Brobeck, Phleger, & Harrison

The firm also froze associate salaries in 2002, meaning that salaries will not increase to the next lock-step salary level, causing first-year and second-year associates to earn the same $135,000 salary. But this was not the end. Some partners were demoted to senior counsel or to fixed-income status this year. These layoffs and voluntary leave came about after months of internal debate, which eventually led the hard-charging former Brobeck Chairman Tower Snow Jr. to give up his post early.


If one is looking at the bottom line only, Brobeck grew exponentially during the last few years as rosy projections rampant in Silicon Valley during the Dot Com era deluded the firm into thinking the growth in the technology sector would never end. It is astonishing to look back and realize that Brobeck added in excess of 200 attorneys to its business and technology group in 1999 and 2000, and in excess of 300 lawyers total in 2000.

Misery loves company. It has yet to be seen whether these layoffs will have any detrimental impact on recruiting in the future. Because layoffs have been commonplace for blue chip law firms in Silicon Valley, there is unlikely to be a significant negative effect on Brobeck as a result of its layoffs. It is instructive to note that the following blue chip Bay Area firms also have announced layoffs: Cooley Godward; Fenwick & West; Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian; Pillsbury Winthrop; Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich; Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May; Skjerven Morrill MacPherson; and Venture Law Group. Even though Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati never announced layoffs, it has more than 100 fewer lawyers now than it did in 2000.

Has the turn around begun? It is not all doom and gloom. In fact, Brobeck may be positioned for growth, both in revenue and body count, in the future. Brobeck Chairman Richard Odom and Managing Partner Richard Parker seem intent on reigning in the substantial cost structure built during the last few years. In 2001, Brobeck had just 2 company-side public offerings, down from about 17 in 2000. So far, we note that Brobeck has completed 2 public offerings in 2002, with additional IPOs on the way.

Recently, the stock market has rallied with a vengeance amid signs that the economy is recovering more quickly and strongly than investors had expected. The effects on the stock market of the September 11 terrorist attacks seem to have been forgotten for now, and the news on the economic front has been dominated by either the Enron debacle or the strong economic data. It seems that the optimists have the upper hand at the moment. This bodes well for law firms, particularly for firms like Brobeck. In fact, the criticism of Brobeck has been that it has, and continues to have, more attorneys engaged in doing emerging company work than other firms. However, the firm has shuffled some of its remaining associates to help the busier practice areas. In addition, note that the leader of the firm, Odom, is a litigator. This implies that Brobeck will avoid its past mistake of relying too heavily on one sector of the legal practice. There is no doubt that those firms that have a strong litigation practice group are vying better than firms like Brobeck. Odom and his partners have most likely taken notice.

In any event, if the reported economy recovery is true, and the capital markets loosen their tight hold on purse strings, the structuring Brobeck undertook shedding its excess fat has positioned it to enjoy success again. Even though the irrational exuberance days of 1999 and 2000 are most likely gone forever, Brobeck will return to healthy and vibrant profits and growth.


About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

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.