This candidate, a former co-worker and friend, called me two weeks ago. A named partner at her small firm with fewer than 10 attorneys had, unfortunately, passed away. Since then, she had been working primarily with another named partner who had just accepted an offer at an AmLaw 100 firm. This candidate had the option of moving with her partner to the AmLaw 100 firm.
However, this candidate and I had previously worked together at an AmLaw 200 firm and she did not enjoy the politics that came along with working in a large AmLaw firm. She was much happier in smaller firms, but still wanted to make as much money as she would at a large firm, so she was interested in sophisticated market-paying boutique law firms in Miami.
I had been working a lot with one such firm - a great litigation boutique firm with offices in New York City and Miami that offered extremely competitive salaries and sophisticated work. Having placed every associate in their Miami office, I was extremely familiar with the types of candidates they sought. Specifically, I knew that a candidate's writing samples were the single most important factor in securing a job with this particular firm.
Having worked professionally with this candidate at our old firm, I also knew her to be a truly exceptional writer, so I immediately thought of sending her to this particular boutique firm, which I knew to be extremely busy - even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
I suggested the firm to her during our initial phone call. She was familiar with the firm and was extremely interested. We discussed the materials she would need to submit - a revised resume, a law school transcript, and multiple impressive writing samples (with cover letters to explain the writing sample's context and how much of each writing sample was her own work product).
Within a few days, I had all of this candidate's materials and drafted an extremely strong cover letter for her, explaining to the firm why this candidate was such a great fit for them and also explaining why she had so many lateral moves on her resume. Law firms are often skeptical of candidates with multiple lateral moves, but this particular candidate's lateral moves all made sense, so I explained that to the firm.
Within five minutes (!) of me emailing my contact within the firm, I received an interview request! That night, the candidate and I had a phone call during which I prepared her for her interview. Specifically, we went over questions they would likely ask her and how best to answer them, information I knew about the firm that she should know, etc.
The very next day, this candidate interviewed with every attorney in the firm's Miami office. As expected, all of her interviews went extremely well and over the next few days she had calls with every lawyer in all of the firm's offices.
All of these phone interviews might seem like overkill to someone only familiar with BigLaw firms. However, it is extremely common for boutique firms to have every attorney in the firm speak with a candidate before giving them an offer. This is because fit is extremely important in a boutique. In a large group in a BigLaw firm, if two lawyers do not get along, they can avoid each other and work with other people they click with better. This is not always possible in a boutique. If there is a major clash of personalities, an attorney is likely to have no choice but to leave the firm altogether. There is also much less turnover at boutique firms compared to BigLaw firms and there is significantly less up or out pressure. Attorneys tend to stay at boutiques for a longer time than they stay at BigLaw firms, so boutiques have more of an incentive to ensure that each hire is a great one.
Luckily, all of her interviews went extremely well and she soon received an extremely competitive offer for $200,000 (exactly what the AmLaw 100 firm offered her), which she quickly accepted! The firm was thrilled. I know this particular firm will be a much better fit for this particular candidate than the BigLaw firm she also had an offer from and am extremely happy for her! Perfect placements like these, where I get to really use my matchmaking skills, truly make me the happiest as a recruiter. I wish this candidate the very best of luck and much success at her new firm! :)
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.
