She was a strong candidate - having gone to a top law school, where she did well academically and did Journal work. She was also interesting because she had a dual major in both English and Business, and had participated in important law school clinics and organizations. She was working for a well-known firm in the insurance defense area, and though she had gotten great substantive litigation experience in terms of court appearances, trial work and depositions, it was not necessarily the kind of work that complex litigation firms value in their junior associates. It can be hard to make the move from insurance defense to complex litigation, regardless whether you are trying to do it in New York or Colorado.
Almost every lateral job search involves hurdles that must be overcome. This can be surprising for attorneys, especially when they did well at good law schools and had several offers and opportunities upon graduation. But things get progressively more difficult as attorneys get more senior and want to lateral. In the case of this candidate, in addition to this issue of moving from insurance defense to complex litigation, this candidate also had another issue, in that she was still relatively junior but already had three moves on her resume and this would be the fourth. She had worked at a smaller and less-well known firm prior to her current one and prior to that she had worked in a non-legal business position abroad. In one sense, her path was up, but in another sense the worry was that firms would see her as not having the kind of staying power and ability to commit they look for in associates. Generally speaking, to be the most marketable to law firms, attorneys should try to stick to legal jobs, in law firms, and to stay at each firm for at least two or three years.
But this was a very unique candidate - set apart by her substance and sparkle -and I felt confident that if we kept at it we could be successful. In addition to her solid academic credentials, she was multi-lingual, had a diverse array of interesting hobbies including sports, crafts and playing musical interests, and had a very engaging personality. This is someone whom I felt could find common ground and communicate with anyone. I knew she would do well in interviews and with clients, judges and juries.
The other issue, of course, was the relocation. Relocations can be tricky because the question firms always ask is "what is the candidate's connections to the new city?" They want to be sure that the candidate is really committed to the new market and is not just looking for an extended vacation. That is why firms like to see actual evidence of ties to that area, like the candidate grew up in the location and is returning home to stay or perhaps is moving there because his or her spouse got a new job in the market and that is prompting the move. In this case, this candidate was not from Denver, but she had spent considerable time there and had many friends in the area. Moreover, her application process corresponded with a major holiday, which she spent in Denver. This was very helpful. It meant she was making herself available to firms that wanted to interview her without those firms needing to arrange or pay for her to fly to Denver. Additionally, the fact that she was motivated enough to fly out to Denver and spend a major holiday there with friends gave credibility to the idea that she would be a good bet for committing to Denver for the long-term.
She started with a few screening phone interviews initially, and then we were able to arrange for several in-person meetings while she was in Denver. We made it work even though logistics were a bit of an issue due to the hectic holiday season. She made a great connection with one firm in particular and had an offer in hand in relatively short order. Within the month, she had given notice to her firm, packed her bags, and headed out to her new practice, life and firm in the beautiful Rocky Mountains!
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.
