During our conversation, I learned that although this candidate was pretty junior, she had received some great training as a litigation associate. She had focused her practice on insurance defense and coverage litigation at a mid-size firm in Fort Lauderdale. She has been working there for a little over a year, both as a law clerk (during law school) and now as an attorney. For a junior associate, she was given a tremendous about of responsibility. She was handling over thirty of her own litigation and coverage files and was trying cases in both state and federal court. She was resolving her own cases and exceeding her billable hours. This associate was a rising star. In addition to her abilities as a lawyer and her eagerness to succeed, this candidate was friendly, positive and came off as extremely mature. I knew she would be a tremendous asset for the right firm.
As an attorney placement professional, it was very important that I understand why an attorney is looking to make a lateral move. This piece of information is crucial in determining the firms that are likely to be good matches for the candidate. In this case, the candidate's reason for moving was very simple. The candidate was living in Palm Beach and working in Ft. Lauderdale. She was tired of the long commute, and preferred to be closer to home. She worked hard, and spent many hours at the office, so understandably, she didn't want her free hours to be spent in the car. During our call, I thought of a boutique firm in Palm Beach that had an opening for a mid-level insurance defense attorney, which I felt this candidate would be great for. The firm had a busy practice and needed someone smart who could take a case and run with it. The only problem is that they were looking for someone with at least 3 years of experience, and this candidate had less. Even so, I knew she would be attractive to the firm, so I got her approval to approach the firm about her candidacy. After tweaking her already great resume and writing her cover letter, I submitted her to the firm. At the same time, I searched our extensive database for other openings that were a potential fit for the candidate. We applied to a handful of firms, and the candidate received a couple of interview requests rather quickly. We prepared for her first round of interviews together using both BCG interview guides and mock interview techniques. Not surprisingly, the candidate interviewed very well and was invited back for an in-person second round of interviews with the firm I had first identified as a match. She really liked the attorneys and the type of work she would be doing, and they really liked her! Although the firm really needed a mid-level, and would continue to search for one, they recognized the value in this candidate and decided to make her an offer. She accepted and has been very happy at the firm.
This placement emphasizes that good attorneys are always needed, and that having a recruiter that knows the market and can make the right introductions is key to a successful match!
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.
