When an attorney is going home after working in New York and overseas, they tend to have very sophisticated corporate experience, mostly in capital markets. Depending on the size of the market they may be interested in relocating to, there may not be a sophisticated capital market practice. This attorney wanted to relocate to a relatively small Midwestern market where they had grown up and settled down to be closer to family and friends.
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The problem with this relocation was the attorney previously worked on very sophisticated transactions (in many cases representing governments issuing debt around the world) and this type of law practice was not being done by the firms in the market to which they planned to return. To position this candidate properly, we first stressed that the attorney wanted to be closer to parents and their commitment to the market. While there certainly were a lot of talented attorneys in the market, most of the attorneys had not gone to the same caliber of law schools, worked in major cities like New York or internationally and did not have anywhere near the level of sophistication this attorney did. This meant that we risked the attorney looking too big for their britches if they did not come off correctly.
In situations where a younger attorney with outstanding qualifications wants to relocate to a smaller market, it is always important we make sure that the attorney is humble and comes across well to the attorneys they are meeting with. We do not want the attorney to appear arrogant, or if they feel like their better than the attorneys they are interviewing with in any way. Instead, we want the attorney to position themselves as someone who believes a small market is better for their legal career. While this may seem self-evident, many attorneys do not do this when interviewing with smaller law firms, which ultimately can hurt them.
Because this attorney has sophisticated experience, we made the law firms feel that not only was the attorney willing to learn but they also wanted to work in a smaller market. We also told the law firms the attorney believed that working in a smaller market represent a better opportunity because they would be able to develop clients whereas they could not develop clients while working for a major international law firm in Europe.
After a few weeks, we managed to get several law firms within the smaller market to gain interest in our attorney. The attorney returned to the area over Christmas break and interviewed with several of the law firms. Each firm they interviewed with liked the attorney a great deal and consequently made offers. The attorney returned home after Christmas break, gave notice and started at a new firm a few months later. This was a successful placement in a very small market. In each case, the law firm the candidate interviewed with had no openings. Yet, we were able to create opportunity by positioning the candidate in the correct manner.
When a law firm finds an outstanding attorney who wants to come home, the fact that there is an opening or not is irrelevant. The law firm realizes that they have one chance to get the attorney and will go out of their way to hire the attorney if they believe they have enough work. In fact, we believe attorneys who are relocating are often easier to place—regardless of whether or not there is an opening— than attorneys that are looking in an existing market and competing with other attorneys for the same openings.
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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.
