Honesty is the Best Policy

It is important to recognize that your recruiter understands that transitioning to a new job is a very stressful experience, and thus wants to make this process as easy and stress-free as possible for you. In addition, recruiters work very hard on behalf of their candidates in order to help them find that perfect new job. However, in order to allow your recruiter to do the best job possible on your behalf, it is imperative that you provide your recruiter with all important and relevant information regarding your background, experience, and job search. Withholding potentially negative information from your recruiter will only cause problems down the road because this information seems to inevitably come out at some point, and usually to the detriment of the candidate. It is much better if your recruiter knows all relevant facts from the outset of your job search so that he or she can determine the best possible way to represent your candidacy to potential employers and address any ''red flags'' up front.

For example, one of the first questions firms will ask lateral candidates is why they are leaving their firm. Being laid off due to a diminishing work flow is unfortunately becoming more and more commonplace. If you were laid off for economic reasons and not performance reasons, firms will be much more understanding. Thus, it is very important that you are able to provide strong references from your current firm in order to alleviate any concerns that you are being laid off for performance-related reasons. Consequently, you should reach out to partners and senior associates for whom you have worked to confirm whether they will provide solid references.


One of the risks of not disclosing your current situation up front to your recruiter and/or potential employer is that you may find yourself in the awkward position of no longer being employed in the middle of the interview process. At this point, it will be very difficult to explain the change in your employment status because the firm will recognize that you have been withholding important information from them. This can be very detrimental to the interview process, and ultimately lead to disastrous results.

For example, a few years ago, a former candidate of mine was in this exact situation — i.e., he had been laid off from his firm, and the firm had told him not to tell his recruiter the truth about his situation because it would hurt his chances of finding a new job. Thus, he never told me that he was being laid off and only had a few months to find a new position. This candidate had no problems getting interviews as he had outstanding academic credentials and was at a top Los Angeles law firm. Thus, he successfully obtained several interviews, and ultimately received an offer to join a fantastic firm. However, unbeknownst to me, this candidate was no longer employed at his firm when the offer was extended. In fact, the candidate had misrepresented his employment status when he had gone on his last interview with the firm. Obviously, this was not a good situation.

At the end of the day, both the firm and I finally learned the truth about this candidate's situation. When the firm found out, they rescinded the candidate's offer because of the misrepresentation, and not the fact that the candidate had been laid off. In fact, the firm told me that had the candidate been open and honest about his situation from the beginning, the firm would not have rescinded the offer. However, because of the candidate's numerous misrepresentations and lack of disclosure, the firm had serious concerns about the candidate's ethics and integrity.

In addition, I had my own questions and concerns about the candidate. I finally determined that I could no longer trust this candidate and, as a result, I ended the relationship. Had the candidate been open and honest about his situation from the beginning, I strongly believe that he could have overcome his situation and found a new position.

The moral of the story is that honesty is the best policy, especially in an economy where layoffs are becoming more and more common. Being laid off does not mean that you will not be able to find a new job. There are still many great opportunities for candidates of all shapes and sizes. To be able to capitalize on these opportunities, trust your recruiter to be able to handle your situation in the most appropriate matter. Good luck!

See the Top 32 Reasons Attorneys Lose Their Jobs Inside of Law Firms to learn some of the most common reasons attorneys are fired or let go from law firms.

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.