Don't Let Your Ego Affect Your Offer

The lucky individuals who have never had to search for a job, have had opportunities come to them, or simply have never had difficulty finding a suitable position probably never had a reason let their demons surface. But for those who have been disappointed by the process, shocked by the waiting game, or saddened by certain terms, an "evil twin" is more likely to appear. That's precisely the time candidates make some of their biggest and most regrettable mistakes. As Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, "Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one's own sunshine." Don't let your ego stand in the way of your offer and possibly, your best career move.

It is extremely difficult for a strong, confident candidate with a great pedigree to understand why s/he is having difficulty making a move. Unfortunately, when these instances arise, it's usually not about the candidate. Laterals need to be reminded that there are outside forces affecting the process and those forces are not personal. However, no matter how many times a recruiter may remind the candidate, insecurities and the dark side of the ego almost inevitably comes into play. Do you recognize any of the following examples of "evil twins" escaping?


The waiting game, before and after the interview.
The doubt: "Why is it taking them so long to decide if they want to interview me? Are they holding off until they interview other candidates? Am I a second or third string?"

The truth: NO! While there are always exceptions to the rule, the formal submission process is just that: a process. It takes some time for recruiters within law firms to focus on the pile of resumes on their desk, especially in seasons busy with law school recruiting and summer clerks. Inevitably, resumes must pass muster from several members of a firm before being given the thumbs-up or -down. We all know how hectic a partner's schedule is, and it is a catch-22. The partner is swamped because he/she needs help, but he/she can't find help because there's no time to sit down and look at resumes or interview. Don't withdraw your resume, accept another offer or assume you are a second choice because of this delay; it's not personal!

Bonuses.
The doubt: "Why haven't they offered me a signing bonus? At my old firm, they gave me a huge signing bonus. Obviously, the firm doesn't really want me."

The truth: Absolutely false!
Remember that bonuses, like salaries, are built into a firm's budget. If they don't have the money, they can't create it for you. They also deal with the issue of precedent: if they offer a bonus to you for the first time, how many other candidates will demand one? Also, bonuses are more common in certain markets because frankly, firms have to stay competitive. In one market, you may find a majority of firms give signing bonuses, such as New York. In other markets, bonuses are nonexistent. In many situations, it doesn't hurt to ask for a bonus, but candidates should never assume that if it's not given, it's a reflection on how the firm feels about them. Also, remember that some firms have turned to using bonuses as a way to hide flaws in their organizational culture. Nothing minimizes a typical schedule of 20-hour workdays for six days a week like a fat bonus!

Moving expenses.
The doubt: "The firm is not going to reimburse me for my moving expenses. I know they gave several of my colleagues thousands to move. They must not think I am worth the money."

The truth: Firms have guidelines!
Firms don't reimburse for moving expenses sporadically or if they think only certain candidates are worthy. Budgets and guidelines are put in place and they must abide by them. Typically, if a firm doesn't pay to move you, it's because your move doesn't fall within their specified mileage or because you stated in the beginning you had planned to move anyway. Also, most businesses don't appreciate employees discussing confidential matters like compensation. To bring up the idea that "the firm paid my friends a bonus" paints you as someone less than discreet (at best) and a whiner (at worst). Also, don't accuse a firm of being "cheap" because they won't cover the cost of flying your grandmother in to watch your kids during the move. Almost all firms have very specific guidelines, typically set because, unfortunately, they have been taken advantage in the past. Consider negotiating for other items that can even out your expenses while not causing a hardship to the firm. Allowing you an extra week to make the move or an extra week of later vacation might be good examples.

Firms can only hire attorneys if they have work to give them.
The doubt: "I applied for a job six months ago and they didn't want me then. Now they want me to interview? Forget it."

The truth: They didn't have a need then!
Like many other professions, there are going to be areas that are hot and areas that are not - and these can change as quickly as a single client's phone call. The economy, new business, loss of attorneys, changes with clients, etc. all dictate the firm's needs and cause them to change on a daily basis. Just because a firm didn't have a place for you six months, even a year ago, does not mean it was because they didn't like your resume. Consider how you might feel if you had been hired the first time around, then assigned to "library duty" or left alone in your office for six months until the work appeared! Don't let an initial pass keep you from interviewing at a later date — it could be the perfect opportunity for you!

You have to earn partnership, it's not just given to you.
The doubt: "My letter states I won't be considered for partnership this year with my peers, but I will have to wait until next year. That's embarrassing. I'll outbill every one of them and I already have a small book of business. Do they think I'm lying about my abilities?"

The truth: Most firms want to get to know you before voting you into the partnership.
Unless you are bringing millions of dollars of business with you, it's rare that firm will consider you for partnership just months after joining a firm. Partnership is a serious proposition that means more than just dollars and cents - each partner's reputation and livelihood are held in the hands of every other partner. Building trust is critical, and it's a two-way street. Don't you want to know your potential partners before entrusting your career to them? Many firms automatically drop candidates one or two class levels, with no exceptions simply to allow time for the relationship to develop. There's no cause for alarm or embarrassment: if they thought you were lying, they wouldn't hire you in the first place. You may be extremely impressive on paper and in person, but all attorneys have to prove themselves to their firm.

 

• In conclusion, be sure to let your recruiter be your resource as to the merits of offers and negotiations. It is their job to understand what is typical for the market and for particular firm, so let them negotiate on your behalf and trust them to guide you. Consider that the entire process is a balancing act - balancing the things you give up (a bonus, seniority, etc.) with the potential for future gains at the new firm. Most importantly, don't let you ego get the best of you and save those demons for the court or conference room.

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.