- What is the firm's general character? Its stability and reputation? Work environment?
- You might learn the answers to these questions by asking several different lawyers why they came to work there.
- What attracted them to this particular practice?
- Is any department responsible for the lion's share of the firm's business? (i.e., Does the litigation department exist primarily to service clients of corporate partners or vice versa?)
- Has the number of the firm's partners and associates grown significantly in the past 15 years?
- How many new associates have been hired annually over the past several years?
- What is the rate of associate turnover?
- Is the firm's success tied to many clients or a few?
- How has the firm been affected by the recent economic and political climate?
- What are the prospects for the firm's future?
- In recent years, has it acquired important new clients?
- Is a merger imminent?
- Is it expanding its practice soon?
- How independent are the branch offices?
- If you are interested, can you spend part of the summer in a branch office?
- What has the attrition rate been in recent years?
- What kinds of practice are the "alums" of your firm engaged in?
- Where do people go when they leave here?
- What matters are you (the interviewer) involved in now?
- What kinds of work have you done since you started working for the employer?
- Describe a "typical" day at work.
- If you could change anything about the firm, what would you change?
- Does the firm have an active pro bono program?
- What kinds of pro bono work do the attorneys handle?
- How is it treated for assignment, workload, and evaluation purposes?
- What emphasis is placed on getting new business, and how does this affect compensation? What are the compensation systems for associates and partners?
- [If firm represents foreign clients or has foreign offices:] How are attorneys selected for posting to foreign offices?
- Is such posting highly competitive?
- What effect does an attorney's decision to accept or decline such a posting have on his or her career at the firm?
- Does the firm have any lawyers who work less than full-time?
- How does the firm define "part-time?"
- How does it view this prospect among lawyers who already have a track record at the firm?
- Have any part-time associates become partners?
- Are there any part-time partners?
- What is the average number of billable hours expected?
- What types of required activities are included/not included in billable hours?
- Is pro bono work included in billable hours?
- What is the firm policy governing maternity and paternity leaves?
- Describe a few typical projects done by summer associates.
- Do summer associates participate in working on pro bono issues?
- If so, what type(s) of issues did they work on last summer?
- Are offers extended by a particular department?
- Once you join a department, is there mobility?
- Does the summer program have a mentor system? Please describe.
- Does your summer program have an official start and end date?
- Are there a minimum/maximum number of weeks that a summer associate works?
- Are new associates assigned to one department or rotated through several?
- How is their work determined, assigned, and evaluated?
- When does an associate become a specialist? Who decides and how?
- What do you consider essential qualities in your new associates?
- When does an associate generally have contact with clients and take on primary responsibility for cases or matters?
- To what extent are new associates involved in training programs?
- Is there a mentoring program designed to assist associates in learning how to generate business?
- Do new associates travel?
- Does the firm require its associates to participate in Continuing Legal Education events? Which courses are required?
- If CLE is not required, is it subsidized by the firm?
- How is performance judged, and by whom?
- What are the criteria for advancement and partnership?
- How long is the partnership track?
- What factors are considered in selecting partners?
- How many partners have been selected in the last year?
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.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
