Your Career Is Your Business. So What's Your Business Plan?

1. Do You Have a Career Map?
Most attorneys will agree that besides their families and their health, their careers are probably the most important aspects of their lives. If, however, you are like most attorneys out there, you probably spent more time working on your last project than you have ever spent sitting down and planning out your career goals.


I will be the first to admit that when I was practicing in a large firm, I rarely took the time to assess my goals and priorities-where I wanted to go with my career, what was most important to me in my practice, what I enjoyed doing the most, and what I enjoyed doing the least. I pretty much reacted to whatever work I was given and tried to do it well. If I felt that I was doing a good job on the work I was being given, all was well. End of discussion. No need to think or analyze it any further.

Now, as a legal search consultant who spends his days assisting both associates and partners with job transitions, I see on a daily basis how crucial it is to have a "career map" of where you are and where you want to be. Those attorneys who take the time to develop a "career map" are much more focused, self-aware, and successful in their careers. Rather than reacting to external factors (e.g., receiving a lower-than-expected bonus or a less-than-stellar performance review), these proactive attorneys treat their careers like small businesses and maintain a constant awareness of where they are, their goals and priorities, and whether they are staying on course. They make changes based on their personal priorities and goals, not on external factors.

If you have not yet taken the time to do a career inventory and develop a career map, here are a few tips to help get the wheels turning.


2. Has Your Definition of Success Changed Since Law School?
Many attorneys find themselves in career dilemmas by having an outdated definition of success. I believe this starts during law school. For example, while in law school, most people had one single definition of success: landing a job in a prestigious firm (and one that pays a lot of money). The type of work or "fit of the practice" with your personality was of little importance as long as the firm had a prestigious reputation.

While some scoff at this definition of success, I think there is nothing wrong with holding this view very early in your career. Though making the most money is certainly helpful for paying down law school loans, having a prestigious position will usually provide excellent training and will open many doors down the road. Unfortunately, many attorneys often stay hitched to their outdated law school definition of success, even though their lives and circumstances have changed significantly over the years.

As your career progresses, realize that your definition of success will likely change as well. For example, if you were 26 years old, single, and working 2,600 hours a year at a prestigious firm in a practice area that you did not really enjoy but were receiving glowing reviews and huge yearly bonuses, you most likely viewed yourself as a success. You were tough enough to suck it up, were admired and respected by peers and colleagues alike, made a very handsome salary, and were quickly paying off law school loans.

If, however, you are now 35 years old, married with 2.3 children, and no longer paying off law school loans, your definition of success may have changed. For example, now you may be much more centered on finding an area of the law that you truly enjoy and look forward to on a day-to-day basis.

Put simply, is your definition of success still the same one that you had when you graduated from law school? If so, and you are further along in your career, maybe it's time to reevaluate and update your definition of success.


3. Do you spend most of your time doing what you like or dislike?
Take a few moments to think about a typical day at work. What aspects do you look forward to the most? Speaking with clients on the phone? Meeting with clients in person? Sitting down in your office with a cup of coffee, closing the door, and churning out a brief? Going to court? Mentoring? Negotiating? Beating the other side to a pulp?

On the other hand, what do you enjoy doing least? Document production? Handling discovery? Talking to clients? Working on certain types of transactions? Going to court?

Now, think about what percentage of your day you spend doing what you enjoy and how much of your day is spent working on things you typically dislike? 60/40%? 80/20%? If you are spending most of your time doing what you enjoy, you are obviously in a good place, will likely be more successful because you enjoy what you are doing, and will perform at the highest level.

If, on the other hand, you are spending a majority of your time doing tasks or working on projects that you dislike, you are probably in an atmosphere that does not play to your personality and your unique strengths. Most attorneys in these situations-no matter how hard they work or how dedicated they try to be-typically lose steam within a few years and find themselves reassessing their careers and making substantial "course corrections" at a later time.

While the above may seem like an oversimplified and idealistic thought process, I am intimately familiar with the fact that you need to put in your time to reach a point where you will enjoy the practice much more and receive the opportunity to do what many attorneys consider the good stuff (e.g., counseling clients directly, attending client meetings, etc.) Still, you must make sure you are putting in your time for a position that you really want and see yourself thriving in.

Here's another way to assess your career. Take a close look at your superiors at work (or those that are in the position you are striving for, such as partner). When you observe what they do on a daily basis, do you get excited? If you could waive a magic wand and switch places with them today, would you? If your answer is a resounding yes, then you are most likely on the right course. If you are not sure whether you would switch places with your superior or the thought of having to make this decision gives you a knot in your stomach, you may need to reevaluate your path.


4. What Are Your Three- to Five-Year Goals?
Many of us are caught up in what needs to be done today, tomorrow, or next week, but not much further. Thus, another good exercise is to map out your goals that extend beyond one or two months. Where do you want to be in three to five years? Do you want to be doing what you're doing right now? Do you want to be in the same practice area? Do you hope to be with the same firm or company? What do you want your position to be? Of Counsel? Partner? General Counsel? How much money do you want to be making? With whom do you want to be working? How many hours do you want to be working?


5. So Are You on the Proper Course?
Trying to answer these questions can be somewhat stressful because they cause you think about your career in a proactive sense rather than a reactive one. If you are a younger attorney, you have probably been told what you need to do to succeed at your firm or organization. Thus, there's something easy and comforting about just doing what you're told and having the map laid out for you.

As such, if you've analyzed your current situation and determined that 1) you are pretty happy following the firm's roadmap to success and 2) you know where you want to be in a few years and think you are on the right track, the phrase "Don't fix it if it ain't broke" leaps to mind.

What happens, however, when following that roadmap does not necessarily align with your own personal goals and priorities? This friction causes some attorneys to just avoid the subject altogether, crumple up their career maps, put their heads in the sand, and hope that things will somehow work themselves out in the future.

I believe the wiser course, however, lies in realizing the critical importance of having a clear map, taking the time to reflect on goals, and making proper "course corrections." Interestingly, each time I have seen someone begin this process, I watched him/her embrace it and grow increasingly excited about moving in a direction that congruent with his/her personalities, priorities, and goals. Even if you find that you are indeed on the right course, you will move forward confident in this new understanding and find you are better able to make the right choices as new opportunities present themselves along your own personal road to success.

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.