This candidate trusted in me and the process, and came to me after trying to find his own job on the market for months without even landing an interview (which is also very common, people often think every attorney gets tons of interviews, but the reality of a competitive job market is that most people will land one or two interviews outside of the prime 3-4 years’ experience at a Vault top 10 firm).
About the candidate himself: he went to a Top-50 law school and had smaller firm experience but was really looking to break into big law. Most other recruiters would not give this attorney the time of day. The lack of big law experience and the desire to get into big law while he was already out of school for over 10 years is ultimately a complete non-starter. He was flexible on class year - which of course, is something that many attorneys think will be the deal breaker, but the truth is, this is an absolute necessity if you want to break into big law after only small firm experience, and this is something he understood.
He had a very good background in finance though which can be hard to find - with both real estate finance and general leveraged finance. I know from speaking to firms and firm connections I have that some firms always want to see attorneys with this kind of background. I took a shot and reached out to one of the top firms in the area - big law market paying firm -- and pitched him to see if they would consider talking to him, since he had this niche background among other things, and they agreed, as long as he was flexible on the class year.
He met with the partner of the firm who ran the finance practice group and they instantly hit it off -but even that can not be enough for a senior level attorney with no big law experience to make a dent. We waited a while, and he was very patient, to hear if the firm would take next steps. Sometimes it can take firms time to decide if they want to move forward, and that does not necessarily mean bad news. The firm eventually called me to ask if he would be comfortable coming in as a mid-level - despite being out of school over 10 years. This is a very common request - especially from someone who does not have true "big law" experience - and he was thrilled. It is an ideal situation for him as well since it gives him time to get to learn the ropes in big law.
He ended up landing the offer - and is so happy to have made the transition to big law!
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.
