Everything else looked good - academics, work history, general stability - but the issue was going to be the relocation. Cross-country placements can be tricky, especially when they involve a move to a market where the candidate does not have the bar, as was the case here. There are several reasons for this. One reason is that a firm that is hiring a new attorney is going to invest a great deal in on-boarding, training and cultivating that attorney, and the firm wants to make sure it does not lose out on its investment by the attorney deciding he or she did not like the new location and leaving.
It always helps, therefore, if you can help explain the legitimate reasons why an attorney is making a given move. This helps the firm be sure that the candidate is really committed to the new market and is not just taking a gamble on something that seems appealing for one reason or another. A good reason for making a move in the eyes of a law firm is relocating back to the place where you grew up, or perhaps where you went to school and have significant friends and other ties. Another good reason is you are making a relocation because your spouse got a new job in the market and you are thus making a long-term family move that involves putting down roots in the community. There may be other good reasons, as well, including that the kind of work you want to do is only available in that particular market.
In the case of this candidate, his issue was very legitimate. His fianc© had been accepted to law school in California, which is where she was from. The couple planned to make California their permanent home. But even though he had a legitimate reason to move to California, there was an additional issue - he did not have the bar. Most firms require an attorney to have the bar in the place they want to work or at the very least be eligible to waive into that bar. California is one of the jurisdictions that is especially adamant about the bar requirement. We could not magically get him admitted to the California bar right away, but we could at least take steps in that direction. When I explained to him the issue, he immediately signed up to take the next bar exam, and so we could at least demonstrate to firms that he was taking this concrete step in the process.
One helpful aspect to his job search is that California is a strong market for L&E positions. There was thus a lot of opportunity in the market, both by way of submissions to firms with L&E openings and submissions of opportunistic applications to firms with good L&E departments that I felt might have an interest in this strong candidate. Another helpful aspect of his job search was that this candidate was terrific in doing everything he could to take initiative and facilitate things. Not only did he immediately sign up for the California bar, he also made two trips out to California on his own dime for interviews. That is the kind of proactive, self-starting behavior that leads to success.
As to his actual experience - that was an easy sell. He provided multiple writing samples covering a host of topics and including both litigation and counseling L&E work. (Many L&E positions involve both litigation as well as counseling clients on L&E laws and drafting employee handbooks and that sort of thing, so having examples of a candidate's capabilities in both aspects is helpful.) He also had equally strong labor law experience as employment law experience, which California firms appreciate.
In the end, we were successful, despite the relocation and bar issues. All the work and sacrifice was worth it, as he got an offer with a great firm very near to where his finance would be attending law school. When you have super solid credentials, and have consistently evidenced hard work and stability throughout college, law school, and career, you can surmount obstacles and defy odds in career moves.
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.
