Junior Corporate Associate in Los Angeles Interested in a Larger Law Firm

We started the attorney search shortly after she completed her first year of practice. Initially, she was having a difficult time getting interviews because the corporate market is not that active. The Los Angeles corporate market is not as large as many might believe. Markets such as the Bay Area and New York City are much larger.

 

Harrison Barnes

Another interesting thing about this attorney was they were offered a job in a major law firm while still in law school. I suspect the current problem with this attorney was that she might not have been a good interviewer. There was no other reason to explain the attorney’s inability to get a job in a major law firm other than this. They had gone to an excellent law school, had performed well in law school and were interested in working for a large law firm. One nice thing about getting experience—regardless of the law firm’s size — is it can often be easier to get a job with a major law firm with that experience. Attorneys mature at different levels in terms of how to interview and present themselves. Just because one does not get a job with a major law firm when they are in law school does not mean they will not get a major law firm job in the future.
   
After working with the attorney for a few months, they began to get interviews but were too busy to go on the interviews. Many law firms that initially expressed interest in the attorney no longer would interview her after she was unable to attend the interviews. Because the attorney was at a small law firm, there were not a lot of people that could cover for her if she needed to be out of the office— even for a few hours an afternoon. Because she was so busy, we stopped the search for approximately six months until things slowed down. After six months, we restarted the search and there was a lot more interests from attorney within large law firms. Corporate attorneys are most marketable after they have approximately a year-and-a-half to two years’ experience. It is important for corporate attorneys to have more experience before they start searching because corporate, unlike many practice areas, can take a while to learn. In fact, most corporate attorneys are not proficient as corporate attorneys until they have approximately 4 to 5 years of experience and in some cases they may need even more.
 
The attorney ultimately accepted an offer with a large international law firm. The attorney was very happy at the law firm and it ended up being a very good fit. Corporate attorneys are very marketable when the economy is good. Here, the attorney accomplished her search in a very active market when there were many opportunities.


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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.