Attorneys can get a competitive edge by taking a proactive approach to their job search and expanding their professional network. Building relationships with recruiters and hiring teams at law firms is an excellent way to gain visibility in the legal job market. In addition, it is important for job seekers to tailor their resumes and cover letters to the positions for which they are applying.
Job-hunting attorneys should also consider alternative legal career paths, such as corporate law and government jobs. In addition, attorneys should explore the potential of working in small or mid-sized firms or starting their own practice. Finally, attorneys should invest in their personal development to stay competitive in the job market.
For job seekers in the legal industry, BCG Attorney Search offers comprehensive resources to help them increase their chances of landing their desired jobs. These include job counseling, resumes and cover letter writing, interviewing tips, and job-search tips. With the help of these services, job seekers can make sure their resumes are powerful and their career objectives are clear.
In summary, BCG Attorney Search provides legal job search insight from two of its experts - Director Corinne Jameson and Sourcing Specialist Jill K. Huynh. To be successful in the legal job market, attorneys should be proactive and build relationships with recruiters and hiring teams. They should also tailor their resumes and cover letters to the positions they are applying for and consider alternative career paths. BCG offers legal job counseling, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing tips, and job-search tips to ensure attorneys have the best chance of landing their desired job. With the right resources, legal job search success is achievable.
Understanding the Legal Profession
The legal profession has significantly changed in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for those without experience to fully understand what the role of a lawyer entails. To help provide insight into the profession, BCG Attorney Search has spoken with experienced BCG Attorney Search legal recruiter, Steve Goodenberger.Â
Advice for Lawyers Considering Their Career Path
Goodenberger recommends that lawyers who are considering their career paths should first consider the types of cases and areas of law that interest them most. He also suggests that lawyers think about what motivates them and how they want to make an impact in the legal world. Understanding the potential rewards and opportunities available is key to helping lawyers determine the best path for their career.Â
Options for Lawyers Entering the Profession
Goodenberger suggests that junior lawyers should also consider their options for entering the legal profession. He recommends looking into law firm positions, government positions, and other options. These may include clerkships, internships, or working as a paralegal in certain areas of law. Additionally, lawyers should research legal employers in the areas of law they are interested in to learn more about their offerings.Â
The Benefits of Working with a Recruiter
Goodenberger believes that working with a legal recruiter can help lawyers to find a great career opportunity. Legal recruiters can provide insight into the legal profession, make connections, provide advice, and offer access to a wide range of legal positions. They can also assist attorneys in drafting resumes, performing practice area research, and preparing for interviews.Â
Choosing the Right Legal Recruiter
Goodenberger recommends that those looking for legal placement assistance should select an established legal recruitment firm with a successful track record. As the legal market continues to evolve, lawyers should make sure to select a legal recruitment firm that understands the complexities of the legal profession and the changing legal landscape. BCG Attorney Search is continually working to keep track of the ever-changing legal landscape, giving lawyers the best possible chance for long-term success.Question:
I am scheduled to have a lunch meeting with a firm next Friday. This firm is known for having a casual Friday dress code (e.g. jeans, polo tops, etc.). I don't want to look overly dressed or stuffy at my interview; should I attend this interview in something more casual as well?
-H.D.
Answer:
Dear H.D.,
Thanks for your question. My general rule of thumb when it comes to dress codes for an interview is that it is always better to be overdressed vs. underdressed. Thus, even though your interviewers may be in very casual clothes, you should still probably attend your interview wearing a formal suit. Even if a recruiting coordinator tells you it is okay to dress less formally for an interview, it is always safer to go with a more formal outfit.
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| Harrison Barnes |
Remember, you are primarily the one who is being evaluated so it is important to look your best. Dressing in a suit will also make you feel more professional and polished. It also shows your interviewers that you are taking their meeting seriously and that you respect their time.
In choosing a suit, be sure to pick neutral colors. Navy blue or black are always solid choices. You may have a fantastic fashion flare, but an interview is not the time to display it. For men, simple yet elegant ties in traditional colors will be well-received. If you are choosing between two potential looks for an interview, go for the more conservative one. In addition, choose dress shoes that are more formal and would not be mistaken for a more casual shoe. You want to make sure your visual presentation of yourself is as strong as the professional one you will be making during your interview.
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- See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information
For women, there is a little bit more flexibility. If you are interviewing with a firm that has a reputation for being more old-fashioned or stuffy, you may want to opt for a knee-length skirt suit. Many firms, however, including most of the firms on the West Coast, view classic pantsuits to be appropriate interview attire. Like men, I advise my female candidates to wear suits that are more neutral in nature. Black or navy is always a good choice, along with a solid collared shirt.
Please keep your jewelry to a minimum and your hair tidy. Make-up for women should also be pretty minimal. In regards to shoes, a classic closed-toe pump is always a good bet. At times, open-toed shoes can seem too informal or inappropriate for an interview, so do not go this route. I also tell my female candidates to bring a briefcase instead of a purse, as I think this looks a little bit more professional. It is also practical to bring a briefcase, as you can safely and neatly store extra copies of your resume, transcripts, writing samples, and references in it.
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- See Interviewing Tips for more information
I would also recommend not wearing any cologne or perfume to an interview. Some people are very sensitive to scents and not all people have the same tastes as to what smells good.
I hope these tips are helpful to you and that your interview goes well. Best of luck to you!
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Click here to contact Harrison
 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.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
