All of my previous legal recruiting experience had also taught me that it is even more difficult to place solo practitioners, as it is frequently (although oftentimes unfairly) assumed that a candidate is a solo practitioner because they are misfit who, for one reason or another, does not fit in a traditional law firm.
Nevertheless, I decided to take a chance on this particular candidate because she was so highly credentialed, was in a great practice area, and came off as brilliant, yet humble, and extremely likeable on the phone. Specifically, she was a well-rounded, and highly experienced corporate transactional lawyer with an extensive global (40+ countries) practice in M&A, project finance, energy (traditional and renewable), private equity, and international corporate transactions with top firm experience and top educational credentials. She had a proven track record of succeeding in large law firms. In fact, she was so highly respected by her superiors at an AmLaw 50 firm that she was promoted to Counsel two years ahead of schedule. As Counsel there, she developed a $750,000 book of business.
Although she was extremely highly regarded and on track to become a partner at her firm (she received uniformly excellent annual reviews and raises), she voluntarily resigned and left her AmLaw firm on great terms to spend more time with her young children.
Her original intent was just to take a few months off. However, during her time off, a few clients called and asked her to work on a few matters, and before she knew it, she had an entire busy solo practice. Although only $100,000 of her business would be portable to a larger firm, she was very confident that she could further grow her book as she had in the past.
Working with this candidate was extremely easy. She was open-minded when it came to firms and was extremely responsive. As a result, she had two offers within two months of our initial conversation. The first offer was from a non-traditional virtual firm and the second was from a prestigious boutique firm that usually required $500,000 in portable business for partners.
Even though my candidate only had $100,000 in portable business, we convinced the boutique to bring her on as a partner (her initial offer was for an Of Counsel position), since that title would enable her to hit $500,000 within a year of her joining the firm. As soon as the firm offered to bring her on as a Partner, my candidate accepted!
This candidate was a real joy to work with. She was very kind, grateful, responsive, honest and open-minded, all of which I as a Recruiter really appreciate. The firm that she is joining is thrilled to have her and is a great fit for her.
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.
