From passing the bar to working in different locations, to gaining the legal chops that can help you become a partner in the law firm for which you work, readers of the legal features posted on BCG Attorney Search in 2018 perused a plethora of articles that have to do with starting one’s own law firm, concerns about going in house, how to develop business as a lawyer as well as what to and what not to include in their law firm resumes. All 10 articles were serious pieces designed to fortify a lawyer’s career as they ascend upward in their firm toward partnership.
Bar exams aren’t easy. Quite the opposite, bar exams are difficult assessments designed to test a lawyer’s knowledge of law, especially in the state where they plan to practice. But what if you want to work in a different practice area, and that practice area is out of state? You might be one of the few lucky lawyers who fall under a state’s reciprocity in which you can waive into the Bar Exam.
In some cases, it may be difficult, if not a bit confusing, to decipher the various legal titles used within top-tier law firms. This article analyzes the three most common law firm titles – Of Counsel, Non-Equity Partner and Equity Partner, and what they mean within a law firm setting.
Interviewing for a position as a lawyer can be riddled with anxiety. A good way to stave off some, if not most of that anxiety is to first know what the majority of law firms will ask you during an interview, and the type of answers they expect in return. This article lists what those questions will be and the type of answers you should give to put you in the running for your future law firm job.
Mistakes on your resume can spell a calamitous doom to your law firm interviews. Many firms, in fact, may not even call you for at least a phone interview due to miscues in your resume. Read this article to find out the 6 things attorneys and law students need to remove from their resumes before they start looking for law firm jobs.
There’s no question about it; a large portion of being a successful attorney involves having a strong book of business. This article defines the 9 ways attorneys can generate business that will ensure their long-term success.
Strong books of business, deep bonds with powerful partners and good old fashioned hard work are but three of the seven methods attorneys use to become partners in the law firms where they work. Give yourself a better chance to become a partner within your law firm by reading this article.
In order to get a job within a major law firm, one must fulfill a list of responsibilities that can date back to when they go to law school. With that said, if any of these responsibilities go on unfulfilled or achieved on a subpar level, there remains a good chance no top law firm hire you. This article lists the 21 most common reasons law firms will never hire a lawyer, and why you must avoid them as you continue your job search.
Don’t let the gleeful bon voyage from your old law firm fool you about going in-house; you may as well say bye-bye to your legal career once you do go in-house. If anything, with you gone there will be less law firm competition. But more alarmingly, once you’ve gone in-house, you more than likely will never be able to practice law within another law firm again.
Needless to say, starting your own law firm is a gamble that can either pay off tremendously, or completely destroy your legal career. While the motives to or not to start your own law firm are many, this article lists 21 of the more known reasons lawyers either strive to or balk against opening their own legal practice.
Without a doubt, writing is one of the mainstays of any lawyers’ career. Poor writing can reflect on anything from a failure to be hired by a law firm to losing a legal case, and consequently a legal job. This is why a lawyer who is in the interviewing process needs to study these 12 most frequently asked questions regarding candidates and their writing samples.
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.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
