The Importance of Being Able to Convey Your Value

Chances are if you are reading a blog post on a website catering to lateral attorneys, you are somewhere on the spectrum between having a vague notion of switching jobs at some point in the distant future to being in the midst of a lengthy, full-blown intensive search for a job, any job, anywhere in the world.  Regardless of where you fall, one of the absolutely critical aspects of the job search is being able to convey your full value as an attorney to a potential employer.

A good recruiter will help you identify your unique strengths and tailor your resume and cover letter for each potential position accordingly, but even if you are conducting your search on your own, the same basic principles apply: be aware and get specific.


First, it is important to constantly be aware of the value you are providing as an attorney, and be thinking about what experience you have that would be attractive to a prospective employer, even if you are not planning on ever making a move.  This is because thinking this way will make you a better attorney to your current clients, as well as improve your future career prospects.

If someone walked into your office right now and asked what you were working on, why it was important to your partner/client (i.e. why you should be getting paid for doing it), and why you are the best person to be doing it, would you have an answer?  If so, excellent – if not, well, there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.  Perhaps it is the quality of work you are receiving or that particular project, but if you cannot consistently answer this question in a satisfactory way, you should re-think your approach to your work and become more aware of how and why you are providing value to your clients.

The same goes for your resume and how you present yourself to a prospective employer.  If someone asked you why a given line was on your resume, could you explain what you did, why it was important to your partner or client, and why that experience would be valuable to the firm you are hoping hires you?  If not, get rid of that line and replace it with something better.  If you do not have anything better, this brings us to the second basic principle: get specific.

In conveying your value, it is critically important to get specific both on your resume and in how you can describe your experience.  It is not enough simply to say you worked on a large case, because that could mean anything from jumping in to help on a document review for a week to serving as the lead trial counsel for a full-blown federal jury trial.  What did you contribute to that case?  If you have “deposition experience,” specify that with the number of depositions and the type of witness.  If you were on a deal team, which documents did you draft, and were you the negotiator of the terms?

It may be hard to remember all of these details for your resume, especially if you have not updated it in awhile and are not currently thinking about a job search, but no matter your position it is helpful to your career to keep a running list of your experience, contributions, and accomplishments so that you can articulate your value to current clients and partners, as well as future clients or potential employers.  This will also help you identify areas in which you might want to gain experience to become a more well-rounded attorney, and to know what type of work to request or seek out going forward.

Thinking in this way, being aware of your value and how to describe it to others with specificity, may sound simple, but you would be surprised at the number of attorneys (even great attorneys), for whom this is either a difficult task or takes quite a bit more thought than they would have anticipated.  Getting started now will make you a better attorney, and will lead to a much more successful career.

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.