando find jobs in major markets like New York City and upstate New York. A few weeks ago, a senior patent attorney in Atlanta secured a job in Rochester, New York.

Every law student and attorney should consider this strategy. Even if you have the qualifications to get a job in your local market, looking at other markets can increase your chances of higher compensation and better opportunities. There might be high demand for your skills in another market that you’re not aware of.

This strategy is essential for attorneys in niche practice areas. For example, trademark attorneys might find only one job opening in their city, even in large markets like New York or Los Angeles. By looking elsewhere, they increase their chances of finding a job. The same goes for other specialized fields like ERISA, employee benefits, tax, antitrust, and healthcare.

I had one candidate in Texas doing project finance. He wasn’t finding opportunities locally, so I suggested looking at other markets, including Hong Kong. Within days, he got an offer from a firm in Hong Kong, with a salary higher than what he would have made in the US. This demonstrates the power of applying for jobs in different markets.

The key takeaway is that attorneys need to be flexible and open to relocating. Your legal career depends on having access to work, and sometimes that means looking beyond your current market. This strategy can drastically improve your odds of finding a job and advancing your career.

In Hong Kong, you do capital markets or project finance, something like that. If you're in a good practice here, you can look at other markets. It's insane; you get a job in Hong Kong, even if you've never been there. You just have a Zoom meeting and get invited. This happened with another woman in Singapore. It's amazing—you work in New York and then move to Singapore. This happens when you explore different markets.

In practice areas like tax or antitrust, there might not be many jobs in your market. For example, there are tons of healthcare jobs in Chicago right now. So, if you try to go to Chicago, you can get a job because there aren't enough people in the city to fill these positions. It's smart to look at other markets; you'll have better luck.

Patent attorneys are always placed all over the United States. I had a guy a couple of months ago working in Atlanta. He was unemployed in Philadelphia but got an interview with a firm in Minneapolis and landed a job without ever having been there. Patent attorneys might be in markets where only a few firms do their kind of work. When they start applying to different markets, they find opportunities.

San Francisco and Orlando might not be good markets for a patent attorney if they're not admitted to the bar there. However, there are many opportunities for them and trademark attorneys in various markets. Many attorneys decide they never want to move markets and end up unemployed, which makes things difficult. People in other professions move all the time. My father, for example, was asked to move to Bangkok, Thailand, when I was in high school. This kind of relocation is common in companies.

If you're in a slow market, you can't afford not to look at other markets. The economy affects market dynamics—New York is boom or bust. When the economy is doing well, there are lots of corporate and finance openings, but these can disappear when the market slows down. Instead of focusing on New York, attorneys can find work in smaller markets where there's a lot of work. Smaller markets often have more opportunities during recessions because companies look for cheaper legal services.
 

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See Related Q&A Videos:

• Surviving a Slow Legal Market: Enhancing Marketability Strategies
• Optimizing Job Applications: Resume vs. Comprehensive Approach
• Navigating a Job Search After Challenges: Strategies for Success

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I remember significant events like the dot-com boom in 2001 and the 2008-2009 recession. During these times, recruiters in New York struggled because firms weren't hiring laterally. However, recruiters who looked at smaller markets had their best years ever. Smaller markets are often good during recessions because firms get more work from companies seeking cheaper legal services.

The Bay Area is another boom or bust market. Texas, often tied to oil prices, continued thriving during the 2008-2009 recession. Attorneys from the Bay Area or New York could apply to firms in Texas and get jobs, but many didn't consider relocating.

Relocating can be beneficial. I've seen many attorneys move markets and find success. If your home market slows down, you need to consider other markets. Competing for jobs in a slow market isn't a good strategy. Relocating can help you avoid intense competition and find more opportunities.

You need to think about relocating if your legal career is at risk. Most recruiters I train focus on getting people jobs in other markets when their current market slows down. It's important to have a strategy, even if it means applying to smaller firms that may pay less. However, smaller firms know that you might leave when the market picks up, which can affect their morale and client relationships.

Working in a small market can limit your income and career growth. For example, working at a corporate law firm in a small market might not expose you to the most sophisticated work or clients. Relocating to a larger market can lead to better income and career opportunities.

The most important companies in the U.S. send their significant work to the largest law firms in major cities. For example, Michael Dell hired top firms in New York for a big deal, not local firms in Texas. This kind of work exposure can enhance your career.

Solo practitioners can also benefit from relocating. They get exposed to more important work and can significantly change their careers. Some attorneys might prefer working in smaller markets for a better work-life balance, even if it means earning less.

