In addition to having stellar academic credentials and being a very marketable class year, this candidate wanted to relocate from Michigan to the Northeast, where his long term girlfriend, friends from law school, and entire social network was based. Law firms love candidates who are relocating because it gives them a reason for making a lateral move that raises absolutely zero red flags.
Moreover, although he was fairly junior, this candidate had over 4 years of patent prosecution experience, giving him unusually extensive patent prosecution experience for someone of his class year. He began clerking at original law firm the summer before his 1L Fall and continuously worked there until making a lateral move through us.
I made sure to highlight all of these, along with his other, strengths in this candidate's cover letter, which was received very well by all of the firms we submitted him to.
This candidate was extremely open minded when it came to law firms, which made placing him relatively easy. He was open to large firms and boutiques and just wanted to end up at a firm where he really clicked with everyone, which I think is a great approach to have during the lateral process. In my experience, fitting in and being well liked at your firm is the best way any lawyer can maximize their job security and advancement within a firm.
Within two weeks of being submitted to firms, this candidate began receiving interviews at a wide variety of firms. During our interview prep, it became apparent that getting through interviews would be the toughest part of lateraling for this particular candidate. Although he was clearly very bright and a genuinely nice guy, it seemed like he tended to get a bit nervous before and during interviews. To overcome this, I highlighted his many strengths to him to make him realize what a truly great candidate he was and to give him some additional confidence going in to his interviews. We also did extensive interview prep before each interview to prepare him as much as possible, which I believe also gave him additional confidence.
This candidate was rejected from the first large AmLaw 100 firm that interviewed him. However, he received offers from the two smaller firms he interviewed at, one of which was a very sophisticated patent boutique that was truly a perfect fit for him. That firm was specifically seeking a junior candidate with extensive mechanical prosecution experience, which this candidate did. Not only was the work there a perfect fit for him, but he also really hit it off with everyone he interviewed with. They loved him and he loved them and, thus, the process following the interview was fairly straightforward.
The firm offered him a great salary in addition to relocation expenses. In the end, everyone was thrilled, which is the most any recruiter can hope for!
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.
