It can thus be challenging to help very entrepreneurial junior and mid-level candidates find a home in a firm. Attorneys who are already out there signing up clients - as this candidate was - do not necessarily see the benefit in joining a firm where they will not call the shots. This is especially the case when the attorney is operating a "solo" practice, as was the case here. But there is much to be gained by building up your skill set within an established institution, especially if you are still on the younger end of your career spectrum, even if it means sacrificing autonomy for the short-term, and spending less time networking and more time churning out deals for more senior attorneys.
I worked with this candidate for over a year. We began our work when he was at a regional West Coast firm handling real estate deals in a niche area. He did not have the strongest grades, but he had a solid work history with a solid firm and an impressive deal sheet. I always like to see deal sheets because they help me understand the nitty-gritty of the work my candidate has done. It takes time to put together a deal sheet and I appreciate it when someone puts in that effort. A detailed and robust deal sheet lets me know that an attorney cares about his or her career and takes pride of ownership of his or her profession.
This candidate liked his current firm and was doing well there. He had also gotten great experience. The problem was that his firm only worked on a certain type of real estate transaction and he wanted to do other kinds of real estate deals. There was no room to grow at that firm because the firm was never going to do that other kind of work, at least not in the foreseeable future.
We got some interest in his applications, but because he was trying to make a switch - even though it was from one specialty to another within the same practice area of real estate - we were not able to get an offer. We put his search on hold for several months and when I checked back in I learned that he had left his firm and gone "solo." Whether or not that was a wise move for a mid-level attorney to make, he was succeeding at it. He was bringing in clients and making over $100,000 a year at it! Still, the idea of a firm continued to interest him and he was open to resuming the search, so we continued. I respected that he was able to support himself practicing law on his own, and was brave enough to try, but I was concerned that if he did not learn other skills by more experienced practitioners who worked on bigger deals that his solo career would reach a ceiling and this would impede his potential in the long-run.
From a legal placement perspective, things were even more difficult now, because he had left his firm and started his own firm, which is something firms are very wary of. This is because they feel that once you have left the firm life you will not be motivated to return to it. But I had come to really like this candidate, including his gumption, and I wanted to help him.
It was a good thing we did not give up, because this time around we were successful. We found a firm that saw his value, as reflected in the substance of the work he had produced at his prior firm before he left as well as his ability to get out into the world and sign up clients. There was no guarantee that he would be able to keep all of his clients - but the firm agreed to review them and try to keep the ones that worked with the firm's practice. My candidate realized that he had a whole career ahead of him, and there was lots of rainmaking in his future, and that he would be even more valuable to his clients and as a member of the profession if he joined a team and built up his skills by continuing to work on sophisticated real estate deals in a firm environment. It took a while to get this attorney and the firm on the "same page" but in the end the attorney accepted the position. Sometimes you can go further with the support of a team behind you!
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.
