Articles

or attorneys without a portable book of business—whether seasoned partners, senior counsel, or transitioning professionals—the law firm job search can feel like an uphill slog through a landscape that prioritizes revenue over experience. The legal market’s shift toward a business-first mindset creates steep challenges, especially when targeting large, prestigious firms where internal competition and economic pressures dominate hiring decisions. Yet, success is far from impossible. By adopting a strategic, expansive approach—exploring more firms in smaller markets, additional firms in larger markets, and smaller firms within those larger markets—while tailoring your value to align with firms’ financial priorities, attorneys without business can carve out a path to a new role. Drawing on insights from a real-world recruiter-candidate conversation and expert analyses from BCG Attorney Search, this definitive guide dives deep into the obstacles these attorneys face, how law firms make hiring decisions, and the actionable, step-by-step strategies to secure a position in today’s competitive legal world. READ MORE >

As a senior attorney with 10 or more years of experience—whether you’re an associate, partner, income partner, in-house counsel, government lawyer, or public interest attorney—you’ve built a robust legal career. Yet, transitioning to or re-entering a law firm can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you have little to no portable business or limited client relationships. Research shows that only 15% of senior attorneys with 10+ years secure law firm roles without business, but with the right approach, you can beat the odds. READ MORE >

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to several boutique law firms specializing exclusively in trust and estates law. These firms, typically with fewer than 25 attorneys, offer deep expertise in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and wealth preservation. Their smaller size allows them to provide highly personalized service while maintaining a focus on the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners. READ MORE >

Los Angeles and Orange County, California, are home to several boutique law firms specializing in international tax law. These firms, typically with fewer than 50 attorneys, offer deep expertise in cross-border tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution for individuals, businesses, and multinational corporations. Their smaller size allows them to provide highly personalized service while maintaining a global perspective on complex international tax matters. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top boutique international tax law firms in the region, along with their key practice areas and notable strengths. READ MORE >

When it comes to employment defense, large corporations and institutional clients often face complex and high-stakes disputes that require specialized expertise and personalized attention. In New York City, a number of small boutique law firms—each with fewer than 50 attorneys—have carved out a niche in this area, focusing exclusively on employment-related defense. These firms are known for their deep expertise in employment law, their ability to handle high-profile cases, and their commitment to providing tailored, cost-effective solutions to their clients. READ MORE >

The landscape of law firm hiring has never shifted so rapidly—or so dramatically—as it is in 2025. As profits-per-lawyer climbed 8% in 2024 despite headcount retrenchment, firms proved they can thrive by prioritizing productivity and targeted recruitment over sheer volume. Meanwhile, the traditional summer-associate pipeline contracted to its smallest median class size since 1993, forcing students to rethink the timing and tactics of their outreach. At the same time, lateral hiring rebounded with a 14% overall gain, signaling renewed appetite for experienced attorneys who can bill from day one. READ MORE >

Michigan is home to several boutique law firms that excel in handling sophisticated commercial litigation, including complex business disputes, high-stakes litigation, and regulatory matters. These firms are known for their specialized expertise, agility, and ability to provide tailored solutions to their clients. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top boutique commercial litigation firms in Michigan, along with their key practice areas and notable strengths. READ MORE >

The legal profession is at a pivotal point, embracing remote work with open arms. The surge in remote attorney jobs is not just a response to recent global changes but a long-term evolution driven by technology, the need for flexibility, and the desire to tap into a global talent pool. Whether you're an intellectual property lawyer innovating from your home office, an immigration attorney with clients across continents, or a securities law specialist, remote positions offer unprecedented opportunities. READ MORE >

At BCG Attorney Search, we believe that an abundance of opportunities in your account is not something to be overwhelmed by—it’s a powerful tool designed to give you the best chance of success. In fact, our process intentionally exposes you to a wide array of potential positions so you can build a robust network and stay top of mind for law firms. To learn more about why your account is filled with so many opportunities, click here.
READ MORE >

Understanding the Patent Attorney Job Market

The legal market for patent attorneys is continuously evolving, shaped by geographic demand, remote work opportunities, compensation trends, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Patent attorneys must adopt strategic approaches to career advancement, whether transitioning between law firms, seeking in-house roles, or exploring remote opportunities.
READ MORE >

Choosing the Right Litigation Career Path

For attorneys and law students exploring litigation careers, understanding the differences between commercial litigation and insurance defense is crucial. These two paths involve litigation but differ significantly in salary potential, case complexity, job responsibilities, and long-term career opportunities. Many young lawyers begin in insurance defense due to the high volume of available jobs, but transitioning to commercial litigation—or another specialized practice area—can be challenging.