Senior attorneys in big firms often find it challenging to advance without business. They might leave to pursue other practices. Relocating to a smaller market can sometimes be driven by cultural fit or personal preferences. If your current market is slow or another market is booming, it's wise to consider relocating.

Looking at other markets is crucial. When attorneys follow this advice, they often get interviews and jobs they wouldn't have found in their own markets. This strategy is very smart and can lead to great opportunities.

New York City and the Bay Area, as I mentioned, can get very busy. I've seen attorneys, like myself, working hard. It's quite funny. I had one guy, during the booming corporate market of the 2000s, working at a small three-person law firm in New Jersey. He went to Rutgers and had nothing spectacular about his academics, but the Bay Area market was booming. I sent him to a top firm there, and they interviewed him. It was a very prestigious firm, one of the top 25 in the country, but they couldn't find corporate people. So, they hired him and brought his wife out. They put them up in a big hotel, like the Ritz Carlton, in a suite. They arrived to find candy and a note from the firm. It was quite funny. This is what happens when the market is hot. I haven't seen anything like that since, but it can be huge.

I can tell stories like this all day. I had another candidate several years ago working outside Seattle, about 30 miles away. He got an offer from a big firm in Palo Alto to work as a patent attorney. They gave him the standard salary, but he said he wouldn't relocate unless he got a $50,000 starting bonus. They agreed, and he kept making more demands, like working remotely. Eventually, he decided not to take the offer, but it's funny how when markets are good, things can happen. I place people all over the country and different markets several times a month. People often get jobs in markets they've never been to, jobs they wouldn't have gotten in their current market. Looking at other markets can literally change your career, moving from a small, no-name law firm to a major market. It changes your income, your resume, and gives you more credibility.

For example, a solo practitioner I knew got a job at a big firm and her resume suddenly looked very strong. She went from being a solo practitioner to working at a major law firm. This change improved her income, credibility, and exposure to better work, making her a better attorney with better long-term career prospects. As a corporate attorney, she now has the option to go in-house or attract more business. These changes are huge if you have the right skills.

There's also a significant need for attorneys in smaller markets. In small towns with only a couple of attorneys, opportunities can arise when an attorney retires. I recently placed a trust and estates attorney from Colorado in New Mexico, and he loves it. He was unemployed before the move. Some markets may have too many people with similar skills, making it hard to find jobs. For example, there are many patent attorneys and IP litigators in the Bay Area, making it difficult to find a job there. Conversely, in places like Washington, D.C., litigators are everywhere, making it hard to get a job.

It's crucial to understand that whatever your practice area is, there are areas in the country with more opportunities than your current market. Senior attorneys with no business often struggle to find work, but relocating can change their lives. I’ve placed many senior attorneys in smaller markets where they find success. For example, a senior attorney laid off in Boston got a job in a small Midwestern town. Another senior corporate attorney in New York struggled to find a job but eventually found one in Boston.

For junior attorneys, it's important to build your brand in your practice area early on. Write articles, give presentations, and put them on YouTube. The best attorneys spend time building their business, even if it means working additional hours. When you have business, you have more control over your career. The law firm works for you, providing support, associates, and paralegals. Having business means you’re not reliant on others for work, which can be demotivating.

For senior attorneys without business, it's vital to find a market that values your skills. Relocating can be the only way to get work. Many senior attorneys have found success by moving to different markets. For instance, an unemployed securities attorney in Los Angeles found a job in the Bay Area. An ERISA attorney from Indiana got a high-paying job in Texas after losing her job due to tragic circumstances.

Relocating can save your career at any stage. Whether you’re a litigator, tax attorney, or in any other practice area, there are opportunities in different markets. For example, a bankruptcy attorney in Detroit found a job in New York City, and a tax attorney in Los Angeles found a job in Buffalo. Senior patent attorneys have also found success by relocating. Looking at other markets can save your career, providing opportunities that aren’t available in your current market.

A federal clerkship on your hands isn't a law firm, but there are all sorts of strategies you can use. If you look at other markets, it changes people's lives every day. I see it daily. I get interviews for people considering markets they're not in and never would have looked at otherwise. Law firms in your market might not think you're at a good firm or they may only hire from the best firms. They might not like your law school, thinking we don't hire from that school, and they often cannot afford to look at other markets.

I've had attorneys from South Texas College of Law, and they'd say, "You can't place me from South Texas College of Law," and I'd tell them, "Yes, I can. There are firms outside of Texas that will hire you." I just saw a candidate from South Texas College of Law get an interview today. Earlier, I mentioned a trademark attorney in a Midwest market from a fourth-tier law school getting interviews in Washington, DC. This is what happens.

