Is There a Job Search Method You Recommend for Law Students and Recent Graduates Over Other Methods?

Is there a job search method you recommend for law students and recent graduates over other methods?
 

Yes. The method that I recommend for law students and recent graduates that I believe works the best is targeted mailing. It’s pretty phenomenal. I have seen so much success with that. But first, you need to build a big list of firms. So you need to do a lot of research, and that's another topic that we'll cover in another post. But targeted mailing works exceptionally well. I've seen so many attorneys get positioned with it. For years, Legal Authority used to be a fairly significant company. We probably had 30 or 40 people working at it. I would see people coming out of law schools every year, and a lot of them were not the greatest attorneys. But they were as successful as the top law students because they were doing these targeted mailings. A lot of times, these law students were getting multiple jobs when people from even Ivy League law schools weren't getting as many jobs. They might not have been getting jobs paying too much. But they were doing very well.

So I would recommend targeted mailing. You can build the list on your own. But the most important point for law students and recent graduates to remember is when you're using an online job site, everybody is using that online job site. Now, you may be finding jobs on a site like LawCrossing or if you're using small publications and association sites that are in a lot of places that aren't getting a lot of applicants. Just remember that other people are applying to the same jobs. But if you're applying to places that don't necessarily have ads go out and they may have a need. It’s so much more effective because you're literally covering much more of the job market. You’re one of very few applicants. And it's so much better.

A lot of times, Career Services is great. But at the same time, Career Services offices have only a limited number of contacts in each city. Keep in mind that in a city like Los Angeles, there are thousands and thousands of law firms and tens of thousands of companies and hundreds of different little government offices, and so forth. They simply do not have contacts with all those. The only way you can possibly have contacts is if you build a list of all those people. 

You really need to build a list. I will educate you on how to build a list in a future post because it's so vital. But it works, and I cannot stress it enough. Remember, with job sites, you're only covering a tiny percentage of the market. When you use Career Services offices, you're again covering only a tiny percentage of the market. The common methods of applying to jobs are applying to all the firms listed in the NALC guide, downloading lists that those firms received. Most times, they receive thousands of applications. You really need to go where other people aren't applying for jobs. That’s the approach that will work wonders for you.

I wish there was some way I could emphasize the importance of building a list even more because it's so incredible as to how many jobs you can get that way. But it really does work.

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.