Talented (but unemployed) Real Estate Attorney Placed in NYC Boutique | BCGSearch.com

Talented (but unemployed) Real Estate Attorney Placed in NYC Boutique

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2020 started as a promising year, but we soon found ourselves in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and the furloughs and lay-offs ensued. Adding insult to injury, the hiring market in the Northeast started to dwindle. But even during a pandemic, and arguable even more so during a pandemic, niche practice areas start to stand out, probably because the generalist positions start to fade. Generally speaking, real sstate is an area that does not fare well during an economic slowdown. However, niche real estate practices, like land use/zoning/ tax credits do remain steady and active.


My first candidate placement of 2020 is an example this. In terms of his background, this candidate attended a regional (low-ranked) law school, but had received a merit based Dean's Scholarship. He had also performed very well in law school. For undergrad, he attended college in the mid-west where he graduated summa cum laude and where he played Division I Ice Hockey. I find that firms appreciate candidates that have participated in collegiate sports as they see it as a positive team building and character development activity.
 
This candidate started his career as a document reviewer attorney, but quickly transitioned to a sophisticated real estate boutique in New York City that predominate represented developers. When I started working with him he had been with an AmLaw firm for two years as an associate in the Real Estate Group. While some of his practice was general real estate law, including typical real estate acquisitions, real estate dispositions and development of public and private property, the majority of his practice was very specialized and included property tax issues, property tax exemptions or abatement benefits, housing programs, using governmental financing though low-income housing tax credits, etc. It was this particular niche that initiated interest in this candidate.
 
This candidate was barred in both New York and New Jersey, and he was a licensed real estate broker.
 
The challenge with this candidate was that although he was working at an AmLaw firm, doing well, billing over 2000 hours, and making good money, he wasn't happy at the firm and had decided to quit. Working with unemployed candidates is already a challenge, but explaining a resignation, even if it occurred on good terms, is even more difficult because law firms understandably don't like people who quit - at anything.
 
I started working with this candidate in early January, right before the pandemic started. I had already been working on a search for a client law firm, so when I spoke to this candidate and heard about his experience and what he was looking for, I immediately thought he would be a good fit for our client.
 
The client was a boutique real estate firm in New York City that had a practice group focusing on tax incentives and affordable housing. They were looking for a mid to senior level associate to work closely with the head partner of the firm.
 
I was right! The candidate had heard of the firm and was absolutely excited to be presented to them. The firm reviewed his materials (which included a resume, a cover letter, law school transcripts and a writing sample) and invited him for an interview. We prepared for the interview, and we discussed how to explain his recent departure from the AmLaw firm, as this was a tricky issue to address. The candidate did well on his initial interview, and he was invited for a second round of interviews. The candidate finally received an offer at the end of the month. The offer came in at $200K + bonus, which was competitive, and the candidate accepted.
 
This was an unusual placement, but is an example of how narrowing in on a practice group and becoming an expert on a particular subject matter, instead of being a generalist, can help you stand out amongst the rest of the pack. Also, this placement shows how working with a recruiter who understands what a client firm is really looking for in a candidate is extremely helpful in a job search. Here the fact that the candidate was unemployed faded in the background because of his strengths elsewhere and my zealous representation of his positive attributes.
 
The firm was very excited to have him join them, and this client has trusted BCG with additional searches. I am excited for this candidate, and I know that he will do very well in the future!


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.

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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:

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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He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

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.

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Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

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.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

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This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

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.

He has worked with:

  • Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
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For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

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.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

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.
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