California - Century City

Centrally located in Los Angeles, Downtown is a lively residential, shopping, and business district. Unlike San Diego, Orange County, or L.A.'s Westside, a good public transportation system makes Downtown easily accessible. A transportation hub, Downtown has many transit options, such as Amtrak, Metro rail, and Rapid bus lines. Boasting a world-class skyline, historic neighborhoods, and must-see hot spots, this sprawling metropolis is home to the city's government, preeminent museums and stadiums, and illustrious skyscrapers.

Downtown is a hotbed of legal activity. The courthouses are nearby, and all the firms are in close proximity, which facilitates making contacts. The firms downtown are very sophisticated and somewhat conservative, but take well to candidates from out of state because most of L.A.'s homegrown lawyers live on the Westside and try to obtain positions there. If you're pursuing entertainment law, try Century City. The legal market Downtown is dominated by commercial litigation, real estate, corporate, employment, and IP. There are many powerful law firms that are wide open for the right candidate.


Los Angeles was built around a downtown area that featured all the banks, corporations, and law firms, as well as most of the residents. The area was compact, with dense housing and congested traffic. In the coming decades, the rest of the city was built around the old Downtown. Today, Downtown can be divided into seven major districts: Little Tokyo, the Fashion District, Bunker Hill, Chinatown, South Park, the Historic Core, and the Wholesale District (aka The Nickel, for its location on 5th Street).

In the heart of Downtown is the Historic Core, home to dozens of blocks of 150-foot-tall buildings, mostly unchanged since the 1930s. When the renovation of the area took place in the '60s, the old commercial developments were left standing. City blocks in the core are larger than in most other cities in the U.S., in contrast with the smaller residential lot sizes found throughout the rest of the city. During the day, the core welcomes 300,000 commuters arriving for work. However, only 25,000 people make this district their home, which gives nighttime in the Historic Core a peculiar feel.

Within the Historic Core is Downtown's Jewelry District, home to 5,000 jewelry retailers, the second-largest accumulation of jewelers in the world. Generating $2.5 billion a year, a dizzying assortment of storefronts and former theaters composes this small business district of resplendent wealth. Perhaps the most noteworthy of the shops here is St. Vincent's Jewelry, which was once a university, the first founded in Southern California.

South of the core, the Nickel houses many large warehouses, unmistakably evocative of centuries past, and the imposing fortress of the LAPD's central facilities.

Downtown's Fashion District, the largest consolidation of fashion businesses in the Western United States, is the $8-billion nerve center of the California fashion industry. Rivaling New York's Garment District in scope and distinction for trend-setting, the Fashion District is a breeding ground for small businesses serving manufacturers, wholesalers, designers, as well as the public. The Fashion District sees scores of bargain-hunting shoppers assemble on its streets every day.

Between Dodger Stadium and the 101 freeway is Chinatown, the cultural center for more than 200,000 Chinese Americans. Exaggerated, curved, and ornamented rooflines give visitors the impression that they have stepped into China. Vendors selling live chickens, ducks, and fish; herbal medicines; and fine chinaware line the streets of this truly exotic area. Chinese New Year explodes in Chinatown with beauty pageants and remarkable parades. The original Chinatown was once farther south, before racial violence and gang warfare drove down property values in the region in the late 20th century. City planners, in an attempt to give Downtown a facelift, displaced the Chinese citizens to build Union Station.

Union Station, still serving commuters today, was the last of the majestic urban railroad terminals to be built in the United States. Its Spanish-colonial architecture and landscape of enormous fig trees make it an impressive achievement of 20th-century ingenuity, and today, it represents the once-thriving marvel of railway travel.

Within the Chinatown region is El Pueblo, the site of the original 18th-century settlement that became the city of Los Angeles. The history of the Mexican settlers who founded El Pueblo is preserved across from Union Station on Olvera Street, which offers traditional Mexican food, strolling bolero musicians and mariachis, Aztec folkloric dancing, and the oldest residences in Los Angeles.

Bunker Hill, or "New Downtown" is the financial district. Beginning in the '60s, the community redeveloped the city, building massive high-rises in order to contribute to Los Angeles' status as a world-class city. Bunker Hill gives Los Angeles its remarkable skyline. Home to major corporations, Bunker Hill is a centerpiece of international capitalism. Pershing Square, the central park of Los Angeles, is located between Bunker Hill and the Historic Core. As an essential hangout for an eclectic crowd of Los Angelenos, Pershing Square features postmodern architecture and an outdoor amphitheater.

Bunker Hill also bears the distinction of having some of Los Angeles' best restaurants and bars. The Water Grill, a chic seafood spot on Grand Ave., is consistently ranked as one of L.A.'s best restaurants. With a rooftop pool and a fireplace sitting area with a DJ, The Standard on Flower Street just might be the hippest bar in the city.

The South Park area is a mix of residences and businesses slowly undergoing transformation by city planners. There are several significant L.A. landmarks in South Park. The Staples Center, less an arena than a sports temple, brings together the city's major teams: the Lakers, the Kings, and the Clippers. The L.A. Convention Center is one of the world's biggest exhibition facilities.

Little Tokyo bears the unmistakable character of small-town life-tiny shops, quaint eateries, and rows of little houses. Many of Little Tokyo's buildings date back to the 19th century. Hitching posts for horses can still be found on the sidewalks. The Japanese roots of the town are apparent, but the population of the area was forever diminished by the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

In Little Tokyo is the Los Angeles Civic Center, home to the largest assembly of government workers this side of DC. The Civic Center houses the offices of America's largest county. Here, you'll also find The Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the country's premier exhibitions of American and European art, and the headquarters of the Los Angeles Times.

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring building in all of Downtown, or maybe in all of Los Angeles, is the new Disney Concert Hall, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The concert hall is a marvel of modern architecture and represents the renewal of Downtown L.A. Costing $274 million and taking 16 years to complete, the 3.6-acre curved stainless-steel hall includes two outdoor amphitheaters, several auditoriums, restaurants, and a gigantic urban garden.

Downtown is home to an established legal community. Expect to bill in the range of 1,800-2,100 hours, the norm being 1,950-2,000. The market is competitive, but not as competitive as the Westside. The firms found Downtown offer more options for attorneys, and most lawyers here make market salaries. There are still a lot of good mid-sized firms that offer lower salaries but a more balanced life to support associates. Even in a slow market, you could expect work in litigation, labor and employment, bankruptcy, and real estate. While the most marketable candidates have 2-5 years of experience in their fields, if you have a strong background in your field and/or have a significant book of business, BCG undoubtedly will be able to find you a great position.


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.
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• 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.