In some markets, there's so much competition that it's tough to get a job in a major law firm. For example, someone might be working in New York, unable to get a job in a big firm, but then they apply to a firm in Idaho and get hired by a good firm like Perkins Coie. This approach works. Once you get into a large firm by moving from a different market, you can often advance. You might be at a small or midsize firm and decide to look at other markets, applying to big firms where there are fewer candidates like you, making it easier to get hired.

Patent attorneys often move markets and get jobs almost monthly. They look at other markets, which is easier for them since they’re admitted to the USPTO and don’t always need the local bar before relocating. If you can't get a job in your practice area, looking at other markets works very well. People often exhaust all the peer firms in their city and say they have nowhere else to apply, but they can look at other markets.

For instance, I talked to a corporate attorney in Washington, D.C., who had been laid off. He went to Harvard Law School and did great in undergrad but thought he had done everything he could by applying to all the AMLaw 100 firms in DC. He was unemployed for three months and thought he was out of options. I advised him to apply to other firms and markets, but he insisted on staying in DC. His career was at a standstill. If he had looked at other markets, he would have been fine, but he didn't. So, despite his credentials, he remained jobless.

Sometimes, people's job searches are time-sensitive. Firms might give you a few weeks or months to find a new position before letting you go. If you only look in your city, you may end up unemployed. Instead, a massive search in different markets could lead to interviews and job offers, keeping your confidence intact. Otherwise, being unemployed raises questions and concerns about your capabilities.

Law students sometimes only apply to the top firms and give up if they don’t get offers, which is crazy. Some attorneys have bad reputations in their market for various reasons, like performance issues or personal conduct, making it hard to find jobs locally. For example, one attorney was fired for wearing ripped jeans to work, and another for a past affair. In such cases, looking at other markets where these issues aren’t known can help them secure interviews and offers.

Relocating can make firms presume you're a better attorney with fewer issues. If you’re from a place like Madison, Wisconsin, and you apply to firms there, they’ll think you want to go home and stay long-term, which is appealing. One candidate from Princeton, an Olympian, went to an average law school and worked at a midsize firm in Minneapolis. She wanted to move home to Portland or Seattle, applied to 20 firms there, and got 15 interviews because she was moving home.

Relocating to major markets like New York often doesn’t require a reason; firms assume everyone wants to work there. In the Bay Area, firms used to hire without the bar, but now it’s harder in places like California and Florida without the bar. If firms have enough work and not enough people, they’ll hire you, and each week we place people moving to other markets who wouldn’t get jobs if they stayed put.

I remember early in my career, working with an attorney from a small West Texas town, making $85,000 a year. He had a thick Texas drawl and had never left the state. He had a graduate degree in a life science discipline, and despite his limited geographic experience, we were able to find him opportunities by looking at other markets.

But what happened? He and his wife decided they didn't want to live in this barren town with dust bowls blowing. I wish I could paint a better picture of West Texas. They wanted to live somewhere where they could hike, go up in the mountains, and enjoy the outdoors because they were sick of West Texas. This guy had never left Texas, so he wanted to apply to firms in Seattle, Colorado, and maybe Portland because they had mountains and places to hike.

I sent his application to a firm in Seattle. A week later, they called and said they actually had an opening in Pittsburgh, not Seattle. They preferred someone like him to work in Pittsburgh. I called him and said I couldn’t get him an interview in Seattle, but I did in Pittsburgh. I told him there might be hiking there, and he agreed to go to the interview. So, he got on a plane, having never left Texas, flew to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, got off the plane in the dark, and they took him to the hotel, which was in the same building as the law firm.

It was dark when he arrived, and his first interview was at 10 AM. The interviews went until around 5:30 PM. Then they drove him back to the airport, and it was dark again. He never really saw the city. Back in West Texas, the firm called and made him an offer. He was making about $85,000, and the new job paid $150,000. He was very excited, like a Texan guy, and ended up going to this firm. He rented a townhouse and raised chickens in the backyard, which is unusual for Philadelphia. He bought a suburban, the dream car for some people in Texas.

I looked him up, and 10 years later, he's still there and is a partner. This is funny because his career wouldn’t have gone anywhere in West Texas at a three-person law firm. Suddenly, he's working for a major national patent firm. He might be making $250,000 now. He bought a suburban, lived in Pittsburgh, and was happy with his chickens, although he got in trouble for keeping them. They had to break their lease because of the chickens.

He's now a partner at a large law firm in Texas, possibly making $500,000 to $800,000, all because of that decision to relocate. Law firms often like it when someone relocates because it suggests they have personal reasons to stay, like wanting to be close to family. If people want to relocate for personal reasons, law firms assume they're committed to staying.

