After her 2L year, this candidate was honored to receive a summer associateship opportunity with a U.S. News & World Report nationally-ranked firm in Cleveland. The firm was very impressed by her, and extended an offer to her to join as a full-time associate upon graduation. She became a member of the firm's Business & Finance Practice Group, which she was excited about and which corresponded with her interests and skill set. In her close to two years with the firm, she gained sophisticated corporate experience where she advised clients and drafted documents relating to general corporate matters, including commercial agreements, equity incentive planning and corporate governance; counseled clients and served on deal teams for a broad range of corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial financings, private equity and venture financing; maintained primary responsibility on deal teams including conducting due diligence, drafting disclosure schedules and drafting ancillary deal documents; and advised clients on fund formation and dissolution alternatives.
This candidate was a very valued associate with her firm. In the spring of 2020, however, this candidate's firm unfortunately had to downsize its transactional team due to adverse impacts from the international pandemic COVID-19. Being a more junior associate, the firm let her and other corporate associates know in the spring that they would be unable to keep them on and this candidate was included in the lay-offs.
Impressively, this candidate landed on her feet, and found a part-time opportunity with a boutique health law firm in the Cleveland suburbs. With the firm, she was counselling clients and serving on deal teams for health care transactions, and performing research for health care transactions, including issues related to federal, state, and local zoning ordinances. She was thankful for this learning experience to expand her skill set in the health care law arena as well, and to continue working while searching for a new full-time position. The firm did not have a full-time associate position available, and so understood and was supportive of her search for a new long-term home in Ohio.
This candidate approached BCG seeking a new long-term opportunity to continue to advance her career in the greater Cleveland area. She was committed to the region and involved in many community and public interest organizations in addition to her previous work full-time with a highlyrecognized firm. She was going to be able to provide stellar references and upon speaking with her, BCG recognized that she was an incredibly talented individual finding herself on the job market due to highly unforeseen circumstances. She had been an incredibly popular OCI candidate during law school (receiving multiple offers), a valued and engaged associate with a great firm, and had landed on her feet part-time and continuing to work despite being let go due to COVID-19. She was clearly a highly-motivated and extremely hard-working individual that would elevate any practice she joined.
Despite a slower market for corporate/ transactional associates, BCG knew that it would be able to market this very talented candidate to sophisticated business law practices in the Cleveland area. A highly-regarded regional firm responded quickly to her application, indicating that they already knew of this candidate's reputation in the community, and were excited to hear that she was available and seeking a new position! Despite not having an active posting/ requisition, they did not want to pass up an opportunity to potentially be able to hire this individual. They made very clear to this candidate how impressed and excited they were about her joining their team, and were able to share many reasons why their particular group was thriving in an uncertain economic environment.
This candidate ended up also receiving an in-house job offer as well, but ultimately chose to continue her career in private practice with the firm that initially indicated interest. She knew that her contacts in the community would turn into business development opportunity over time, and that that was a large benefit to her in remaining with a law firm. She also recognized the continued training she would receive in private practice, and still being fairly junior, knew this was important for her career over the long term. We were incredibly honored to help this firm and candidate find each other in uncertain times, and are very happy with the outcome!
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.
