This was a very interesting candidate, although he was a candidate who was potentially difficult to place because he was not a cookie-cutter candidate. He had been a football coach at both the high school and college levels for several years prior to going to law school. After he graduated from law school, he merged his twin interests of football and the law and began to develop a sports law practice, all while working as a traditional first-year associate in a law firm on a variety of matters including commercial and other types of litigation, as well as labor and employment law. That was helpful because sports law is in many respects a "hybrid" practice area and involves both litigation as well as traditional labor and employment law, but within the context of sports figures and activities.
Even as he worked on other firm matters, he steadily built up his own book of business and roster of clients in the sports law arena. His practice involved representing college and university coaches in contract negotiations, endorsements deals, and an assortment of other matters as well as creating a training program for colleges and universities on Title IX sexual harassment compliance issues.
I initially worked with this candidate a few years prior to placing him. At the time we first worked together, he was making his first lateral move because his firm was closing an office and downsizing. He ended up securing another position on his own where he was able to continue building his sports law practice while also working on other litigation and L&E matters and building up his skills and experience in those areas.
However, he ended up needing to make another lateral move a few years later, as his second firm was reorganizing and could no longer support a sports law practice. That is when he contacted me again. I was happy to hear from him because I liked him as a person as well as a candidate and I hoped I would be able to help him this time around. I was also interested to see how things had been going for him since we last spoke and I was delighted to learn that he was still progressing with his legal career and sports law practice. He was living in North Carolina at the time, and while he was open to remaining there, he preferred to be in a larger market, like Texas, given the opportunities a market like that would have. His sports law practice was national in scope, so he wanted to be with a firm that not only had an established or growing sports law practice but that had more than one office. Another plus for Texas was that he had family there and was able to waive in and had already started that process.
In addition to being a hybrid practice area, which means incorporating aspects of other practice areas, sports law is a "niche" practice area, which means that it is a specialty practice area. Other niche practice areas are environmental law, food and beverage law, and political law. Because not all firms have sports law practices, I began the search by researching firms in various large markets that had sports law practices, or at least similar practice areas like entertainment law, and that is where we began. We applied to firms both with and without openings.
I really liked this candidate and enjoyed working with him. I admired that he had the gumption to build up his own practice and develop a book of business as a young attorney that was related to something he was passionate about and carried over from his time as a football coach. He was very personable and had many interesting hobbies and I appreciated that he had so many dimensions. I also liked that he had a track record of giving back to the community and was a committed participant in different organizations devoted to diversity in the legal profession. He had won some awards for his community involvement and that impressed me. In addition to being smart and interesting, he was reliable and likable, so a great candidate on many levels.
He ended up interviewing with, and getting an offer from, a terrific firm in Texas. It was a great fit because this firm had a growing sports law practice and a few different offices. They also had a very collegial environment and offered a generous salary. The candidate happily accepted and was soon on his way to join his new team!
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.
