Is It Unusual for the Legal Job Market to Be This Dormant in October?

Answer:

Historically, the lateral hiring season at law firms begins to ramp up in September. This is because, by this point in the year, summer associates have departed to head back to law school and law firms have, for the most part, completed the onerous on-campus interviewing ("OCI") process. As a result, firms can re-focus their energies on lateral hiring needs. Additionally, lateral hiring traditionally picks up at this time of year as law firms begin preparing for inevitable associate departures in early 2013, after associates claim their bonuses.


That being said, it is indeed correct that - thus far in 2012 - lateral law firm hiring has not picked up as much as usual for this time of year. There are a few factors which I believe are contributing to this:

First, many firms have actually pushed back start dates for their incoming associate class. While historically most law firms have started their new class of associates in September, in the last couple of years many law firms have delayed their entry level class start dates until October (largely because of the economic slowdown).

Second, October is the start of the last fiscal quarter for many law firms and this means that hiring budgets are considerably smaller or even non-existent. Some law firms, for this reason, will hold off on additional hires until the start of the new year. Others may have limited resources still available in their hiring budgets but have to be much more circumspect and strategic about hiring decisions for the remainder of the year.

Lastly, the Presidential election is just a couple of weeks away and many people are waiting to see what the impact of the election will be on the economy. This includes law firms. Once the election is concluded and the beginning of 2013 is in sight, we can expect to see a more consistent and steady increase in job listings.

Now is, therefore, the time to get organized by updating your resume and contacting a recruiter. This will allow you to take advantage of the new positions that trickle in for the remainder of 2012 and will put you in an excellent position to capitalize on the increased job flow we expect for early 2013.
 

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.