Texas - Austin/San Antonio

San Antonio and Austin are two distinctly different cities. However, because of their close proximity, many attorneys in Central Texas commute back and forth between the cities. From downtown Austin to downtown San Antonio is a trip of only 90 minutes. Consequently, the approach to marketing a candidate is similar in both cities.

Austin and San Antonio represent relatively small legal markets. While there is significant legal business in both cities, there is not a great deal of lateral movement of associates between firms. In Austin, there is no shortage of quality graduates from the University of Texas School of Law willing to remain there, even for lower pay than they could receive in Houston, Dallas, or outside the state. Many Austin firms fill their needs with their summer associates from the University of Texas School of Law and do not often wind up with lateral positions to fill. Similarly, San Antonio firms tend to hire San Antonio natives or graduates of San Antonio's local law school, St. Mary's University. With the exception of the largest firms or the firms that have come from out of state, the salaries in San Antonio and in Austin are typically lower than those in Dallas or Houston.


Recognizing their appeal to locals, firms in Austin and San Antonio have made it known that they are most interested in people with direct connections to these cities. Candidates with relatives here or those who have already signed up for the next bar exam (at the relatively low cost of about $1,000 to apply) significantly increase their chances of securing a position in Austin or San Antonio.

Diverse practices are found in Austin and San Antonio. There are corporate lawyers of all types, as well as tax and litigation attorneys. In Austin are the sorts of attorneys that one would expect in a state capital: administrative, regulatory, and environmental attorneys. The key difference in larger markets is fewer people specialize in one narrow area of the law.

A key consideration when deciding to relocate to Austin or San Antonio from a larger market is the inability to ultimately earn the fantastic fees that partners in major markets often earn. A goal of practicing law with good attorneys and working in a beautiful, livable place can be attained in Austin or San Antonio. However, very few attorneys strike it rich in these markets. There is considerable fee pressure on partners. Few large-law firm attorneys earn significantly above the average partner profits. This is in contrast to the major markets of Dallas and Houston, where attorneys report that there is no shortage of potential clients on whom to call.

Securing a position in these cities is not like getting a job in a major market. For example, a candidate looking to find a position in New York City will have at least four or five likely opportunities available. This is simply a function of the size of the market in a city like New York. The same is usually true of Dallas or Houston. In Austin and San Antonio, by contrast, an attorney will need to count on a process that could take several months. There may be only one position open. If that position is not suited to the candidate, then it may be a month or more before another position becomes available. If a candidate has already sent out resumes to the 20 or so firms that we work for in each city by the time he/she contacts us, then the chances of ultimate success become very slim. Because positions come open so infrequently, the candidate will likely be forgotten by the time a new position arises. Only the aggressive candidate has a reasonable prospect of success in that situation.

Candidates choosing San Antonio or Austin do so primarily for lifestyle reasons. The pace is slower than in Dallas or Houston. The expectations regarding billable hours are typically somewhat lower. The earnings prospects, in the long term, are also lower. Still, there are numerous picturesque small towns between Austin and San Antonio, which makes commuting back and forth a viable option for some. Obtaining a position here demands a commitment, as it takes time for positions to become available.


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.