Relocating can also mean access to more work. The most important thing for an attorney is to have access to work. If you don’t have work in your existing market, relocating to another firm might give you that access, especially in a larger, more sophisticated market with more opportunities.

I’m from Detroit, and after clerking for a federal judge an hour outside Detroit, I wanted to work at one of the five good firms in Detroit. Only one firm had work, but I wasn’t interested in it. So, I looked at firms in Los Angeles, where there was much more opportunity. In Detroit, there are a few firms to choose from, but in Los Angeles, there are many. If you lose your job at one of the big law firms in Detroit, you only have a few other choices. Relocating for more sophisticated work or more opportunities can be a good reason.

When interviewing, the number one question law firms ask is why you’re leaving your current firm. Many people blow this question. You shouldn’t say you don’t like the culture, the partners, or that work is drying up. These are the wrong things to say. Instead, you should say you want more sophisticated work or lower billing rates to generate business. If it looks like you’re having problems at your current firm, you'll be rejected. Law firms want to hire people who look like they’ll stick around and commit.

When relocating, you need to avoid saying it’s not a good cultural fit or there’s not enough work. Saying there's not enough work can suggest you’re not good enough to get work. Good attorneys who do good work always have work. If you say you don't have work at a firm known for having plenty of work, it implies you're not the best attorney.

The most important thing for an attorney is to have access to work. You need to get work from partners if you're an associate or bring in your own business if you're a partner. You must avoid creating issues with partners because you need them to give you work.

If you say an important partner who was the source of all your work left, it can look like you can't generate your own work. You need to be careful about telegraphing weakness. In interviews, just like in court, an attorney’s job is not to show weakness for themselves or their clients.

Telegraphing Weaknesses: How to Safeguard Your Legal Career

When discussing your background, avoid revealing personal weaknesses like substance abuse, divorce, or past misconduct. Sharing such details within your firm can invite harsh judgment and jeopardize your career prospects.

Consider the case of a promising attorney whose social media post hinted at short-term career plans. Despite an imminent move to a prestigious firm, this slip cost her the opportunity. Your personal life, health issues, or weekend escapades can inadvertently signal weakness, impacting your professional trajectory.

Similarly, a lawyer's dalliance while on vacation led to dire consequences. Sharing intimate details with a colleague backfired, tarnishing her reputation and costing her job opportunities. Remember, what you disclose may spread, distorting into unflattering narratives.

Politics and contentious issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict are minefields best avoided. Aligning with specific ideologies risks alienating colleagues and clients, potentially hindering your access to work.

Respect and professionalism are paramount. Partners who nurture client relationships thrive. Conversely, a lie from a soon-to-be partner led to his abrupt dismissal and a tarnished reputation, underscoring the importance of integrity.

Navigating career progression demands tact. Expressing dissatisfaction or hinting at leaving may signal instability. Law firms seek team players committed to growth and adaptability.

Ultimately, access to work is key to survival. Poisoning professional relationships or disparaging your firm risks alienating valuable contacts. Cultivate a reputation for reliability and competence to secure long-term opportunities.

Expanding your horizons is crucial. Stagnation in a limited market can stunt your career. Embrace opportunities beyond your comfort zone to maximize growth potential.

In conclusion, safeguard your legal career by avoiding pitfalls that telegraph weakness. Uphold professionalism, nurture relationships, and seize opportunities beyond your current market. Your success hinges on adaptability, integrity, and strategic decision-making.

As a senior attorney deeply entrenched in your local market, expanding into global opportunities can seem daunting. However, it's crucial for sustained growth. Here's how to navigate this transition effectively:

1. **Position Yourself Strategically:** Highlight your expertise in your practice area to attract work from other markets. Showcase yourself as a top attorney in your field to broaden your client base.

2. **Explore Untapped Markets:** Beyond your local area, consider other regions within the United States. From Maine to Wyoming, opportunities abound where demand may outstrip supply, especially in less saturated markets like Missouri or Oklahoma.

3. **Leverage Niche Expertise:** Develop expertise in specialized areas like corporate asset investment management or M&A. Firms prioritize candidates with niche skills, regardless of their alma mater.

4. **Consider Practice Areas in Demand:** Certain areas, such as corporate law, offer better prospects for lateral moves. Focus on building experience in high-demand sectors like private equity or compliance.

5. **Emphasize Consistency:** Demonstrate a consistent focus in your practice area to enhance your marketability. Specialization breeds expertise, making you a valuable asset to potential employers.

