1. What Do Law Firm Titles Mean: Of Counsel, Non-Equity Partner, and Equity Partner Explained
One of the most common questions that law students and practicing attorneys have is the pecking order of people working inside of law firms. If you are still at your law firm after several years of service, these are the positions that most likely await you. Learn what each position entails so you can make the best possible decisions for your future.
2. 100+ of the Toughest Interview Questions That Law Firms Ask Attorneys and Law Students, and How to Answer Them
Want to ace your next interview? Be ready for any question a law firm might throw at you by reading through this comprehensive list of Q&As. Equal parts information and inspiration, this article will help you get fully prepared.
3. Top 6 Things Attorneys and Law Students Need to Remove from Their Resumes ASAP If They Want to Get Jobs with the Most Prestigious Law Firms
Far too many attorneys lose job opportunities because of resume mistakes that could easily be avoided. Get an inside view of how the most prestigious law firms review and think about your resume, and why sometimes less is more.
4. 21 Reasons You Will Never Get a Job with a Major Law Firm Now (or Ever Again)
Many attorneys want to work at major law firms and try very hard to do so. Unfortunately, some have fatal flaws on their professional history that will prevent them from ever reaching their goal. If you want to work at a major law firm, you must avoid making any of these career-ending mistakes.
5. Why Going In-house Is Often the Worst Decision a Good Attorney Can Ever Make
Thinking about going in-house? Not so fast. Most attorneys go in-house because of the massive amount of misinformation out there—but it almost never is a good decision. Learn why the belief that going in-house is a good career move is completely wrong, and what making this choice will really do to your legal career.
6. Top 9 Ways for Any Attorney to Generate a Huge Book of Business
Good lawyers do not just practice law—they generate business. In fact, generating business can often be the difference between keeping or losing your job. This article examines the most important and productive methods that any attorney can use to generate business.
7. The Only Seven Reasons a Law Firm Will Ever Make You Partner
Many attorneys view making partner as the pinnacle of their legal career. But the benefits must outweigh the costs, and law firms will only make you a partner if they have to. If you have one (or more) of the seven attributes listed in this article, you might very well stand a chance at making partner.
8. Should You Start Your Own Law Firm? Top 10 Reasons to Start or Not Start Your Own Firm
Choosing to start your own law firm is a significant decision that will have profound implications on the rest of your career. Before you take the leap, review this complete list of pros and cons to make sure that becoming a solo practitioner is the right choice for you.
9. Had a Great Interview, But Got No Response to My Thank-You Emails
Most of us assume the worst when a potential employer goes silent. Surprisingly, many attorneys in this situation still end up getting offers. In this Q&A, we explore the reasons why a law firm may not respond and why you should not give up too soon.
10. Top 20 Reasons Why There Is No Better Profession Than Practicing Law
Although lawyers are often portrayed in a negative light and provide fodder for jokes, being an attorney is a wonderful job filled with many challenges, opportunities, and rewards. Read more about the benefits of practicing law and remind yourself why you chose this path in the first place. It may help you survive some of the ups and downs of your practice.
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.
