In terms of the candidate's background, she attended a Top 50 law school and did very well there -she was summa cum laude and Order of the Coif, and earned a 3.9 GPA! She was also on her law school journal, was on the Dean's List every semester, participated in Moot Court, was the President of her school's Women's Law Association and boasted several other academic and extracurricular accolades. She also attended a Top 50 undergraduate university, was magna cum laude there and studied abroad at a prestigious university in England. So, all in all, her academics were exceptional. In terms of her law firm experience, she spent her 2L summer at a prestigious national firm in Phoenix, and received an offer to join the firm post-graduation from law school.
However, her offer was in litigation, and she really wanted to do tech transactions, so she applied to firms on her own as a 3L and landed at a well-respected boutique in Seattle doing Tech, Video Games & Emerging Media. She actually started working at this boutique firm part-time as a 3L, in January 2019, so she has more experience than the average tech transactions first year.
The main challenge for us was, of course, that this candidate was very junior when we started working together. I started submitting her in February 2020, when she had only been at her firm post-graduation for a few months. However, I was hoping that the fact that she had been working for them since January 2019 would help us. We submitted her to firms in SF, Silicon Valley, LA, the OC, San Diego, Phoenix and Las Vegas. She had ties to Phoenix and Las Vegas, as she spent her 2L summer in Phoenix and her 1L summer in Las Vegas, and told me that she had friends throughout California. I knew that California was likely a stretch, as this candidate doesn't have family anywhere in California and she's so junior. The fact that she doesn't have the California bar actually doesn't matter in this case, as I've noticed that California firms will make an exception to the general CA license requirement for candidates from hot and niche practice ares like tech transactions and data privacy. However, it would have helped if she had had a year or two more of post-law school experience, as the vast majority of firms searching for tech transactions Associates in California were and are looking for at least a few years of experience.
The situation became even tougher when this candidate was laid off from her boutique firm in Seattle in June. When she told me this, I really and truly believed that that was the end of the line for us. I've been working with several laid-off 2019ers during this pandemic, and before this candidate, none of them had gotten any traction. The sad truth of the matter is that a 2019er who is laid off right now will likely land at a low-level firm and / or will have to switch practice areas. However, I did see one opening at an Am Law 100 firm in Seattle that was looking for a mid-level tech transactions Associate. I knew that this candidate was too junior for the role but I thought, heck, why not try.
A week or two after I submitted her, the firm reached out asking to interview. It turned out that while she was indeed too junior for the role, they were in the process of getting a first or second year tech transactions Associate position approved by the firm and posted on the firm website. During the interview, they actually told the candidate that they'd want to post the position and get more resumes before deciding whether or not to move forward with her, which is usually a ding. But, they liked my candidate so much and the candidate came off so well in the interview, that the firm decided NOT to post the position on their website and just move forward with her! She went through two rounds of video interviews, one with partners and one with associates, and then a conflicts and background screening, and was extended an offer! Neither she nor I could believe it. As mentioned, this is a top Am Law 100 firm, and not only are Am Law 100 firms barely interviewing during the pandemic, but they are certainly (for the most part) not seriously considering or interviewing candidates that have been laid off, let alone 2019 candidates who have been laid off! This would have been a huge upwards move for her and the dream opportunity in any market, and even if she had still been at her firm. Needless to say, we were both absolutely over the moon. This firm, like many Am Law 100 firms, has recently cut its associate salaries by 15%, and so the base is lower than what we were expecting, but she may get bumped up to a higher base in September and of course it's not all about the money! This opportunity is the dream opportunity for this candidate in the tech transactions space, and is quite literally a career and life changer. I could not be any happier for her!
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.
