I am a third-year associate with a large law firm. I like what I do here, and I see no reason to move to another firm. Recruiters have begun calling me more and more since I became a third-year. They say this is the best time for a move to another firm because my experience level is in the greatest demand and that I shouldn't wait until I am too ''senior'' to make a move. Do I stand a better chance for making partner at another firm, as some of the recruiters seem to think? Things are going well here. Besides, how many associates ultimately make it all the way through the ranks to partnership at any big firm? Each year I see associates go up for partnership that have been here for years and not make it - some of them highly respected. Why would moving give me better odds? It all seems so random.
Answer:
That is a terrific question. There are several factors to take into account when viewing an attorney's career in the big picture sense. Prior to becoming an attorney search consultant, I was the manager in a recruiting office for a national law firm. Lateral attorney hiring was an integral part of my responsibilities.
Looking back at the careers of attorneys we hired laterally versus the attorneys we "home grew" - from summer associates or hired right out of law school - I have observed with interest the fact that the laterals who were hired for a specific practice area frequently made partner at a rate that was noticeably higher than that at which the "lifers" (attorneys who came to us young and stayed all the way through to partnership consideration) did.
This trend has held true with the attorneys I have placed laterally into other firms in recent years. It is harder to see from inside of a firm, but if we watch the careers of attorneys from law school graduation to the partner level, without question attorneys who make one or two well-timed lateral moves over the courses of their careers frequently attain impressive levels of success.
That is not to say there are not exceptions. Some attorneys who spend their careers with a single firm are quite successful. But more often, those who make a few educated and well-thought-out moves during the courses of their careers fare better. The explanation is simple: it is through change and transition that human beings develop their potential. The distinction is between being comfortable and stretching. And it is when we stretch that the steps can become leaps in development.
This is not because the grass is always greener somewhere else; it is because along the path to success we evolve in various ways. Staying in one place for an entire career can result in satisfaction and accomplishments. It is gratifying to build lasting relationships and to be one of the few within a firm culture that stayed at the first firm they were hired by and built their careers. And this is the way it used to be in law firms for a long time - if you stayed with a firm and did quality work, your prospects for partnership were pretty good. But the nature of the profession has shifted.
Remaining with one firm and gradually assuming responsibility no longer is an assurance that there will be room at the partnership table when the time comes. It can be a very healthy choice to "start over" at a new stage in your career on a different playing field. Here's why:
An attorney beginning his or her career with a firm directly from law school or a clerkship is building the foundation that will determine his or her future with that firm, but many attorneys do not realize it at the time. Each relationship he or she develops and the role he or she ultimately fits into within a practice group becomes part of his or her history within that firm. Initially, perhaps, the attorney manages to project confidence on the outside, but let's be honest: even the brightest person feels intimidated and uncertain when he or she is the new kid on the block and everyone else seems to have far more experience.
There is a steep learning curve at the beginning of a legal career. In any field we learn as we gain experience, whether it is in terms of tangible professional skills or interpersonal relationships and social skills. Attorneys, like everyone, gain wisdom and knowledge that is accrued over time. Much of that comes through trial (pardon the pun) and error. It is important to periodically evaluate who we are and where we want to go.
As an associate's career goes on, the rate of development slows down and begins to level off. Working relationships and the dynamics of interactions solidify. Perceptions are formed that can be hard to shake, and shifting gears can get difficult. A huge part of development is continuing to learn by seeing things from various perspectives. It is enriching to be exposed to a broader array of legal approaches and philosophies. How much would any of us have learned if he or she had the same teacher or handful of teachers for the entirety of his or her education?
Walking through the door to a new venture can be the best place to show all that you have learned and to find out some things you don't. It can be energizing, exciting, and a great launching pad that invigorates a career. As a lateral associate you know more about legal practice, and you know what kinds of relationships you want to have with your peers and supervisors - and what makes or breaks them.
Your new colleagues see you in a different way than your old colleagues did. No one remembers you as the nervous new kid - the one you were on your first day of your career "after JD." You have cultivated valuable skills that were needed by a particular practice group and are now better able to navigate and respond to the many personalities that are found in law firms.
It is gratifying professionally to be in a position where your skills were sought out and are therefore greatly appreciated. And you have learned from that tough partner in your last firm the value of thorough research and remaining calm while articulating your conclusions. That tough partner will probably turn out to be one of your greatest teachers - because he or she taught you to know your stuff before talking about it and to stand your ground because you are sure of the work you did.
For many associates (and partners) a new beginning is the turning point when a good career becomes a great career, and they really take off.
Leaving a firm where you started out can be bittersweet. It is like leaving home and venturing out into the world on your own. It is through these rites of passage that we can sometimes be propelled forward more rapidly and can more fully realize our goals. Thank you for the excellent question, and much success to you in your legal career.
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.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- 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.
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.
