The candidate here had gone to a top 5 law school and worked at a well-known and respected firm in Boston but it was not an AmLaw 200 firm. She had been there for four years when she left to do a district court clerkship. The candidate had gone to the clerkship with the intention of finding a better firm after the year-long clerkship term. She assumed that the clerkship would enable her to break into a national or international firm with a footprint larger than in Boston only.
When we initially applied to firms in September of 2019, the candidate wanted to apply to firms with actual openings only, and it was to a number less than 10. One regional firm expressed interest in an interview and the candidate - after doing more research on them - decided to decline the interview. She said that though she had agreed to apply, she wanted to stick to her goal of finding a better firm than her previous one. At the same time, she did approach her previous firm about the possibility of returning and, for some time, it looked like she could if she wanted and then, a few months later, it appeared that the firm would not have a need for her if she wanted to return then. It was at this time that another regional firm expressed interest in meeting with the candidate and, having just heard that her old firm would not be able to take her back, she decided to go to the interview. The candidate really liked the firm but was worried about compensation. The firm decided to pass on her.
We were now a couple months into the search but only one month away from the candidate's clerkship ending, and I kept speaking with her about timing and her needing to have a job secured prior to the end of her clerkship. She then let me approach some firms on a proactive basis – these firms did not have openings but were ones with whom we worked regularly and that had strong litigation practices. It was from the affirmative set of applications that we now garnered interest from two AmLaw 100 firms. She interviewed with both and liked both but favored one slightly over the other. The favored firm had a stronger need to fill; the other was thinking about an opportunistic hire. When each firm learned that she was in talks with another peer firm, each became more aggressive in their pitches to the candidate, setting up additional meetings with associates and offering to meet over dinner, outside of the office, etc. The candidate received offers from both firms but in the "wooing" process post-interviews, she actually went back to the firm she initially had a slightly less strong leaning towards. This firm came in with an offer $10,000 less but she thought the long-term opportunities present for her there were stronger and she decided to join the firm that hired her opportunistically.
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.
