In terms of the candidate's background, he attended a Top 50 law school, did decently well there (3.4 GPA), was the editor-in-chief of the main law review at his law school (firms really like to see law review on a candidate's resume), attended a strong undergraduate school, did well there (3.7 GPA), received university and department honors, and is licensed in both California (where he wanted to apply) and Delaware (where he was currently located and practicing). What made this candidate a bit clunky was his experience. On the very positive side, he had been at one mid-sized Delaware firm since his graduation from law school in 2016, showing a strong commitment to his firm and an ability to excel and succeed at a firm long-term (three years at one firm is a long time). On the not so positive side, his experience was in fund formation and M&A for Delaware boards of directors, but mainly in fund formation, and a bit of his practice even included real estate transactional. Fund formation is a strong practice area on the East Coast, but it is less in demand on the West Coast, and his experience was very Delaware corporation and board of director-specific. I knew that this would be the biggest hurdle that we'd have to surmount (apart from his law school, which is not very well-known, and the fact that he wasn't top in his class there).
This candidate actually reached out to me on LinkedIn at the end of December, during the holidays, and expressed an interest in working with me and in relocating to California, specifically to the Bay Area / Silicon Valley. His wife was exploring job opportunities in Silicon Valley, they both had a lot of friends and connections in the Bay Area and his wife's family was located in Southern California. In all honesty, these are not very strong ties to California. California likes to see family in California for candidates who are trying to relocate from across the country. The candidate's wife did have family in Southern California, but he and his wife were mainly interested in Silicon Valley, for some reason, and they really didn't have strong ties there. However, this candidate was already licensed to practice law in California, so this helped him a lot, I think. Also, a lot of strong Bay Area-focused candidates are not interested in Silicon Valley (only in SF), so I think that this also helped him.
We applied him to mainly mid-sized and Big Law firms throughout California. He was most interested in larger firms, and truth be told, I've found that smaller firms are less interested in candidates that are relocating cross-country, as smaller firms are likelier to have more urgent / active needs, and are less likely to be willing to foot the bill for the candidate to fly out and interview with the firm.
Interestingly, we got mostly crickets or passes from firms, most of which were not interested in his candidacy. But low and behold, one of the best Am Law 100 firms in California and nationwide reached out wanting to schedule a screener interview with him. This firm was and is very actively trying to grow their Silicon Valley office, and are trying to add several Corporate associates there. They were looking for a Private Equity associate with M&A experience. My candidate does have M&E experience, but as mentioned before, he was and is mainly a fund formation associate. So I thought that it was unlikely that such a strong firm would end up hiring him.
However, the firm really liked the candidate, he interviewed well and clearly they thought that there was enough overlap between his experience and what they were looking for that they were willing to train him. He ended up being offered as a Class of 2017 Associate, so he had to take a class year cut, but he was happy to do this, as the firm is so prestigious and he realized that his experience wasn't a perfect fit / he would indeed need training.
From the time that this candidate reached out to me on LinkedIn to the time that I placed him, only about two months passed. This was a very quick Big Law and especially relocation placement, as these sorts of placements often can take about six months or more. So, I feel that this candidate was very lucky to get such quick traction with such an amazing firm, and I think that he feels the same way too! I really couldn't be happier for him, and I know that he will excel at the Am Law 100 firm in Silicon Valley at which he landed.
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration Law
- Workers Compensation
- Insurance
- Family Law
- Trust and Estate
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
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.
