Answer: No matter whether a geographic move is across the country or to a new city within the same state, firms need to be convinced that an attorney has a personal connection and serious interest in the new geographic location. It is of utmost importance that you convey this connection in your cover letter and again in your interviews. The absolute last thing a firm wants is to bring in a new attorney, train this attorney for a few months, and then have the attorney realize that he/she is not happy in the new locale.
Here are some considerations:
Do you have the California Bar? There are states that make it relatively easy to waive into their Bar membership. California is not one of them. A great way to prove your commitment to your move to the West Coast is by taking the CA Bar. This is not an easy test and it's not cheap, so the fact that you have gone through (or are going through) this process demonstrates your resolve.
Some attorneys say they are amenable to sitting for the Bar if they see interest on the part of the firm. This is the wrong way to view the situation. Some firms will not even consider an application if the person does not presently have the Bar. This is more pressing for litigation positions, but can also be true for transactional openings (depending on the firm). No matter your level, if you are truly serious about a move to California, sign up to take the next possible California Bar Examination.
Are you from California or do you have family there? If you are originally from California and seeking to return "home," this is the absolute best reason to provide a firm. Having lived in California before, you have intimate knowledge of what daily life is like in the state and have made an educated decision to return. If you are coming home, most likely you also have family and friends in the area. This enhances your connections to the locale and makes it less likely for you to leave in the short-term.
If California is not your home, but you do have a familial nexus in the state, this is the next best argument. If your parents, a sibling, or close extended family now live in California, this is also a compelling explanation for re-location. Barring this, look for any close friends that live in the state.
Does your significant other have family in California? This explanation can cut both ways. If you are going to use the argument that you are seeking to move to be closer to your partner's family - there is a slight word of caution. If this person is your wife/husband, this is not a problem and is a viable reason for re-location. Essentially, you (as a couple) made a decision to move closer to immediate family. However, if this person is a girlfriend/boyfriend, firms are concerned that should the relationship split, you will want to leave the city. A job search certainly isn't a reason for engagement, but if you say that you are moving to be closer to your fiancé's immediate family, this holds more weight than "girlfriend or boyfriend." If this individual is not close to being a fiancé, you will want to leave your significant other out of the explanation.
- See Guidelines on Reciprocity or "Admission On Motion" among the States as per American Bar Association for more information.
Have you visited California? You have never lived in California and do not have any close friends or family in the state. What now? You should at least be able to represent that you have visited the state and, specifically, the desired city to which you wish to re-locate. Express your enthusiasm about the locale, how much you love the city, and that you absolutely see a future for yourself there. On an interview, your desire to move will certainly be a major topic for conversation. Feel free to be specific about why you love the city (the parks and restaurants you enjoy, art galleries or sporting activities, etc.) and, even in what neighborhood you see yourself residing.
- See Interviewing Tips for more information
There are, of course, work related reasons why you might want to move to California. Several cities in the Golden State have extremely active markets and you may be confident that having a platform in one of these cities will help you build your practice, originate business, and propel your career as a successful attorney. Please include the work related reasons in your cover and interview. Even so, you will want to find a personal nexus, if possible.
- See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information
Let's face it - California is a phenomenal place to live - sunshine, mountains, beach, and wine country. Do you really need a reason? Yes!
Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
Explanation aside, taking the CA Bar will speak volumes.
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.
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.
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.