6. **Prioritize Quality over Prestige:** While attending a top law school can open doors, practical experience and specialized skills often carry more weight. Focus on delivering exceptional results in your chosen field.

7. **Adaptability is Key:** Stay abreast of evolving market trends and adapt your skills accordingly. Flexibility and willingness to explore new avenues can significantly enhance your career prospects.

8. **Network Effectively:** Cultivate relationships within the legal community, both locally and nationally. Networking can uncover hidden opportunities and facilitate introductions to key decision-makers.

By strategically positioning yourself, honing niche expertise, and staying adaptable, you can successfully transition into new markets and secure coveted positions within prestigious law firms.

MNA, private equity technology transactions, securities, and capital markets know-how are sought after. Venture capital, emerging company, criminal law defense, data privacy lack demand. Education law, often overlooked, presents a smart option with fewer competitors. Energy, oil, and gas are challenging sectors with limited job prospects. Transactional experience facilitates transitions to larger law firms. Entertainment and new media, while popular, face hurdles for entry into big firms.

Environmental land use, particularly zoning, offers prospects for larger firms. ERISA presents a valuable, less crowded niche. Family law, finance, banking, and public finance provide pathways to larger firms. Health law, immigration, insurance, IP, labor, and employment vary in accessibility. Litigation specialties demand pedigree or transactional backgrounds. Municipal law and real estate show promise for larger firms.

To identify markets with higher demand, explore smaller cities or booming sectors using platforms like Law Crossing and LinkedIn. Transitioning areas of law is feasible but challenging. Law firms prefer candidates with established expertise in a particular field. Top-tier firms favor candidates with consistent practice areas, while midsize firms may offer more flexibility. Switching firms may require accepting a lower tier initially.

During law school, I worked as a paralegal for a sole practitioner. After passing the bar, I've had mostly e-discovery and temporary legal positions due to Covid. Now, I'm concerned about the stagnation of my career. I have some strengths, but I'm unsure how to enhance my marketability and possibly move jurisdictions for work.

This is a common question many face: whether to work as a contract attorney or in other roles post-bar. The answer is clear: if you're an attorney, work as one. E-discovery can be profitable, but it's not the only path. Focus on representing real clients.

Moving jurisdictions can be challenging, especially in competitive markets like Washington, D.C. Instead, consider starting your practice or finding firms willing to hire you. You don't need to resort to contract work or e-discovery.

To secure positions, explore less saturated practice areas. Look beyond the competitive landscape. Consider fields like workers' compensation, personal injury, trust and estates, or insurance defense. You have numerous options beyond big firms.

As an attorney, it's your responsibility to seek opportunities actively. Don't limit yourself to advertised positions. Approach firms directly, even if they aren't actively hiring. Many firms, regardless of prestige, need capable attorneys.

In-house roles seem appealing but come with risks like restructuring or financial instability. If pursuing such positions, be prepared to explain gaps or transitions tactfully.

Asserting oneself within a firm requires consistent billing hours. It's not just about legal prowess; it's about demonstrating productivity. Focus on billing efficiently to showcase your value.

In conclusion, there are ample opportunities for attorneys beyond traditional paths. Don't underestimate your potential or limit yourself to crowded markets. By exploring diverse practice areas and actively pursuing opportunities, you can invigorate your legal career.

When working for a federal court, various law firms would represent companies like Dow Chemical facing lawsuits from banana farmers in Central America. Attorneys from big cities like LA or New York often impressed by flattering the clerk and presenting documents meticulously. The best attorneys work the hardest, ask insightful questions, and strive for excellence. To succeed, exceed expectations, give your best effort, and go the extra mile.

In my early career, I learned the importance of going above and beyond. For instance, while shoveling snow, I didn't just clear the driveway but also created paths and cleaned off the car. Similarly, in law practice, top attorneys provide exceptional service, anticipate needs, and deliver superior work, garnering respect and success.

In considering a job move, evaluate factors like cost of living, quality of life, and career advancement opportunities. Learning and exposure to sophisticated work matter, along with working with compatible colleagues. Prioritize happiness and fulfillment over prestige or pay.

Regarding bar admissions, reciprocity varies by state. While some states require bar membership, others allow admission on motion or waive certain requirements. Research state-specific rules and consult resources like the BCG bar reciprocity guide for guidance.

Remote job opportunities abound in the legal field, offering flexibility and accessibility. Explore remote positions as viable options, especially in today's landscape where many firms embrace remote work arrangements.

Thank you for attending the webinar. Stay tuned for future sessions, including a resume webinar, and continue seeking opportunities for growth and advancement. Your participation and engagement are greatly appreciated. See you next time!


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.