The BCG Difference
At BCG Attorney Search, our approach to legal recruiting is unlike any other. While most recruiters rely on purchased lists of candidates and cold calling, we leverage a sophisticated system built on over 25 years of experience and a vast database of legal employers and opportunities. Our proprietary database, enriched with the history and hiring patterns of over 30,000 law firms, enables us to match candidates with firms that are most likely to hire them, regardless of whether those firms have current openings.
Our Unique System
Our system is designed to expose you to the entire market, increasing your chances of landing a job exponentially. We have a team of over 100 people working behind the scenes, continuously updating our database and ensuring that you have access to the latest opportunities. We don't just send your resume to a few firms and move on; we remain invested in your job search until you find the right position.
See Related Articles:
- The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You that No One Ever Will in Your Legal Career
- 8 of the Most Common Questions Attorneys Have About Legal Recruiters Answered
- How to Decide if BCG Attorney Search is the Right Choice for You
Understanding the BCG Database
One of the key components of our unique system is our extensive database. Let's delve into the various elements that make it a powerful tool for your job search.
Exclusive Jobs
One of the key advantages of working with BCG is access to exclusive jobs. These are positions that law firms have specifically entrusted us to fill. These job orders come in daily from firms across the country, covering every practice area and market. Because these positions are exclusive, you are less likely to face competition from other applicants, giving you a significant advantage.Current Openings
In addition to exclusive jobs, we also provide access to current openings that we have independently discovered. Our team of researchers scours the internet, job boards, and other sources to find every available position. Our advanced data center processes this information, ensuring that you receive the most up-to-date job listings.Matching Firms
One of the most powerful features of our system is the matching firms category. These are firms that have recently conducted interviews for attorneys in your practice area. By tracking every interview and offer, we can identify firms that are actively hiring, even if they don't have advertised openings. This information is invaluable in helping you target your applications effectively.Research Firms
We also conduct extensive research to identify firms that may not have current openings but are strong in your practice area. By leveraging lists such as Vault, US News, Chambers, and others, we can identify firms with excellent reputations and a history of hiring attorneys like you.Archive Jobs
Another unique aspect of our database is the inclusion of archive jobs. These are positions that firms have advertised in the past. By keeping track of these openings, we can identify firms that have historically needed attorneys in your practice area, increasing the likelihood that they may have similar needs in the future.Alumni Firms
Our database also includes information about alumni firms. These are firms where alumni of your law school currently work or have worked in the past. This connection can be a significant advantage in your job search, as firms are often more inclined to hire candidates with a shared educational background.The Application Process
Our application process is designed to maximize your chances of getting noticed. We don't just submit your resume; we craft a compelling narrative that highlights your strengths and makes you stand out. We also use multiple channels to ensure your application gets noticed, including faxing your materials, which often receives more attention than emails.
The Importance of Timing
Timing is crucial in the job search. Applying quickly to new openings increases your chances of being considered. Law firms often hire the first qualified candidates they interview, so being among the first to apply is essential. Our system ensures that your applications are submitted promptly, increasing your likelihood of landing an interview.
How We Handle Your Job Search
Profile Setup
When you join BCG, we begin by setting up a detailed profile for you in our system. This includes your practice areas, experience, and career goals. We meticulously categorize your practice areas to ensure that we can match you with the most relevant opportunities.Job Matching
We then use our extensive database to find matching jobs. This includes exclusive jobs, current openings, and firms that have recently conducted interviews in your practice area. Our goal is to ensure that you have access to as many relevant opportunities as possible.Research and Targeting
Our research team identifies firms that may not have current openings but have a strong history in your practice area. We also look at firms that have had similar openings in the past, increasing the chances that they may have a need for your skills again.Crafting Applications
We craft persuasive cover letters and applications tailored to each firm. Our extensive experience allows us to highlight your strengths and make a compelling case for why you would be a valuable addition to the firm.Continuous Support
We provide ongoing support throughout your job search. This includes preparing you for interviews, providing feedback on your performance, and helping you negotiate offers. Our goal is to ensure that you are fully prepared and confident at every step of the process.See Related Articles:
- What Happens When You Work with a BCG Attorney Search Legal Placement Professional?
- The Story of Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search
- BCG Attorney Search’s Quick Reference Guide to Legal Practice Areas
Detailed Success Stories
The power of our approach is best illustrated through the success stories of our candidates. Here are a few examples:
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Story 1: The Overlooked Partner
A former SEC commissioner and partner at a major law firm in Los Angeles faced a personal and professional crisis after losing his job and marriage due to a scandal. Despite his impressive background, he struggled to find a new position. Through BCG's aggressive approach, we identified a mid-sized firm that was in dire need of his expertise. Within weeks, he secured a partnership, turning his life around.
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Story 2: The Harassed Associate
A promising associate faced severe harassment from a law professor, which continued when she joined a law firm where he also worked. This led to her quitting her job after just a few months. Through BCG's extensive research and application process, she found a supportive firm that appreciated her skills and provided a safe work environment.
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Story 3: The Blacklisted Attorney
An attorney in Atlanta, blacklisted for reasons unknown, struggled to find a job for months. BCG's approach of sending applications to firms without current openings landed her multiple interviews and eventually a position at a reputable firm, restoring her career.
