Your Resume Needs to Show a Trajectory

Too often, the resumes I see from junior attorneys, clerks, and law students scream, “I’m indecisive, and I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.” Law firms don’t generally want someone who doesn’t have an inclination toward a particular area of law. An attorney without a clear idea of what areas interest her may end up liking the practice area that she happens to be hired into, but maybe she won’t, and she will want to switch after a year or two. Such an attorney is essentially asking the firm to let her figure out what kind of law she likes, on their dime. Why would a firm hire such a person? Firms want someone who already knows what she wants, and will remain in the practice area that she is being hired for.
 

• See 6 Things Attorneys and Law Students Need to Remove from Their Resumes ASAP If They Want to Get Jobs with the Most Prestigious Law Firms for more information.

There is nothing wrong with trying different things while you are in law school; to a certain degree it is expected. Even in the early stages of law practice, it can be possible, if the firm permits, to dip a toe in different practice areas. In fact, certain firms make it their policy to “float” entry-level associates through different practice groups for a certain time period. You can find out who these firms are from your career services office at school. Keep in mind, however, that firms who will allow associates to experiment with different practice areas are not the norm.

By the time you are in your third year of law school and looking for your first job, your resume needs to show a direction. You may have several directions in mind; there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It only means that the resume you send for a particular position needs to speak to that position. You may certainly have different resumes for different types of positions. For example, if you are targeting corporate positions, and you interned at an in-house legal department, that resume should highlight those skills. The in-house job description should be several lines, while your stint at the Public Defender’s office should have little or no description. For the litigation positions you are targeting, you should do the opposite.


If you still feel that your resume does not clearly highlight a particular direction, see if you can convince a professor of a topic you want to target to let you work as a research assistant. This is usually only a 10-15 hour per week commitment, and the professor sometimes ends up being both a legal and a career mentor. Professors often know the players in the legal community as well, and some still practice law (adjunct professors can be especially helpful in making connections).

Many, many junior lawyers don’t really know what they want to do. However, don’t let your resume reflect this. Have different resumes that highlight different skill sets and interests, so that you always show some kind of trajectory on your resume.

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.