This candidate is a dream candidate in most regards: 1) more than six years of sophisticated, high-level litigation practice at one of the top Big Law firms, 2) a federal clerkship, 3) graduated first in his class from a top law school, 4) Law Review, 5) served as the Captain of his soccer team in college, and 6) was awarded a Fulbright scholarship after college. He is also very friendly, smart, detail oriented, driven, committed, mature, well-rounded, and an all-around wonderful person. The big sticking points were that he was quite senior (we usually say that candidates are the most marketable between their 2nd and 6th years of practice, and this candidate is technically an 8th year), and most importantly, that he left his Big Law firm last summer to take a trip around the world with his wife and two kids before his kids start school in the Fall of 2019. It is hard enough to place candidates who have been laid off from their firms, let alone a candidate who decided to leave his firm to take a trip around the world for a year! We also started this candidate's search quite early, in early February. He told me that he wouldn't be back in the States until mid-June, but wanted to start his search sooner rather than later so that he could get a job lined up with as much advance notice as possible. I, of course, understood this, but in my experience candidates are usually not hired more than two months before they are able to start at a firm. However, the candidate was able to persuade me to start his search early, even though I was hesitant and was convinced that we wouldn't get traction until at least a few months into the process (especially given that he was abroad and wouldn't be back for more than four months!).
I sent this candidate firms of all sizes to review, from boutique to Big Law, but he was really only interested in returning to Big Law, so he ended up approving five Big Law firms and one mid-sized firm. The mid-sized firm and three of the five Big Law firms quickly rejected him. Amazingly enough, one of the two remaining Big Law firms reached out wanting to set up a Skype interview with one of their Partners. I gently reminded the firm that in theory, this candidate wouldn't be able to start at the firm until mid-June, for more than four months, and that he wouldn't even be back in the States until then, and they were still interested in speaking to him! Wow!
My candidate had a Skype interview from Croatia with the head of the practice group (it was morning for the Partner and evening for my candidate). After the interview, I got the feedback from our Recruiting contact that the Partner "loved" my candidate, and that he wanted to fly him out for a full round of interviews. Wow again! I had never had a firm fly my candidate out from abroad to conduct an in-person interview with them. My candidate actually offered to pay his way, and the firm STILL wanted to pay for my candidate's flight and two nights' stay in a hotel!
I prepped my candidate over the phone, both for his initial Skype interview and for his in-person interview, and I could tell that he had really done his homework. He researched the firm exhaustively, as well as every single person with whom he was going to meet. We both knew that he was going to have to drive home two points in the interviews: 1) that he was willing to take a class year cut, as the posted position was for a 3-5 year Litigation Associate, so more of a mid-level rather than senior Associate and 2) that he was looking to return to Big Law and make Partner.
After his in-person, we were told that there was one more Partner that wanted to speak to him over Skype, but that things were looking good and the general sense was that this candidate was what the firm was looking for. He wowed in his last video interview as well, and told me that he was able to drive in the above two points at the end of the interview.
This candidate received an offer from the firm of $305K base, Class of 2013. The firm wanted to give him a longer runway to partnership, meaning more time to get acquainted with his Partners, to market and to start to build his book of business. He was delighted to accept!
This candidate was an absolute joy to work with. He was completely open and honest with me about his search, what he was looking for, and what he was thinking at each stage of the process. He was also so kind and grateful throughout the process. The fact that I was able to place a candidate who was Class of 2010 and had taken a year off to travel the world, at a Big Law firm of this size and caliber, still floors me. But it is a testament to the fact that sometimes, a brilliant and kind candidate can wow a firm enough to cause them to overlook a glaring red flag or two that they may see on the resume. Indeed, I am fairly convinced that this candidate will make Partner, and the firm is very lucky to have him!
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.
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.
