When this candidate reached out, he was a first year associate practicing corporate law at a top AmLaw 100 firm in Boston. He had strong credentials, graduating near the top of his law school class, and actual business experience prior to attending law school. The candidate wanted to do more of a particular type of transactional work and he wanted a little more breathing room and control over his life. We discussed the fact that by its nature, deal work is volatile and rollercoaster like and that no matter where you do it, at a particular level, it will involve unpredictability and last minute weekend takeovers at the whim of the client. Conceding this, the candidate said that he was fine with that in some measure but that he really did not want to be in a BigLaw environment and mentality for the long-term. I advised him to be patient with the process and understand that in our first "go round" of applications, he would be judged not on merit but simply on his being so junior and, as such, he would likely not gain any traction. He was fine with waiting and wanted to try to information gather in an initial set of applications. We did reach out to a number of firms in Boston and, as predicted, the response was almost always, "impressive candidate, just too junior at this time". Thankfully, the candidate trusted me and agreed to try again in six months - one year.
We did wait, and we came back to make new applications about 7, 8 months later. All the while, I kept the candidate warm, checking in with him about work and family, the market, and current events. We emailed regularly, and his wife's work situation had him thinking to look in Connecticut at one point, and then we came back to Boston. This time around, we had three firms show interest and among them was Jones Day. The candidate had positive experiences with the three firms and was even turned back on to BigLaw because he enjoyed his two rounds of interviews with Jones Day so much. Another firm, Murtha Cullina, moved faster and we tried to keep them engaged for as long as wisely possible while waiting for Jones Day, but in the end, the candidate came back to the fact that he'd wanted to leave BigLaw and if Jones Day was stalling, he thought it was best to go to the place where he was really wanted. I reminded him of his initial goals coming into the search and agreed that he should join the place that really wants him and to start with momentum because that would mean he would make the right connections and relationships with the right power players at the firm, and have the opportunity to do work to show off his skills and to continue to grow as an associate.
We never did hear from Jones Day and the candidate placed is very happy at Murtha Cullina.
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.
