Candidate Category #1: "I Need a Job ... Now"
If you are very actively looking for a new job, you may have been given advice to be as aggressive as possible and approach as many firms as possible. In other words, just "play the odds and hope that something comes through." If, for example, you are a recent law school graduate or are losing your job, taking a very aggressive approach by contacting as many firms as possible may be your only viable option (assuming you have networked as much as you can).
Candidate Category #2: "I'm in a Slow Practice Area and I'd Like to Test the Market, But I'm Not Desperate to Leave" (Note - "slow practice area" refers to the general state of the practice area in a particular city. For example, corporate/finance is generally slow in New York City right now.)
If you work in a slow practice area and are thinking of making a move—but you're not in any immediate hurry for a new position—you should think very carefully about over-applying to firms. From 2004 to mid-2007, many firms were opportunistically hiring (i.e., hiring very qualified attorneys even if there was not an active position) because they anticipated substantial growth in many practice areas.
Now, in light of the economy, firms are staying flat or reversing course in numerous practice areas. As such, firms are less likely to hire opportunistically then they have been over the past few years.
Here's my #1 piece of advice: If a firm does not have an active opening/search in your practice area—but the firm is one of the few that you would be interested in considering—be careful about submitting your resume. By applying to a firm during a slower period, your chances of getting an interview are obviously much lower.
Here's the problem: Let's assume you are a strong health care candidate and Firm X would typically be very interested in somebody with your background and experience, assuming they had a need. If you apply and are rejected in January, you will be in the firm's system as "rejected." If Firm X does not keep track of the reason you were rejected (for example, "rejected - good candidate but no need"), you will simply be listed as "rejected" in the firm's system.
Fast-forward 5 months to May, and let's say that same firm brings in a very big client and a new position (for which you would be a good fit) happens to open up. At this point, you could re-apply, but the firm's recruiting department may already see you in their system as "Rejected." In the fast-paced world of law firm recruiting, the recruiting coordinator/manager may not realize that you were rejected only because the firm did not have a need. The firm could assume you were rejected because you just didn't qualify. They would not realize that, if they had an opening at the time you had previously applied, you may have been a very good fit. On balance, though, there are some firms that have very good recordkeeping systems in place and they are able to make this distinction in their database. However, given the uncertainty of which firms use this type of database and the potential for human error, it's safest to apply when you are reasonably certain there is at least a good faith hiring interest for somebody with your background. (We do this all the time for our candidates by sending anonymous "pre-screen" emails to our clients, which allows us to learn whether there is a genuine good-faith interest.)
To make things more challenging right now (given the economy in early-2008), there are many more "soft" job openings on firm websites. A "soft" job opening is one where the firm lists an opening on its website (or, more often, just lets an old job opening linger on the website) but is not in any hurry to hire. Or, the firm may not be hiring at all.
During a slower market, a number of firms keep job postings on their website even though they do not anticipate hiring for the position. (Why? Because some firms want to give off the illusion of being busy, and some firms always want to make sure they can "cherry pick" superstars if they happen to come through the door. I know, it's somewhat disturbing, but it happens.) Unless somebody (such as your recruiter or an inside source at the firm) knows what's really going on, it's tough to tell whether the position is actually an opening. However, if there's an active listing on the firm's website, there is a much better chance that the hiring attorneys will at least review your materials.
In light of the above, don't let this article scare you about submitting your materials to firms. If you don't apply, you won't ever get the job. However, keep in mind that in light of the above points, a strategic and thoughtful approach is the smartest approach, particularly if you are not in an immediate hurry for a new position. Good luck
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.
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.
