I was honestly uncertain whether it would be worth my time or this candidate's time for me to work with her. I sometimes suggest that a candidate like this apply on her own, through her own friends, law school and undergraduate connections and alumni network. However, with a bit of encouragement from my Recruiting Manager and one of my fellow Recruiters, I decided to give her a try. I looped in the fellow Recruiter to help her out in her DC search, as she is currently based in DC and though she eventually wanted to move back to the Los Angeles area, she was open to searching in DC.
Due to her policy and government background, I decided to send her education law, government law and municipal law firms and positions to consider. My fellow Recruiter and I also sent her a few antitrust and data privacy positions to consider, as she had a background and interest in these areas as well, but these positions are few and far between, and usually require sophisticated and substantial experience to be seriously considered.
The thing that this candidate did right was allow me to apply her to firms of all different sizes, but mostly to very small, boutique firms and mid-sized firms. My colleague on the East Coast applied her to more Big Law firms, but I had a feeling that without real legal practice experience and especially without experience at a law firm, Big Law firms wouldn't be interested, despite her great credentials. I think that this candidate may have been more open-minded because she had already worked with a Recruiter for several months before coming to us at BCG, that Recruiter had applied her to exclusively Big Law firm opportunities, and she hadn't received any traction. So, by the time she came to us, she was willing to be more open-minded about considering firms of all sizes. I explained to her that the important thing for her was to get experience at a firm, really any firm where she could get substantive legal research and writing experience, and perhaps take and / or defend a depo or two, and then in a year or two, we could help her lateral to a mid-sized or larger firm.
The firm that ended up being interested in her was a boutique special education firm in LA, run by a husband and wife team. In truth, I had never placed a candidate at a special education firm before this candidate. Usually, these types of firms don't work with Recruiters. My candidate also wasn't sure about the type of experience that she'd be getting there. It sounded like she would be attending a lot of administrative hearings, but also doing some legal research and writing. She did really like the husband and wife team, and they seemed genuinely interested and invested in her learning and growing as a lawyer. I think that the great personalities of the Attorneys at the firm helped her to overcome her uncertainty about the practice area. I also explained to her that in a year or two, I thought that I could help her lateral to a mid-sized firm (I had in mind a particular public entity / Labor & Employment / Education firm that I regularly work with and place at). More than anything, I think that she was also very excited and interested in moving back home to LA. I had explained to her that once she was in LA and working at a firm here, it would be a lot easier for her to lateral to another firm than trying to do it from the East Coast.
This placement taught me an important lesson: that if a candidate has great credentials and interviews well, she can sometimes overcome a lack of practical legal experience, especially if she is open to considering smaller firms. This candidate is very excited to move back home to LA and to work with the boutique firm that I placed her at. I'm sure that she will do very well and gain great experience at her new firm home!
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.
