State of the Law Firm Hiring Market - Fall 2016

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
 
State of the Market Report: San Francisco
by Claudia Barnes, Manager of BCG Attorney Search
Healthy Practice Areas:

Corporate


Corporate associates in San Francisco with solid academic and professional credentials continue to be in high demand in San Francisco, and the Bay Area in general. Candidates with experience at all levels are getting interviews. Firms tend to like candidates coming from the New York market. Those with experience in any of the following will likely get interviews: private equity, structured and debt finance, corporate finance, emerging company/venture capital, M&A, and securities. Candidates with hard science or life science degrees continue to get interviews. Firms generally do not require the CA Bar for corporate candidates.

Environmental

The need for environmental attorneys has turned around and many firms are actively seeking candidates with land use litigation, CEQA and NEPA experience. This pick up is likely the result of the real estate market boom.

Labor and Employment

Labor and employment hiring in San Francisco has remained busy throughout 2016. We continue to place employment attorneys at all levels (junior, mid and senior level) in a variety of law firms (small, mid-sized and large). In particular, firms seek associates with wage and hour, discrimination, and client counseling experience. Class action, deposition, and trial experience are highly valued. Firms typically require California experience and admission to CA bar.

Litigation

Litigation hiring in San Francisco has slowed down a little since the first of of the year, but remains strong and steady. The greatest need is at the mid-level (3-5 years), but we are seeing a need at all levels. Complex commercial, general and securities/white collar litigators are consistently in demand - particularly attorneys with securities litigation and/or white collar experience. Firms continue to have very high standards for litigation candidates. Those who have strong academic and professional credentials as well as clerkship experience will get interviews. Admission to the CA Bar is not always necessary, but most firms expect it. We expect the need for litigators to pick up in 2017.

Steady Practice Areas:

Data Privacy

For the last year we have a seen a consistent need for attorneys with privacy and data security experience - particularly at the junior and mid-levels. Ideal candidates will have experience working with technology clients on all matters of privacy and data security compliance. Counseling on foreign data privacy laws,

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.