Practice Areas By Geography – A Frequently Overlooked Factor

Attorneys make geographical moves for all sorts of reasons – better career opportunities, family obligations, better lifestyle options (if you are a surfer, for instance, the Midwest is likely not your top choice of location), etc.  Attorneys also pick their practice area for all sorts of reasons – personality, prior educational or professional background, long-term career goals (as myself and many of our other recruiters have pointed out in the past, if your ultimate goal is an in-house position, you will significantly increase your odds by choosing a transactional practice from the outset).


What many attorneys may fail to consider in choosing a practice area or geography, however, is that the number of job opportunities in particular specialized practice areas may be moderately or severely impacted by geographic location, and this is something that is worth keeping in mind as you evaluate your long-term career prospects as a young attorney.

For instance, I am working with a candidate whose practice specialty is data privacy and internet security matters.  In my region, the West Coast, the opportunities for a significant practice in that sector are relatively limited.  You may find this counter-intuitive, since Silicon Valley is located right here in California (not to mention the substantial tech sector presence in Seattle), but in terms of the legal side of these issues, most of that action happens in the policy world of D.C. (and, adjacently, New York).  You may find a practitioner here or there, or even a full practice group in the case of some Seattle-based offices and regional firms, but by and large, the east coast is definitely where the action is.

Similarly, a patent attorney candidate I recently worked with got back in touch to let me know he may have to relocate to Vermont following his partner’s medical residency selection process.  Burlington is an awesome city, and the med school at Vermont has a top-notch program, but in terms of patent law work, I would be hard pressed to find more than two or three firms that service that sector.

On a more local level, public policy related work is very often concentrated in the political capital of the state – to be certain, there are great opportunities to do public policy, health care, land use, and certain types of environmental law in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but a substantial percentage of the formal lateral opportunities for such work will confine you to the greater Sacramento area.

If you have a significant passion for a particular type of law, or want/need to be located in a particular part of the country, I will be the last person to stand in your way, but if you are choosing among a variety of options while formulating your career goals, it is worth your time to do the research and choose practice areas and geographic locations that will provide you with the greatest amount of opportunity in the long term.

As always, best of luck with your 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.