This candidate was primarily interested in only pursuing in-house legal opportunities in the South. She worked as in-house counsel at a local company for two years. Prior to that, she worked at a law firm for two years. She is a 2016 law school graduate who specialized in labor and employment law. I reached out about one law firm who had an opening that perfectly matched her background and experience. She agreed to let me submit her to the one firm. I did email her other firms and jobs via the BCG notification list but she was not interested in submitting to any other firms until she heard back from this one particular firm.
The firm responded right away that they wanted to interview this candidate. After the first round interview, we heard back immediately that they wanted her to meet more members of the practice group. It took several weeks to set up the second round interview in order to accommodate everyone's availability. After that, it took some time to finalize the details. The entire process took around six weeks, from beginning to end.
The important take-away is to be patient when interviewing. It sometimes takes the firms many weeks to finalize the details and get the necessary approvals to make an offer. It is important to have your Recruiter follow up and keep the lines of communication open with the firm. Sometimes, the process takes over a month to two months. Sometimes, the whole process from interview to offer can take place in a week. It really does vary. During the pandemic, it may take even longer for firms to get the necessary hiring approvals.
This candidate had an amazing personality. She was approachable, friendly, and a great communicator. I conducted an interview preparation session for her and we went over common interview questions and practiced answering them. I knew her qualifications matched up with what the firm was looking for. At this point, it was a matter of determining if the candidate's personality matched with the firm's practice group. In this case, it was a great match. Not all candidates interview well. This is another reason to use a Recruiter who can help and guide you to prepare for interviews. This particular candidate is a natural at interviewing. I know that many firms are doing virtual interviews over the computer during the pandemic. It is also helpful to practice interviewing this way before your actual interview. This way, you are not distracted when it comes time to the real interview. Some tips for virtual interviewing - make sure the interviewer can see your face clearly and that it takes up most of the screen and don't have too much going on in the background to distract the interviewer.
As for going from law firm to in-house and back to law firm, there are occasions where it is possible and where the in-house experience will be useful in a firm setting. It is a case by case basis but definitely not ruling out altogether. It is most helpful for labor and employment attorneys who have the in-house experience to go back to a firm. These attorneys know exactly what clients are looking for because they themselves were clients. When applying to go from in-house to firm, it is important to remind the firm that you know what the clients are looking for in a firm and that you would be able to anticipate their needs from your experience as in-house counsel. When going back to a firm setting, it is also important to let the firm know why it is that you want to work back at a firm. In this case, the candidate wanted more challenging and stimulating work and she knew she would receive that at a firm. I have other candidates now who want to return to a firm from in-house positions because the company is slowing down from the pandemic and they don't have much work to do or they feel their job is the next one to be eliminated.
This case was a great success and great match. This is an outstanding candidate who got placed at a reputable firm. I wish all job searches could end this way!
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.
