But there are always new ways to present this material, and while the principles may seem simple, most of us fall down on implementation. In addition, most of what is in publication is aimed at new lawyers. There is not much in print for experienced lawyers who need help getting to the next step in their careers.
Two newly published books, "The Essential Little Book of Great Lawyering" and "The Right Moves: Job Search and Career Development Strategies for Lawyers," fill this gap and both have something to offer senior associates who are trying to establish new career and marketing goals.
'Great Lawyering'
"The Essential Little Book of Great Lawyering" is written and self published by James Durham. Jim is no stranger to many in the Massachusetts legal community. In many ways, he is uniquely qualified to write a treatise on great lawyering.
Jim, who currently serves as chief marketing officer at Ropes & Gray, has practiced law in a large Boston firm and worked as an in-house attorney. He has also consulted with law firms all over the country on marketing and business development and has spoken to hundreds of buyers of legal services to learn how they make buying decisions.
"The Essential Little Book of Great Lawyering" is more like a pamphlet than a treatise; you can read it in less than an hour. But it is packed with thought-provoking nuggets.
Durham starts by debunking a commonly heard marketing mantra (i.e., that in order to generate business, it is no longer sufficient for lawyers to provide great legal service). He does this by redefining "great lawyering."
According to Durham, being a great lawyer means truly understanding a client's business. It means being "responsive and available." Being a great lawyer is not just about being a great technician.
In 53 pages, Durham packs a lot of wisdom for anyone looking to build a successful law practice. He does it in a way that is clear and the material is layered nicely (he tells us what he is going to say and then he tells us what he said).
His arguments are compelling and while he does not provide many anecdotes, that would have made this a very different (and much longer) read.
My only criticism is that his conclusions are troubling for anyone who cares about work/life balance. If being a great lawyer means always being available for a client, then it would seem that great lawyers can only take vacations where Blackberry service is available. I doubt this is what Durham means; but I'm not sure that his definition of a great lawyer leaves much room for uninterrupted family time or personal pursuits that have no marketing benefit.
'The Right Moves'
"The Right Moves: Job Search and Career Development Strategies for Lawyers," a new publication by the National Association for Law Placement, fills an important gap in the career library for lawyers.
There are many NALP and American Bar Association books to help law students and recent graduates choose a career path. There are also some very good books that can help dissatisfied lawyers assess whether to leave the profession. Until now, there has not been much on the market aimed at mid-level associates.
"The Right Moves" is an attempt to survey the career issues that confront a more experienced lawyer. The author, Valerie Fontaine, is a legal recruiter who has worked in the industry for more than 20 years.
The book is timely. It is now well documented that most law school graduates will leave their first employer within five years of graduation.
The book is a good compilation of the issues that might confront a mid-level associate and includes chapters on everything from planning a search to effective interviewing to making a smooth transition to a new firm.
The second chapter gives a good overview of the changes that have occurred in the legal profession in the past two decades. There are also some good lists (e.g., 20 questions to ask on an interview) and lots of practical tips ("don't burn bridges when you leave").
The book does have some areas for improvement. In the first chapter, the author discusses the importance of self-assessment and planning. But she offers little to help the reader accomplish this daunting task.
The second chapter on the new realities does describe the changes that have occurred in the legal profession; but the author could do more to suggest the practical implications of these changes.
Finally, the book could be strengthened with a lot with more anecdotes.
Nonetheless, "The Right Moves" is a good primer for any mid-level associate who is ready to think critically about his career. While no book can substitute for a good mentor or career professional, "The Right Moves" is a good way to get you started in your exploration.
Stephen Seckler is managing director of the Boston office of BCG Attorney Search, a national recruiting firm. He counsels associates and partners on lateral moves and maintains a blog at www.counseltocounsel.com/blog.html. He can be reached at seckler@bcgsearch.com
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.
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.
