The candidate that I just placed is a very interesting example of just how hot and marketable Data Privacy candidates are at the moment. In terms of his background, he is Class of 2010 (so on the senior side), top academic credentials from his law school, a well-respected law school in Los Angeles, Magna Cum Laude, Order of the Coif, Dean's List, Law Review and Moot Court. In terms of academic accolades, it doesn't get any better than this candidate. He also attended a UC school for his undergraduate studies, graduating with High Honors. In terms of his post-law school experience, he completed a federal clerkship and then joined a well-respected firm in Los Angeles as a Financial Services / Class Action Associate. He was with the firm for almost two years before joining his current firm, and has been with his current firm for around six years. At his current firm, he has mostly focused on complex commercial litigation (for around four of the six years that he's been at the firm), but for the past two years, he has mostly focused on both data privacy litigation and traditional data privacy work (compliance and counseling). He is a member of both the firm's Data Privacy and Security Team and its Class Action Practice Group, and he does have his CIPPUS certification. As a side note, firms that are searching for data privacy attorneys normally want to see the CIPP-US certification.
Now, I should say right off the bat that I was concerned about this candidate's years of practice as well as his mixed practice. Normally, we find that attorneys are the most marketable between their second and sixth years of practice, and this candidate is a ninth year. This is because firms often don't know where and how to slate senior attorneys in, and senior attorneys often expect to be paid more and are billed out at higher rates to clients (which clients don't like). Even if we tell firms that a candidate is flexible with regard to class year, firms can be quite cookie cutter and black and white in their thinking, and they often want to fit a round peg in a round hole (and so are usually not open to considering attorneys for positions outside of their class year). Similarly, firms often don't know what to do with candidates with mixed practices. This candidate is mainly a general litigator, but he has been getting some relevant and substantive data privacy work for the last couple of years. I thought that if any firm were to be interested in him (which was unlikely in my mind), they would only be interested in him as a second or third year data privacy Associate, and honestly, I'm not sure that he would have been interested in taking a class year cut.
However, of the three Am Law 100 firms that we submitted him to, one immediately responded and said that they had interest in him. He had a full callback interview with the firm's OC office, and then their LA office (he would be sitting out of LA), and they ended up giving him an offer as a Data Privacy Of-Counsel (partnership track), at a base of $250K! I was honestly floored that 1) he got an offer and 2) the firm was offering to bring him on at his class year and without a class year cut, and he would be up for partnership consideration in just a couple of year! When he only had 2-3 years of relevant experience. However, the candidate tells me that data privacy is a broad umbrella, and that if one were to include all of the statutes that fall under it, he has about seven to nine years of relevant experience. This candidate currently makes $300K base, and didn't want to take a pay-cut, so he asked for the firm to match his current base. I also found this extremely unlikely, as this would be a $50K bump on the base! But, amazingly enough, they decided to match his current base!
I think the other thing that really helped this candidate is that he showed the firm that he was genuinely interested in them and the opportunity. Before his first interview, the firm had him fill out an entire lengthy employment application and conflicts questionnaire, which firms usually don't have candidates do until they have an offer with the firm. I feel like a lot of candidates would have balked at all the paperwork that the candidate was forced to fill out before even interviewing with the firm or knowing whether or not he liked the firm or their attorneys. But, he was a good sport about the paperwork, and filled it out quickly and thoroughly. I also think that he comes off as very mature and grounded in interviews, and I'm sure that he did his research ahead of time and had specific questions to ask and talking points about why the particular firm was a good fit. All of this helped him in securing what to me seemed like an impossible offer!
All in all, it probably goes without saying that this candidate is very, very excited to be fully transitioning over to a Data Privacy role, without having to take a class year or salary cut! I couldn't be happier for him. I know that he will excel in his new role, and I will be very surprised if he doesn't make Partner in a couple of years!
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
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This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
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Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
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If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
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With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
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A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
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If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
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Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
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.
