Unemployed Attorney Lands Back At Regional Firm | BCGSearch.com

Unemployed Attorney Lands Back At Regional Firm

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I really enjoyed working with this candidate - he was a nice, extremely respectful attorney, who had taken time for his family that put him in a difficult position with firms. I was excited to work with him and try to get him a really great job during a difficult time in his career. This candidate earned his J.D. from an average law school, one that does not typically feed into large firms, and one in which many attorneys go into government rather than a law firm. This attorney was able to land a small firm job out of law school in a niche practice area of real estate, which can often be difficult to do. But he started out taking the job he could get and smartly did not choose litigation or corporate where it can be difficult to transition to a large firm but something more niche that he could use and grow off of.
Unemployed Attorney Lands Back At Regional Firm

Thus, the beginning of his career started out on a firm trajectory, and he was an associate at a the firm focusing on niche real estate matters including real estate transactional work but no experience on the finance said. He enjoyed his firm and remained there for two year,s and then was able to make the ultimate move to big law by going to a very regional market in need of a real estate attorney. This was another smart move on his part - he broke into big law after having the experience he needed and was a valued associate there.

 
However, despite doing everything right, a personal issue in his family came up with a parent who needed his full time care. He at first took a leave of absence from the firm but it became clear he would need to be there to care for his parent long term over the next year. He made the difficult decision to put his entire career on hold and to be there for his parent. This can sadly often make it difficult to return, but I have found in my experience as a legal recruiter that firms are often understanding of this reason - especially if they can confirm with your prior employer that this was the reason for your departure (there is often some fear on the firm side that the person was really let go and is using a family emergency as a cover, since sadly people do that sometimes, so being able to confirm with the firm that this was what occurred can go a long way for a candidate).
 
This is when he approached BCG to help with his search. He had been looking on the market himself for a long time and was not having any success at all and was starting to get quite frustrated with the process at this point in time. He really was willing and able to go back to work and had niche experience, and his old firm simply did not have the need to bring him on as they had hired someone to replace him in the year he had left the firm. I was excited to work with him, where many recruiters did not want to given his unemployed status. I liked his niche practice area and I found him to be very personable on the phone.
 
He also although ideally wanted the DC market, he was realistic and willing to look in other regions, and was also not wed to big law. We applied him to a number of markets, and he ultimately landed a large number of interviews - about 4- which for any attorney search is on the higher side since it is quite competitive to get interviews. He ended up landed an offer at a boutique in what he did and he took it, and we were able to get him back into private practice!

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.
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