After over ten years of being a solo practitioner he decided to take a job at a well-known firm in Maryland. After five years at this firm he made the bold move to leave in April just as COVID was first hitting the legal market. He had a sense that the firm was not going to fare well during COVID and he made an anticipatory exit. Again, another bold move given that no one had any idea how long COVID was going to last.
He went right back to being a solo practitioner but his overall objective was to find a firm that he could call home. He had great academic credentials and an impressive legal career. However, he was on the senior side of things, which can often make it a challenge to lateral to a firm. Often firms will only take on someone who is senior if they have a book of business. And many firms will only consider partner level candidates who have a book of business that is in excess of US$1 million. Moreover, he was essentially unemployed since it would take time to build up his practice again. Not to mention that this was all occurring when the pandemic was starting and there was a lot of uncertainty amongst the legal community. Many firms had begun to implement hiring freezes and weren't even accepting submissions. He was also unwilling to look at any other market aside from Maryland, which is already a small legal market. He was undeterred by it all and felt confident that he and I working together would find a great firm.
There were several things going in his favor but perhaps the most important one of all was that he had a niche practice since he was an expert ERISA attorney. He also had another major advantage over other partners looking to find a firm during COVID; he had a book of business. The problem was his book of business was less than $300k. Two firms took immediate interest in this candidate upon submission. A third firm expressed interest after about three weeks. This candidate had managed to land more interviews in a few weeks than any other candidate in my pipeline. He had a second round with one of the firms, and a third round with the second firm. The timing was incredibly slow and there were several weeks in between each interview. My candidate seemed to get frustrated by how long it was taking but I had to remind him that these are COVID times and firms are being especially cautious about who they hire and whether they should hire at all. The third firm that had been the last to express interest had asked for four rounds of interviews, references, and asked my candidate to provide his numbers to back up his book of business. The first two firms ultimately passed on my candidate. One firm didn't explain why and the other said it was because his book of business was not big enough. The third firm ended up making an offer which my candidate happily accepted.
In the end, our persistence and patience and his confidence that he would get a job paid off and he got a job at one of the top firms in Maryland. The interview process itself took about three months but a very important lesson was learned by all, patience and persistence are ultimately rewarded in this market.
Another important lesson was learned as well. Despite having a small book of business, this candidate was very proactive about developing business. As a solo practitioner he had had to learn how to generate business and he was constantly thinking about ways to bring in new clients. I was also very impressed that, despite being on the older side, he was way more technologically savvy than I. He used twitter and started his own blog where he gave advice regarding employee benefits. Just a few of the ways he brought in business. This proactive, go-getter attitude, coupled with our determination and patience is ultimately what got him the job.
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.
