Many attorneys at all stages in their careers contact recruiters every now and then to gain information on the market and brainstorm ideas, even though they do not necessarily want to make a move at that time. This is very common. They want to keep apprised of opportunities and make a valuable connection for use when the time is right. I always enjoy talking to attorneys in this way, and then being there for them when they do decide to make a transition.
Once I make the initial connection, and I come to know a candidate and his or her long-term goals, it is very easy for me to keep that candidate "on my radar" and send him or her opportunities that arise and that the candidate may be interested in. BCG placement professionals are very tapped into the market - across the country and with respect to large and small firms with various practice area capabilities - and we get new legal job opening updates several times a day from our team behind the scenes. That is what happened in this case - I connected with this candidate initially, then we periodically touched base over the next several months, and eventually started a formal job search when the time was right to make a lateral move.
This candidate was extremely talented, and she was at the level where she was transitioning from a junior-level attorney to a mid-level candidate. She had done well at a Top-25 law school, had a solid work history with a great firm, and was extremely charismatic and personable. She had graduated with honors from college, won a writing competition, and studied abroad. There were only two issues. First, for both personal and professional reasons, she ultimately wanted to end up on the opposite Coast from where she was then living and practicing. Second, she wanted to shift her soft IP practice to focus on transactional work as opposed to the IP litigation matters she was increasingly being staffed on due to the workflow at her firm. Still, she was happy and doing well at her current firm, and not in any rush to upend a good situation, so she was not in any rush to make a move.
Then she called me one day to let me know she had made the move to the opposite Coast! Her firm had given her the chance to move to its office across the country and she took advantage of that opportunity. The fact that they gave her this opportunity is a testament to the esteem in which they held her and made me even more certain that this candidate was a star. That cross-country move might have solved the issue, if her new office was doing less litigation and more transactional soft IP work. But the opposite ended up being the case. If anything, her new office was even more heavily entrenched in litigation. We checked in with each other about the market and then she gave me the go-ahead to start looking for other opportunities that would enable her to shift her focus to transactional work, which is the area she wanted to commit to for the long-term.
We went to work on her applications. Given her strength as a candidate, I felt that we should apply to firms with openings as well as make "opportunistic" applications, which means apply to firms that do not have actual openings but we think might have an interest in a given candidate because we know that they tend to hire people with that candidate's characteristics and skills. Many of BCG's placements are opportunistic hires. We are able to make so many opportunistic placements because we have done the market research to understand which types of candidates fit well within which types of firms and firms trust our judgement when we send them candidates.
It just so happened that a leading AmLaw firm had an opening that fit perfectly with what this candidate was looking for! Even without having the bar right away, this firm saw the potential in this stellar candidate and hired her. It was the right job at the right time in the right location, and everything came together to give this highly deserving and talented candidate her new life on her new Coast, complete with her perfect practice area!
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.