READ MORE >

The Growing Demand for Remote Attorney Jobs

The legal industry is evolving, and remote attorney jobs are becoming increasingly popular as law firms recognize the advantages of hiring legal professionals from across the country. With advancements in technology, secure communication platforms, and digital case management systems, law firms can now seamlessly integrate remote attorneys into their teams.

Remote attorney hiring is particularly prevalent in practice areas governed by federal law, where state-specific admissions are not a barrier to practice. These fields provide law firms with the flexibility to hire the best legal talent without geographical restrictions. In addition to accessing a broader talent pool, law firms can cut overhead costs, increase efficiency, and scale their teams as needed.

At BCG Attorney Search, we specialize in helping law firms and companies connect with highly qualified remote attorneys across various practice areas. Whether you need an intellectual property lawyer, an immigration attorney, or a securities law expert, we can find the right candidate for your firm.

Remote Attorney Hiring Trends in Law Firms

Remote attorney hiring is divided into two types of jobs: (1) jobs in practice areas that do not require the attorney to be admitted to a specific state bar—and where law firms can hire from a national pool, and (2) jobs in practice areas that require the candidate to be admitted to the bar of a certain state.
READ MORE >

Merging a solo practice or small law firm into a larger firm is one of the most effective strategies for attorneys seeking greater financial stability, increased revenue, expanded client opportunities, and reduced administrative burdens. Many solo practitioners and small firm attorneys struggle with inconsistent cash flow, high overhead costs, limited growth potential, and the constant challenge of managing operations while practicing law. By joining a larger firm, attorneys can access powerful resources, leverage established brand recognition, attract high-value clients, and gain access to institutional business that would otherwise be out of reach. READ MORE >

Should You Send a Thank-You Letter After a Law Firm Interview?

Many job seekers, particularly attorneys, assume that sending a thank-you letter after an interview is a must. After all, conventional wisdom dictates that expressing gratitude and reiterating interest is an essential part of professional etiquette. However, in the legal industry, thank-you letters can often do more harm than good.

In this guide, we will uncover:

• Why thank-you letters may reduce your chances of getting hired
• The psychology behind law firm hiring decisions
• When a thank-you letter might actually work in your favor
• Common mistakes that can turn a thank-you note into a deal-breaker
• Alternative ways to reinforce your candidacy

Let’s dive in.
READ MORE >

How Partners Without Business Can Secure Law Firm Offers

Many law firm partners without a significant book of business face challenges when seeking new opportunities. Law firms prioritize profitability and often hesitate to hire partners who do not bring substantial client work. However, by taking the right approach, partners without portable business can still successfully transition to a new firm.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• The biggest challenges partners without business face in law firm interviews.
• How to overcome concerns about profitability.
• The key strategies to use when discussing compensation.
• How to position yourself as indispensable to the firm’s success.
• How to handle common interview questions and objections.

By implementing these strategies, you can dramatically increase your chances of securing an offer and building long-term success at your new firm. READ MORE >

Executive Summary
In a legal market defined by constant change and fierce competition, achieving both professional success and personal fulfillment is a challenge many attorneys face. This article explores the strategies and mindset needed to build a rewarding legal career. Key takeaways include:

• Define Your Dream Job:
  Understand what motivates you beyond just financial rewards. Knowing your true passion is essential because it guides your decision-making and helps you choose opportunities that align with your core values. When you clearly define what you want, you can make more strategic choices in your job search and career development.


• Build a Focused Resume:
  Specialize in a practice area and tailor your resume to reflect your expertise. A focused resume not only highlights your specialized skills but also helps you stand out in a crowded market. By emphasizing your accomplishments in one area, you can better demonstrate how you are the ideal candidate for a targeted role.


• Network Effectively:
  Cultivate relationships through industry events, social media, and mentorship. Effective networking is more than exchanging business cards; it’s about building lasting professional relationships that can lead to future opportunities. By nurturing these connections, you create a support system that can help you navigate the complexities of the legal market.


• Excel in Interviews:
  Prepare thoroughly, show genuine passion, and be mindful of non–verbal cues. Strong interview performance comes from a combination of research, practice, and self–awareness. Demonstrating enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the firm’s needs can significantly improve your odds of converting an interview into an offer.


• Embrace Continuous Learning:
  Invest in advanced certifications, legal technology, and peer learning. The legal field is constantly evolving, and staying current is critical to your long-term success. By continually updating your skills and knowledge, you position yourself as a forward–thinking professional who is always ready to meet new challenges.


• Develop a Winning Mindset:
  Combine passion, persistence, and a balanced lifestyle for long–term success. A winning mindset means overcoming setbacks, maintaining optimism, and continuously striving for improvement. When you blend hard work with self–care and focus, you create a sustainable path for career advancement and personal fulfillment.

READ MORE >