Next Stop Partnership

A former candidate of mine recently decided to go on a couple of interviews for positions that had opened up in his practice area.The firm we placed him with several years ago was a terrific choice for him initially.But as his seniority level rose, the size of the practice group and the unclear path to partnership led him to roll the dice and explore his options.He contacted me for suggestions the factors that should influence his decision making process at this stage of his career.

The biggest difference in the present is that any move he makes now will be his last stop before partnership consideration. That makes for an entirely different equation than the one we applied when he was a mid-level. For those of you that are senior associates, lateral partners or in between, here are some suggestions and questions you can use as a filter in your search process:

First, run the most thorough interview process you can, seeing several firms if possible. If you have the luxury of multiple opportunities, educating yourself on what is out there will add to your peace of mind whatever you ultimately conclude.It is in everyone’s best interests for you to make the most informed decision you can.Be forthright with prospective firms about your timeline and desire to find the best fit for your next professional home.When you put it in those terms, there generally is no problem.

Once you are ready to make a decision about an offer or offer(s) ask yourself the following and if you are working with a good recruiter, you already have the answers to the majority of these questions.Revisiting them once your options are more clearly defined can be very useful in making a decision:

How many partners have been made in the practice group in the last few years?(If the group is new or small that should be taken into consideration.)

Who else will be up for partner at the same time as you in any offices where they have attorneys practicing in the same specialty as you?

Historically, what is the track record over all of lateral attorneys being made partner or moving from non-equity to shareholder status?

How does your practice area fit into the strategic plans of the firm-- and what is the focus in general of the firm's practice?(Is your practice important to the firm?Why?)

What is the billing rate at the firm(s) you are considering?How will it impact your ability to build a book of business or originate work?What about any existing matters that you hope or plan to port?

How will your firm be positioned following the Presidential election?Depending on your practice area, the strengths of your firm, and the outcome of the election, this could have bearing.

When and upon what basis will you be considered for partnership?

What are the hour’s expectations for partners? How are partners evaluated? Is there a buy in?

Is credit given for client origination only, new matters from existing clients, servicing a client, and/or cross selling between groups?

What sort of debt does the firm have?

How are decisions made?Are you comfortable with the management structure of the firm?

Does your firm have a culture and a vision that is consistent with how you view yourself as a professional?

What are the firm’s goals and reasons for wanting to expand an area?Do they make sense and support the strategic plans of the firm?

The final step is to return for a visit to the firm or firm(s) you are most impressed with, offer in hand.Ask to speak with one or two laterals that came in with a similar set of circumstances or seniority level to you (the practice area is not critical for this purpose).Listen carefully to how things have gone for them and ask any questions you held back during the interview process.Look around you—are people smiling?Do they seem to be enjoying themselves?Can you see yourself here?

Things can look very different once a firm has asked you to join them and there is no longer the pressure of being in the hot seat.The post-offer visit can be critical in making the best choice.I am sure some of my colleagues may have additions to this quick list that they will add, but I hope this is useful.

Pave your path to legal partnership search with us…! Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend.

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.