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
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.
