Is Going Back to School the Best Way to Restart Your Legal Career in Healthcare Litigation?

Would getting a degree in public health be a useful move for me if I previously worked in firms doing healthcare-related litigation but haven’t had a job in a few years and want to get back to work? Okay, so there are a couple of things to consider with that question. Many people who are struggling to get a job think they need to do something else—like go back to school. But in reality, if you want to do healthcare-related litigation—whether it’s medical malpractice defense, plaintiff-side work, or representing large healthcare companies—there are always going to be plenty of firms doing that type of work. There are probably over 10,000 law firms across the country involved in healthcare litigation.

One issue is that you might be limiting yourself by only applying to jobs that are currently open. If you’ve been out of work for a while, it can be harder to get hired, but that just means you need to expand your search. You should be researching as many firms as possible that practice in your desired area. This is very doable—just do a search online for “healthcare-related litigation law firms in [your city].” For example, in Los Angeles, you’ll find many firms, from large ones like Hooper Lundy & Bookman or Davis Wright Tremaine, to small and mid-sized ones.
 

• For those considering a return to the legal field after a hiatus, How to Transition Back Into the Practice of Law After a Hiatus offers valuable insights and strategies.

At BCG, we keep a list of law firms organized by practice area. You’d be surprised how many firms do this kind of work. The key takeaway is this: you don’t need to wait for a job to be posted in order to apply. You can and should be sending your résumé to law firms regardless of whether they’re advertising an opening. There are hundreds—sometimes thousands—of firms that could be a fit.


Most people sit back and wait for job postings to appear, and then they compete with dozens or even hundreds of applicants for those roles. That’s a losing strategy. In contrast, if you proactively apply to 200 firms that do healthcare litigation—even if none of them have current job openings—you’re vastly increasing your odds because you might be the only applicant they're considering.

Here’s an example: a solo practitioner doing healthcare litigation and health insurance law might not be actively hiring, but if you apply and he needs help, he could very well bring you on. If he can bill you out at $500 an hour and give you 2,000 hours of work, that’s a million dollars in revenue for him. Even if he only gives you 1,500 hours, it’s still very profitable. Law firms are often desperate for help and are willing to hire unemployed attorneys if they believe you can contribute.

We talk to firms every day that are looking for people and are open to hiring—even if you're not currently employed. Most job seekers only apply through platforms like Indeed, which is highly competitive. A better approach is to use tools like LawCrossing (which I own), where jobs are aggregated directly from law firm websites, many of which are never posted elsewhere. These less-visible opportunities often receive far fewer applications.
 

• Exploring non-traditional legal careers can open new avenues for professional fulfillment. Alternative Career Paths for Attorneys provides a comprehensive overview of such opportunities.

When you apply only to advertised jobs, you’re entering a race with dozens or hundreds of other candidates. But when you reach out to firms with no public openings, you’re often the only one applying—giving you a real chance to stand out.

At BCG, we focus on sending candidates to firms based on practice area match, not based on whether there’s an active opening. Over 75% of our placements happen at firms that had no listed job. Why? Because when law firms see a candidate who can do work they already have, they see it as an opportunity to make money. It becomes a business decision. And that’s the way to get hired—by showing how you can help the firm earn more.

Now, as for your question about getting a degree in public health: yes, it can help, especially because it shows a clear commitment to the healthcare field. It adds credibility and can make it easier to get hired. Law firms also like it because it looks impressive to their clients and demonstrates niche interest. But in many cases, a degree in healthcare law might be even more helpful than public health because it’s more directly tied to your legal practice. Still, the most important thing you can do right now is to be proactive in your search and apply broadly—even to firms that aren’t actively hiring.
 

• Before committing to academic retraining, review Reentering the Legal Field: Strategies for Senior Attorneys for strategies that may allow an immediate return.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.