The Next Step on Your Professional Path: Build a Network

The fact is that many very intelligent people fail in law. I see great resumes every day from attorneys who started off brilliantly, only to lag behind when the spectre of partnership looms. I have a theory why that is the case. I believe that it all boils down to how well an individual can create and nurture a circle of colleagues. That's it. A simple concept, but a powerful dynamic.

There is an important principal of human interaction that I firmly believe in: The total effectiveness of any collaborative group is greater than the sum of its parts. It sounds simple, but the effects are enormous.


I like to think back to the example that ancient Roman legions can provide. The Romans, you may recall, were not numerous enough to subjugate an entire continent. Yet, they nevertheless did so for a long, long time. The backbone of their hegemonic rule was the legion, an organization only a third the size of a modern division. Nevertheless, it was a unit that was feared and admired throughout the Western world for centuries. Believe me, it wasn't the cool red uniforms that frightened away the natives. Rather, it was the high degree to which the members of the legion worked together. It was composed of heavy infantry (legionnaires), light infantry (skirmishers), and mounted fighters (cavalry). In turn, each consisted of troops with a variety of weapons at their disposal. Suffice it to say that the power of the legion was in the ability of all the moving parts, each with different skills, to work together cohesively. Their discipline and common purpose was what gave them victory after victory.

By contrast, compare the legion to the typical enemy fought by Rome: the barbarians. Barbarians (such as the Saxons!) were long on war cries and gallantry and short on organization. Each man considered himself (or herself!) as an individual fighter looking for individual glory. As such, they were usually easily defeated. It wasn't until the "barbarians" started adopting Roman fighting tactics that they began to give Rome a run for its money.

No, I am not going to suggest that you study military tactics as the key to your success (personally, I cannot understand a word of The Art of War). Instead, I suggest an easier method: Slowly, day by day, begin to build a network—a collection, really—of contacts, both inside and outside your profession. In doing so, you will be seeking to create a particular kind of relationship that those of you who do not have business background may not be familiar: the colleague.

Groan! I hear you, but please hear me out. I am going to inject some meaning into that tired term. First of all, I'll tell you what a colleague is not. A colleague is not necessarily a friend. Friendship implies a series of social obligations, the need to socialize outside the context of your profession. Colleagues do not have that obligation (but they might be friends anyway). Second, a colleague is not a business partner. The relationship does not necessarily imply that the two will actually work together or become each other's client. That could happen, but it isn't the primary function. Instead, the primary function of the colleague relationship is regular, if not frequent, contact on a professional level. That's right. The point is to talk, email, or perhaps have a coffee or meet up at an event on a regular basis. There is no magic in this, but I suggest attempting one contact with each colleague every quarter. The point is that you are developing a relationship that grows slowly, bit by bit. You can exchange news of mutual interest, maybe an article sent by email, or just low-level gossip about what is happening in your neck of the woods, however you define it. Believe me, this type of low-level activity has the tendency to build into something real, lasting, and powerful. Inevitably, one or the other of you will know someone who has the answer to that particular problem you just mentioned. Or one of you knows of an opening or need at a new firm. One of you may have the title to a terrific book or know of a conference that may be of interest to either party. The sharing of these little bits of information, each fairly insignificant, has a tendency to coalesce into a thriving network of mutual favors, hints, helping hands, and support. And, yes, sometimes these connections lead to new business, contracts, billables (!), success. But not because one or the other is trying to make it happen. Rather, because the law of averages (and certain principles of sales) decree that out of a certain number of contacts, a small but steady percentage of the same will result in a real business opportunity.

How to go about it. At every event you attend—every conference, CLE class, community function, or art gallery premiere—try to meet people of all walks of life. (Note to self: Always carry business cards). Be open, be interested in others, and trade information. You can meet an astonishing number of people if you pay attention. Once you have that information, enter it into some sort of system. Use a Rolodex, your Outlook "contacts," a business card holder—anything. Two or three days (at the most) after you meet someone new and trade information, send a little friendly email or make a quick call to follow up and just say hi. After that, develop a system for contacting every one of the persons on your list once each quarter. If you follow through on this plan, you will end up having two or three quick emails or calls to make a day, indefinitely. Further, you will amass a list of potentially thousands of contacts over time. Do not get overwhelmed. This will occur organically, naturally, and it might even be fun!

My approach is not to have any particular expectation about that contact. You do not need an "action plan" with respect to any one or a group of contacts. Instead, you are just making contact for the sake of contact and expressing interest in another person. As I have said, the benefits will add up.

You may be thinking at this point, what happened to the Roman legion analogy? Well, the point is that taking the approach of building a network of colleagues in a variety of disciplines is much like a group effort. You are not fighting barbarians, but something more insidious: professional chaos and frustration. In collaboration with your colleagues, you will slowly, but surely, come to find that you all have similar goals: professional success and satisfaction. Working together, in a million small ways, will bring you and others into a greater level of satisfaction in your career. It will also give you resources that you otherwise may not have had. In the end, it is not the things that we know we don't know that get us; it is the things that we don't know that we don't know; you know? In other words, having a large and growing cadre of professionals available to us will inevitably give you a greater perspective on individual problems; give you resources you never knew existed; give you ideas you would never have had on your own. Bottom line: one lucky call may just make the difference between finding the winning argument and losing it; between making partner or relegation to the ranks of the permanent associate; between satisfaction and frustration.

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.