Whirligig of Time

Let me tell you a story. Given the feedback I've received over the years, I don't think it is unique. I graduated with a liberal arts degree. I loved school and I loved learning. I graduated without a clear idea of what I was going to do with my life. So, after flailing about for several years in jobs befitting a liberal arts major without a graduate degree, I decided to make the jump. I entered law school.

I should clarify. Attending law school was not a long-held dream finally realized. Becoming a law student was, for me, a big ''screw you.'' Between undergrad and law school, I worked as a legal assistant for four years. For whomever out there is unfamiliar with the cultural hegemony of a law firm, there are the lawyers and then there is everybody else. Squarely within the latter category, I spent my time shuffling paper, filing documents, and, most annoyingly, kowtowing to people who, I was pretty sure, were not as smart as me. It grated. I think, after a while, it forced me to prove that I could do what they did.


So I did it. I graduated from law school and worked at large firms in large cities. I was good at what I did. People liked working with me. I liked that they liked working with me. I liked telling people I was an attorney. I enjoyed conveying the idea that I had made it. The paycheck was also nothing to sneer at.

Internally, it was a different story. My public and private selves were sharply divided. My billable hours were up but my sleep was down. The day after I finished taking the Texas Bar, I entered into a three-hour per night sleeping pattern that continued for approximately two years. I began every day exhausted and ended each day infinitely more so. In a perverse way, I reflect back on those years with awe. I was a zombie, but no one was the wiser, and I continued to produce at a high level.

The question I now ask is, at what cost? Who did I impress, and did it somehow bridge the chasm between my public and private self? Honestly, I am still picking at the bones of that five-year period of practicing law to determine the take-away message. Was it worth it? Is eventually learning from your mistakes and finding yourself on a better course some sort of balm for five years of chaos?

The question is unfair because I don't have the answer. But, as I learned as a liberal arts student, they key is not finding the answers but asking the right questions. The question for me was simply ''why am I an attorney?'' I do not know what the answer is for you any more than I knew what the answer was for me. But there is one thing I do know. You need to ask yourself the same question if you find that you are miserable at your job.

Why are you an attorney? You are not billing in quarter-hour increments here, so you don't have to find the answer by the end of the day. You don't even have to find the answer by the end of the month. However, you do need to ask the question. Assess why you are at your firm and how you got there. Was it a conscious choice, a ''screw you,'' or a fall back position? Let this be the first day of a period of reckoning. It sounds trite, but time spent mucking though the ''butt-ends of…[your] days and ways'' is time better spent than devoting yourself to a lifetime of unhappiness. If you are truly unhappy as an attorney, then ''may this be for you the whirligig of time that brings in his revenges.'' You'll survive this period if you begin to unknot the past.

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.