I believed in this candidate from the get-go, even though I knew it was going to be an extremely difficult project to place him. After talking to him at length about his background and goals, and coming to believe that he had unique experience I felt the right firm could benefit from, I committed to doing everything I could to help.
Like everyone's trajectory, his was unique. He had graduated with highest honors from a leading HBCU and had been the first person in his family to graduate from college, which speaks volumes about his intelligence, motivation, and grit. He had earned his J.D. from a top law school. He always knew that he wanted to practice law, but he was also gifted and intrigued by finance, and in between college and law school he had worked for a leading investment bank. One thing led to another and he landed back at this investment bank - again as a banker - after graduating from law school.
Significantly, even though he was headed in a different direction, he wisely passed the bar exam and become admitted, so he could switch back to law in the future. This was a very prescient decision, because I am not sure we would have been successful if he had not "had the bar."
He remained with the investment bank firm for several years, rising up through the ranks to the level of vice president. He specialized in a very sophisticated area of finance and loved the work. He loved the complexity of the transactions, the high-energy process of "doing deals," the interfacing with his international clientele, and the whole milieu in which the work went down.
Even as he was happy where he was, at a prestigious investment bank with a titled position, he had a lingering desire to contribute to the world of high finance as an attorney. This dream had been simmering for a long time and suddenly it began to burn, and he knew it was time to contact BCG. We got right down to work, each of us determined to do what we could to close the deal and get him into a law firm.
On my advice, we cast a wide net, reaching out to firms large and small, with and without formal openings, and opening up our search to include additional markets. He approved virtually all firms I sent him. He also was very responsive when I asked for supporting documents. One of the things I appreciated was the way he described the deals he worked on. Instead of a dry formal list, he described his clients and their deals just like a banker or trader would, using banker lingo and speaking as if he was talking to another trader or banker. This would prove critical in the end, because it turned out that his ability to really understand the inside workings of the investment banking space - and think like a banker because he was a banker - was what the firm he eventually landed at was in need of.
I explained his story in the cover letter and made sure to highlight his significant real-world experience in high finance, just as he had explained it to me, using his lingo. That turned out to be key, as an AmLaw firm that represents investment bankers in the world's financial capital saw the potential in this candidate. The firm did not have a formal opening, but it was interested in possibly bringing him on board as an "opportunistic" hire.
Firms of this caliber have their pick of highly-credentialed attorney candidates to choose from – but they went with this candidate because he brought something to the table that other candidates did not - unique expertise regarding the deals they were putting together that simply could not be gained by law firm experience alone, no matter how high-level. Added to that, this candidate demonstrated the required level of raw intelligence, scholastic achievement, motivation, follow through and all-around commitment to excellence the best firms demand of their attorneys.
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.
