Here the candidate attended a Top 10 law school and a top 3 LLM program. He graduated from law school, practiced for several years in estate planning, then went back to school for his LLM in taxation. He did so because he wanted to do sophisticated tax planning for high net worth individuals. He sought out opportunities to do this and got a job with a prestigious Am Law firm in
Florida.
This candidate excelled as a trust and estate attorney with one of the top private wealth groups in the country. As a testament to his abilities as an attorney, he had already started building his book of business, with one client's net assets more than $40M. He was recruited to join this firm from a top regional firm in Michigan and enjoyed his time there. He had a great relationship with the head of the group and received outstanding reviews from his clients.
The candidate wanted to relocate from Florida to Atlanta to be closer to friends and family. He had a growing family and wanted to be closer to his network.
One hurdle that this candidate had to overcome was the fact that he had made several moves before joining his current firm. Many partners are hesitant to bring on associates who have multiple moves on their resume. It is a red flag that the associate might move law firms again, wasting their time and money. It is expensive to hire and train an attorney. No firm wants to hire someone if they think that person will leave in another year or two. Ultimately, most firms are only interested in hiring attorneys that they want to eventually make partner. This candidate had to convince the firm he planned to stay long term. We explained every move and the candidate was prepared to explain
further during an interview. Most of his moves were because he went back to school or wanted better experience. This experience made him a great candidate for the firm.
This candidate has an impressive background in trust and estate law. He decided early in his law school career that he loved tax law and wanted to focus his career on the practice area. He started his legal career with a top regional firm in Michigan. He left the firm in 2015 to pursue his LLM in Taxation with a top program.
After completing his LLM, the candidate returned to Michigan to join a top boutique in a suburb of Detroit. There he served as primary tax counsel to trustees and business owners on matters involving over $30M. He drafted all documents for plans to transfer wealth more than $100M. He also generated new business, including ten new clients and over $25,000 in fees.
This candidate then made a lateral move to a leading global law firm based in Detroit. There he solved complex estate planning issues involving blended families, disinherited children, and special needs. He also drafted estate plans for clients with only $20M in assets. During his time in Michigan, he was recognized as an expert in his field by Super Lawyers Rising Stars for Michigan, Estate Planning and Probate.
He was then recruited for one of the top estate planning practices in the country with an Am Law 100 firm. He took the job because it was a chance to work for a top firm in an office that specialized in the practice area. He gained exceptional hands on experience since joining the firm. He drafted all types of estate planning documents, including all documents to complete a $100M gift and sale strategy to save clients an estimated $16M in federal estate taxes. He supervised and executed the administration of trusts and estates in court, including original probate and ancillary administration of out of state estates. He served as the first point of contact to clients and their CPAs, financial
planners, and family office managers. Highly skilled at working with clients and developing business, he was beginning to build a book of business, with one client's net assets in excess $40M.
This candidate loves the practice area and enjoyed his firm. However, he and his wife did not like living in Florida and wanted to move to Atlanta. He was looking for a top firm with a busy trust and estate practice where he could settle down long term. He knew this was likely the last time he could successfully move firms, so he was careful to find the right fit.
I researched all the firms in Atlanta that have sophisticated estate planning practices. One was the perfect fit - a national tax boutique that had a busy estate planning practice. They had an urgent need for an associate because their former associate recently went in-house. The candidate was unfamiliar with the firm, but his tax professor highly recommended it. They did great work and were very busy.
I submitted the candidate to the firm, explaining his interest in Atlanta and the reasons for his previous moves. They immediately invited him for a phone interview, followed by an in-person interview with all the attorneys in the practice group. The quickly made him an offer that was above what his Am Law 100 paid him by a significant amount. The offer was partly based on his billing rate and his business development skills. The firm had questions about his moves but felt comfortable making an offer because he had strong ties to Atlanta.
Because this was likely the candidate's last move, he was careful to do his due diligence before joining the firm. He traveled back to Atlanta to meet with more attorneys and test his commute to the office. He also spoke to the head of the practice group and asked whether he could come in early and leave early, both to avoid rush hour traffic and to be home in time to have dinner with his kids. He spoke with one attorney at the firm who periodically works remotely, which was an option he wanted. He also chatted with the associate who left, with the firm's permission, to make sure there were no serious issues he should avoid.
The candidate grew concerned about traffic in Atlanta and got cold feet. He turned down the offer but stayed in touch with one of the partners in the group. He expressed his desire to work for the firm and asked if he could work remotely, at least part time. The firm said they would consider it and get back to him. Then the Covid-19 pandemic hit. I think once the firm realized they could trust their associates to do a good job working from home, they were more open to allowing the candidate to do that. He returned to Atlanta again and found a neighborhood he liked close to the office. He accepted the offer and the firm was excited to have him.
A couple of take aways from this case study: 1) Firms will consider candidates with multiple moves on their resume if they have a good explanation for the moves; 2) Do your research before joining a firm - it is always best to speak with as many firm attorneys as possible, including some who have left the firm; 3) Firms may keep an offer open after you turn it down if you are polite and stay in touch.
This search demonstrates that firms will cooperate with information requests if you ask politely and help you make the best decision for your career.
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
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This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
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He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
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Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
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This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
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For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.
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If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
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.
