This candidate also was a pleasure to work with, and she really listened and trusted my expertise. She knew (as will be discussed further) that she had taken time off and that she needed to think broadly in her job search. It is the hardest to land a job if the candidate is only willing to apply to 3 firms, very specific, etc. since - on average - firms interview 4-5 people for one opening out of 1000s of resumes they receive, so statistical chances, no matter how superior your resume is, of getting an interview if you apply to so few firms, is very difficult, especially if you have something that may be questionable to some firms -- in this case, the candidate was unemployed and had taken time off to travel.
But this candidate understood that, and she allowed me to apply her very broadly in the area she was looking at. She was not picky, and she was willing to see what came in, and if the firm was not of interest at that point, that was okay for her.
Now let us talk about this candidate's career path and what exactly happened in this situation -- she started her career at a top of the top firm and went to a top-14 law school. So in this sense, the candidate had superstar credentials, and it is what we like to see. She worked at her big law firm for 3 years, which is also very important to her eventual placement. The candidates who leave their firms with under 2 years experience to do something unusual are very very unlikely to get placed. They have not gotten enough experience to be considered much more marketable than a first year associate entering in the fall. But he had stayed long enough to have the experience she needed.
This candidate grew up abroad and wanted to take some time off to travel. This is a question we get a lot here at BCG. Many young attorneys with stellar credentials think they can just pick up and take time to travel and easily get a job when they return, but this is not the case. It gives firms the message that you are not committed to a law firm career, that you will leave again, and that you will perhaps be difficult to manage. However, I have placed a large number of candidates who have taken time off to travel. While I would not recommend it to anyone as a path to take given how I have seen it can be very difficult to come back from it, I totally understand someone reaching out to me who has already made the decision, and I am willing to try it, and have been successful at getting interviews for unemployed candidates who traveled many times. The most important piece is having worked at least 2 years (ideally 3-4 years) in big law, and having a really strong reason to travel. In this case, the candidate actually grew up where she was going and wanted to bring her family and children there for the first time and to spend a year living there. She felt this time was the only time in her life she could do it between her lateral moves. Although this is still a hard sell, in this case, it was understandable and I think firms were willing to give it a chance.
She ended up landing a large number of interviews - probably around 6-7 firms all together, which in recruiting world is quite strong. And she was a fantastic interviewer as well. All the firms really enjoyed meeting her and she was seriously considered at many. She ended up getting an offer at a market paying top firm where she will be doing very sophisticated exciting work.
I am so happy for her, and I wish her all the best in her career! I believe the firm is really an ideal fit for her background and experience, and it all worked out so nicely.
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.
