The attorney had come to the United States from Europe for college. They were not only a gifted athlete but extremely intelligent as well. The attorney earned some of the highest marks possible on their European exams to get into college and ended up attending one of the top colleges in the United States on a scholarship. Following college, they attended a good law school and managed to get positions in a series of outstanding major American law firms.
The attorney was from a family of well-known scientists, and their brothers and sisters had become physicists and engineers while this member of the family was the “odd one out” and had stuck with practicing law.
I studied this attorney’s background carefully and spoke with them at length. When I discussed the reasons for leaving each firm, I started to see cultural issues at each firm that did not match the attorney’s working style. This attorney was very smart and did well everywhere they went, but their working style and the way they related to people was closer to that of the European country they were from than how Americans tended to work.
As a recruiter, it is important to understand everything you can about an attorney. You need to understand their family—how close they are to them, where their parents are living, where their family is living and their long-term goals. I discussed this information extensively with the attorney and started to understand that they held no real roots in the United States, they missed their family (most of whom were in Europe) and, incredibly, they never thought about returning to their home country.
“I’ve never thought of that,” they told me.
When I had this information, the two of us worked with it and discussed it at length. Another move to another American law firm would not accomplish anything, I told the attorney. Working in the United States, they felt no connection or sense of permanence or commitment. Relocating from city to city was almost a “tourist-like” move, and the attorney had no sense of connection wherever they went. The true connection was back home.
Since I had several contacts in the attorney’s home country, I told them that the smartest thing for us to do was to investigate that market. The attorney agreed and understood the logic for doing so.
The process was very fast. Within three weeks the attorney had an offer in their home country with a top law firm. Within a few weeks after that, they were back in their home country – realizing this was one of the smartest moves they could have made. When the law firms in the attorney’s hometown had questions about why they had moved so much, we discussed the lack of permanence, being away from family, lack of cultural fit within American law firms and the fact that all of that would change when the attorney went home.
Regardless of the where an attorney is from, one of the smartest things that they can do is to go home. When you return to your home market, you add perspective and value to the firms in your hometown. Firms also believe that you are likely to remain in an area where you have roots and where you’ve returned to is more likely to be open to you as well.
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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.
