In terms of the candidate's background, she is admittedly a bit of an odd placement for the Seattle market. Seattle is one of those markets that really wants to see strong connections to it (Portland is very similar), ideally family members who live there. Because cities like Seattle and Portland have recently become so trendy and popular, I think that Seattle (and Portland) firms worry that a candidate will relocate for the job, and then move again in a year or two. Of course, firms want to hire and invest in an attorney that is planning to and will likely stay in the city and at the firm longterm. In contract, this candidate's only connection to Seattle is that her partner's close friend lives there - neither she nor her partner has any family or other connections to the city. However, what really helped this candidate is that she is fully licensed to practice in Washington State. I've noticed that Seattle firms will almost certainly not hire a general litigator like this candidate unless they are already licensed to practice in Washington State. I have a lot of candidates tell me that they are easily able to waive into the Washington State bar, but this is not enough for a lot of firms, as the process of waiving in can take up to six months, and especially in the case of litigators, firms want someone who is already licensed to practice. The story is different for candidates from niche practice areas such as tax and trusts & estates, which often don't require that the candidate already be licensed in Washington State. A strong candidate with years of experience in a niche practice area will likely still be marketable in Seattle (and other small markets), as these candidates are hard to find, especially in smaller markets.
Regarding the candidate's background, she currently practices in a small city in the Midwest, has been at one, 15-person boutique since her graduation from law school, attended a local law school that is not particularly well-ranked and did about average there. Her current practice centers around appellate practice, tort defense, UM/UIM claims, first and third-party coverage claims, bad faith defense, premises liability, product liability, and civil rights defense, although she does do some general commercial litigation as well (interestingly enough, even though I didn't place her at an insurance coverage firm, insurance coverage is a robust practice area in Seattle. I often see openings at boutique insurance coverage firms in Seattle for insurance coverage Associates). Her strengths, however, are that she has been at one firm since Fall 2016, was on her school's Law Review and participated in Moot Court and Mock Trial and is a Super Lawyer in her state. She also coaches her law school's mock trial team and has great pre-litigation experience (everything up until trial). I also think that she comes off very well in interviews.
We submitted this candidate to 15 firms over the course of about a month, and she was interviewed by two. One was a local litigation boutique that really liked her, but wanted someone with several more years of experience than she has. The other is the firm that hired her - a high-level, plaintiffside, personal injury, class action and sexual abuse boutique in Seattle. They conducted two interviews with her and gave her an offer shortly after the second interview. The base offer is very competitive for a firm of this size and practice in Seattle, and is significantly more than what she makes now. The bonus structure of the firm is also generous. The candidate was very excited to receive the offer, and accepted the next day. She and her partner are very excited to be relocating from the Midwest to Seattle, and she is ecstatic to be starting at the firm soon!
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.
