The Proper Way to View The Interview Process

My main mistake, and the mistake of so many associates going through the interview process, was talking too much.  Firms don’t need to know everything that’s on your mind right off the bat.  They haven’t even decided that they want you.  The worst thing you can do is walk in and start talking about what you want from them.   It makes you look terrible, not to mention arrogant.  Your job in the interview process is twofold: 1) gather as much information as possible in order to decide whether it is a place you might like to work, and 2) make them want you.

The first objective is accomplished by listening and paying attention.  Find out what kind of a place it is you are interviewing.  You are being interviewed, of course, and you may do a lot of the talking.  But if they like your resume (and they do, if you are sitting in an interview), your interviewers may well try to “sell” you on the firm.  Listen well. Pay attention, and ask lots of follow up questions.  Don’t explain why you are asking (i.e.,” I want to know how many women partners you have because I think it indicates a better quality of life”); just ask the question and listen to what is said.  Pay attention to what associates tell you unsolicited, and discretely ask about the things that pique your interest, either because you view them favorably or unfavorably.  Try and figure out if there is a common personality among your interviewers.  What items do you hear repeated from person to person?  I remember doing an interview with a firm when I was a young associate, and deciding at the end that it was not the kind of work I had thought it was (I had thought it was a labor and employment law position, but it turned out that to get that work, associates had to start out handling workers’ compensation), and that I did not want to continue.  Instead of telling them what I wanted, I simply withdrew my application when I returned home later that day.  In another interview, several associates told me about what a blast they had going out drinking late nights after work, then coming in hung over and exhausted.  You are interviewing the firm as much as they are interviewing you, but you are not in a position to make demands or even hint at your own agenda.  You are there to listen and learn.


The second objective, once you decide that the firm is somewhere you might like to work, is to get an offer.  Your personality, skill set and interests will either match the firm’s needs or they won’t, so there is no point in trying to look like someone you’re not.  Once the firm has made an offer, you can reveal your own needs and wants.  You are in your strongest bargaining position once the firm decides they want to hire you.  Is the offer one you are willing to take with no negotiation?   Or, are there items you would like to ask for that are not included?  For example, I recently had an attorney negotiate a change in location to an office that was more convenient to her home.  The firm agreed to let her work out of that office 2 days per week.  Another attorney got a firm to agree to give him occasional work from a related practice group because it was an area that he had experience in, and didn’t want to let his skills lapse.  (There is always a slight risk that the firm can withdraw their offer if you counteroffer like this; however, I have never personally seen it happen.)

The long and the short of it is this: an interview is not the correct forum for making your particular needs and desires known.  Listen and learn about the firm.  There is plenty of time to ask for what you want when there is an offer on the table.

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.