The attorney believed they made a mistake accepting a position at the current firm without thoroughly investigating the market. At the attorney’s insistence, we looked at most of the potential firms in the Bay Area that paid market. Over the course of a few months, the attorney applied to at least 30 firms and had several interviews. After getting a few offers, the attorney informed us that a friend had approached him about an interesting start up that potentially would give him a major financial windfall in a short time if he were to join them. We were informed the attorney that most startups do not work out, and if he left a law firm, he would have a very difficult time returning. Nevertheless, the attorney decided that they would turn down the offers and take a position with a start-up run out of an apartment. The attorney said the startup’s projections were too enticing to pass up.
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| Harrison Barnes |
Three months later the attorney contacted us and stated everything they thought about the start up is not true. The start up did not have the money to pay his salary, various funding commitments that the startup had did not come through and the start up was going out of business. The attorney decided that they wanted to go back to work for a law firm. This made our job difficult because the attorney had already contacted the majority of the law firms in the Bay Area that had patent litigation openings. We were faced with the task of going back to many of the same firms the attorney previously applied to and explained they were no longer interested in working in-house but now wanted to go back to work for a law firm.
Once an attorney goes in-house it is very difficult for them to get a position with a law firm. The reason for this is that the law firm believes the attorney will not be committed to working in a law firm and will leave again to go in-house. Here, this attorney not only went in-house but burned several bridges by not accepting the previous offers from the law firms to which they’d already applied.
Because most of the law firms that the attorney previously interviewed and applied to were off the table, all we could do was contact new law firms that potentially would be interested in him. I contacted national law firms in the Bay Area that did not have openings for patent litigation attorneys and asked them if they might have an interest in my candidate. In almost every case, the law firms indicated that they did not have interest in anyone and, in fact, were slow. Patent litigation at the time had slowed down considerably in the Bay Area because there had been various Supreme Court decisions that slowed down patent trolls.
Surprisingly I was able to find a a few major national law firms that agreed to talk to my candidate. One of the law firms made my candidate an offer, and his career was back on track.
It was only through persistence, but I was able to get my candidate a position. We approached almost all the firms where he could have worked before beginning his search and burning bridges. Nevertheless, by working hard, we were able to find a firm that allowed him to stay in the Bay Area and earn a market salary.
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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.
