Attention All Partners: Help Me Help You

I really want to help my partner candidates find the job they want. I'm ready to do everything I can to make that happen. I try to alleviate as much of the burden from the job seeking process as possible. One thing I can't do for my partner candidates, however, is write their business plans for them.

The first thing my partner candidates need to know is that business plans are essential. As a partner, you are no longer in associate realms while job hunting, i.e., a resume alone is not going to cut it. There are no exceptions. Taking on a new partner is a huge investment for a firm. Law firms invest a lot of time and money in screening and interviewing partner candidates. They are interested in more aspects than are generally important for associate candidates.


For instance, firms are (big surprise) interested in your portable book of business. As a result, they want to know your originations for the past few years. They want to know, if not the names of your clients, then at least the industry of that client and the type of representation you have provided. If you don't know the amount of business that is portable, you need to say that, but you also need to provide some estimated numbers and explanations as to why those numbers are estimated. Law firms understand that determining such issues is not an exact science, but they want as clear a picture as possible of what you can provide. I think that partners sometimes become nervous about promising more than they might be able to deliver, and that is understandable. But, remember, your business plan is not engraved in stone. You are simply conveying the best information you can provide. You need to be honest and forthright, but no one expects you to gaze into your crystal ball and foresee the future.

Law firms also want to know where you are headed. Not where you are headed for the weekend, naturally, but why moving to their firm makes sense for your business and theirs. Why would this move be a good arrangement for everyone? For example, are you looking at joining a larger law firm? If so, why? Does a move to a larger platform make sense for your client? Can you provide it better resources? Can you offer the client more extensive services? Does moving to a larger firm offer you more cross-selling opportunities?

You cannot expect a law firm that is inundated daily with resumes and business plans to read in-between the lines for you. Not only do they not understand your client and its needs, but they are not going to take the time to figure it out if you fail to provide the information to them. Again, you do not need a crystal ball, but it is essential that you try to show what you and the firm stand to gain.

Another thing that I firmly believe a business plan needs to provide is a picture of who you are. I constantly hear from recruiting coordinators and hiring partners that the partners they hire must fit the firm's culture. I think that the best way to indicate how you are a good fit is just to tell the firm a little about yourself. Personal stuff. Do you have kids? How long have you been living in the city where you currently reside? What do you like to do with your (albeit small amount) of free time? It goes without saying that the firm will not be publishing your personal memoir, so you don't have to go into enormous detail. In fact, please don't. No one wants to hear how your parents misunderstood you when you were thirteen. You just need to give them a sense of who you are.

You are probably beginning to get a sense of why I cannot write the business plan for you. The main reason, I think, is that the business plan needs to be in your voice. It is incredibly apparent when you have given your own attention to the matter at hand. What does increased attention mean for you? Well, an interview for starters, or at least movement to the top of the pile of resumes/business plans. I have seen partner candidates with less to offer monetarily receive much greater attention than partners with heftier books because they took the business plan seriously. Everyone wants to feel that they are the center of attention. The best way for you to be the center of attention is to show firms that they are the center of your attention. Take the time at the outset to draft a business plan that matters. It will pay for itself.

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.