She decided, however, to take a non-traditional path from graduation despite having the opportunity to go into big law, and went to work for a smaller firm upon graduation. She had moved to a couple of firms, and landed ultimately at one of the stronger plaintiff side firms. Interesting for her is that she has only focused on plaintiff side, and it can often be extremely difficult to make the transition to defense side.
This candidate also was absolutely wonderful and smart and very likeable, and I really enjoyed getting to know her. We spoke frequently and often and had lots of discussions about what made sense for her in the market. She was open to staying on plaintiff side, but ultimately she wanted to make a move to the defense side, which we talked long and hard about how this can be difficult, but I was impressed by her experience. She had gotten to do a lot at the firms she was at which made her a very strong attorney so despite having no big law training, she had real solid litigation experience.
She applied broadly hitting both strong big law as well as really hard to get sought after mid-sized firms. There are not a large number of strong mid-sized firms that have top sophisticated work that also have competitive pay and that are not necessarily only looking to recruit from big law. She kept with her job search and did not quit or get discouraged. The market is extremely competitive especially in litigation in New York and it can be difficult to break in from the plaintiff side. But she trusted in the process, kept getting out to firms, and was consistent. She landed an interview at a fantastic firm with a growing NY office looking for someone like her to help lead the firm.
She killed it in the interviews, and the firm loved her, and she loved them. The opportunity seemed absolutely amazing, and not only did she get the offer, they brought her in at Counsel level with a short term track to Partner. The firm is entrepreneurial and multi-office, but with a desire to grow even further, and can be a really unique opportunity. The position, also, is not on the plaintiff side and she landed exactly what she was looking for, in a very competitive market nonetheless especially given this occurred around the time of the coronavirus being at its peak.
We were so excited for her and we think she has found a really fantastic place to land for her career and grow as an attorney. She went from plaintiff side associate to a Counsel role at a fantastic firm with a strong chance of Partnership.
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.