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Story 4: The Former Clerk
After being fired from a clerkship in a small town, a candidate aimed for a fresh start in California. Using BCG's research and connections, he landed a position at a prestigious firm that was not initially on his radar. This move significantly boosted his career prospects.
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Story 5: The International Diaper Entrepreneur
A securities partner who left his firm to start a diaper company in Russia found himself bankrupt and jobless when larger competitors entered the market. After returning to the U.S., he struggled to find a job. BCG's targeted approach led to an interview and a subsequent offer from a major firm in the U.S., salvaging his career.
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Story 6: The Personal Injury Specialist
A first-year attorney with a background in DUIs and personal injury cases landed a position at a Japanese firm. Despite the challenges of living and working in Japan, he leveraged BCG's extensive application process to secure multiple interviews and ultimately a position back in the U.S., significantly improving his career and quality of life.
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Story 7: The Partner on the Verge of Giving Up
An unemployed partner with an outstanding background faced rejection after rejection. Through BCG's efforts, he secured an interview with a top firm and received an offer, reviving his career and restoring his confidence.
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Story 8: The Long-Shot Patent Examiner
A patent examiner with no prior law firm experience used BCG's approach to secure interviews and eventually a job at a prestigious law firm, illustrating the power of applying to firms without current openings.
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Story 9: The Litigator in a Small Market
A litigator in South Carolina, struggling to find work, applied to firms identified through BCG's research and landed a job in North Carolina, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeting smaller markets.
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Story 10: The Unemployed Senior Attorney
A senior corporate attorney in Hong Kong, struggling due to age discrimination, found a position at a mid-sized firm in Indiana through BCG's targeted applications, proving that opportunities exist even in unexpected places.
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Story 11: The Small-Town Aspiring Attorney
A young attorney looking to move to a small town used BCG's research to find firms that needed her expertise. She secured multiple offers, transforming her career and life.
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Story 12: The Grieving Associate
An associate who left her job after her fiancé's suicide struggled to find work. Through BCG's aggressive application strategy, she found multiple offers in unexpected locations, giving her a fresh start.
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Story 13: The Intellectual Property Attorney
A patent examiner with years of experience but no law firm background faced difficulty transitioning to a private practice role. BCG's broad application approach identified a firm in Palo Alto in need of his specific expertise. After months of searching independently, he landed an interview and subsequently a position, illustrating the importance of applying to firms that may not have advertised openings.
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Story 14: The Burned-Out Associate
A litigator in New York City felt trapped in a high-pressure, low-reward environment. BCG's research identified firms in secondary markets where his skills were in high demand. By targeting firms without advertised openings, he secured multiple offers, ultimately choosing a firm in Atlanta that provided a better work-life balance and career satisfaction.
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Story 15: The Boutique Firm Seeker
An attorney wanted to transition from a large law firm to a boutique firm specializing in her niche practice area. Despite no current openings, BCG's persistent follow-up with targeted firms resulted in an interview and an offer from a highly regarded boutique, allowing her to achieve her career goals.
Why BCG's Approach Works
Comprehensive Market Coverage
By exposing you to the entire market, including firms without current openings, we dramatically increase your chances of finding a job. Many firms hire opportunistically, meaning they may not advertise openings but will hire the right candidate if they come along. Our approach ensures that you are seen by these firms.Detailed Tracking
We track every interview and offer, allowing us to identify firms that are actively hiring. This data-driven approach gives us a unique advantage in matching you with firms that are likely to hire you.Persistent Follow-Up
We don't just send your application and wait. We follow up with firms to ensure that your application is noticed and considered. This persistence often makes the difference in getting your resume to the top of the pile.Expert Guidance
Our team of experienced recruiters provides expert guidance throughout your job search. From crafting your applications to preparing you for interviews, we are with you every step of the way.Embrace the BCG Approach
The key to success with BCG Attorney Search is to embrace our approach fully. Approve as many firms as possible and be open to applying to firms without current openings. This strategy has proven to be highly effective, with over 85% of our placements being at firms that did not have advertised openings.
The Role of Flexibility
Flexibility is crucial in the job search. Being open to different practice areas, firm sizes, and locations can significantly increase your chances of finding the right position. Our database includes firms of all sizes and in all locations, giving you a broad range of options to consider.The Importance of Persistence
The job search can be a long and challenging process. Persistence is key. By continually applying to new firms and following up on applications, you increase your chances of success. Our team is here to support you through this process, providing encouragement and guidance every step of the way.Leveraging Our Network
BCG's extensive network of law firms and legal professionals is a valuable resource in your job search. We have built strong relationships with firms across the country, allowing us to leverage these connections to your advantage. By tapping into our network, you gain access to opportunities that may not be available through other channels.The Value of Preparation
Preparation is critical in the job search process. From crafting your resume and cover letters to preparing for interviews, every step requires careful attention to detail. Our team provides expert guidance to ensure that you are fully prepared and confident at every stage of the process.Conclusion
At BCG Attorney Search, we are dedicated to transforming the careers of legal professionals. Our innovative approach, extensive resources, and unwavering commitment to our candidates set us apart in the industry. By leveraging our unique system, you can unlock a world of opportunities and take your legal career to new heights. Trust in our process, and let us help you achieve your professional goals. We are here to support you and look forward to helping you find the perfect position.
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.