Is It Important to Have Ties to the Region?

Answer:

The very first thing to keep in mind is that you must always be honest when answering any question in an interview. It may seem harmless to ''stretch'' your connections to the region but you must resist the urge to do so. You never know what someone will remember about your interview and the last thing you want is to be caught in a lie-no matter how harmless it may seem.
 

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information

Having said this, there are some things you can do to minimize your lack of strong ties to the region. Here are a few suggestions:
 

• Distant family members and/or friends. While you do not want to overstate the significance of these individuals, you should definitely mention them as a means of letting the interviewer know that you do have some sort of support network in the region.
   
• Have you traveled to the region? While you do not want to bring up the one time you took your family to Disneyland ten years ago, it is helpful to note if you have traveled to the region with any degree of regularity. This will establish that you are familiar enough with the region to know whether it will be a good fit for you on a personal level.
   
• Do your research! If you truly have absolutely no ties to the region, be honest about it. Explain that you are most interested in finding a good professional fit and then explain why the particular firm meets this goal. In addition, do some research into the region and tell the interviewer what appeals to you about the particular region.

Remember, the main reason employers want to see ties to their region is because they are concerned about stability and retention. If you lack strong ties, your goal should be to make up for that by demonstrating that your decision to interview in the particular region is part of a well-thought out plan. The more you can do to show that the move will be long-term, the farther you'll go towards overcoming concerns over the lack of strong ties to the region. Good luck!


Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
 

• Why Most Attorneys Fail Telephone-Screening Interviews

 

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.

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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.