Job Search Strategies for Senior Attorneys: Navigating Career Transitions and Securing New Opportunities

In this article, I’ll walk you through effective strategies senior attorneys can use to secure new opportunities and continue advancing their careers. These strategies draw from my years of experience as a legal recruiter and the countless transitions I’ve facilitated for senior attorneys.

 

1. Evaluate the State of Your Practice Area

At a senior level, your expertise in a particular practice area is your primary selling point. However, it’s essential to be aware of market demand for your specialization. Some practice areas may be more volatile than others, while certain niches may experience strong and consistent demand.

For instance, transactional practices such as corporate law and M&A tend to boom during periods of economic growth, but these areas may shrink during downturns. Conversely, bankruptcy and litigation practices often remain stable or even increase during recessions, as clients seek legal help to navigate financial difficulties.

In a recent conversation I had with an environmental attorney, the Inflation Reduction Act significantly influenced the demand for his services in clean energy project financing, as more companies sought to take advantage of tax incentives for renewable energy projects​. If your current firm isn’t supporting this growth or isn’t aligned with your specialized practice, it may be time to seek out firms that are better positioned to leverage your skills and knowledge.

Strategy: Regularly assess the demand in your practice area by staying informed about industry trends and legal market shifts. A good way to evaluate this is by speaking with peers, reading industry publications, and monitoring job postings in your field. This awareness will help guide your search toward firms that are actively growing in your area of expertise.
 

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See Related Articles:

• The “Senior Attorney Trap”
• How Any Senior Attorney with No Business Can Get a Job in a Law Firm
• Senior Associates - How to Make Oneself More Marketable to Law Firms

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2. Consider Geographic Mobility

Geography plays a crucial role in determining the opportunities available to you. Some markets may be saturated with attorneys in your practice area, making it harder to find suitable roles, while other regions might be experiencing a shortage of experienced legal professionals.

For example, major legal markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago often have a greater concentration of large firms handling high-profile matters, but they also come with high levels of competition. On the other hand, secondary markets like Denver, Charlotte, or Austin offer more balance between work opportunities and lifestyle. These markets might not have the same compensation as major markets, but they can provide increased stability and lower living costs, while still offering sophisticated legal work.

During a discussion with a senior attorney in Atlanta, we explored how his specialization in environmental law limited his options within the city. Despite his strong credentials, many firms in his region didn’t have openings that matched his skills, prompting us to consider broader markets​. Expanding your geographic range can open doors to firms actively seeking experienced attorneys in your practice area.

Strategy: If your current location isn’t yielding opportunities, consider expanding your job search to other geographic regions. Be open to exploring remote work or hybrid arrangements if relocation isn’t an option. Many firms are becoming more flexible about remote work, which can provide a balance between accessing better job markets and maintaining your current location.

 

3. Leverage Your Network for Job Search Success

By the time you’ve reached a senior level in your legal career, your professional network should be well-established. Senior attorneys often have direct access to partners, clients, and industry leaders who can provide valuable referrals and job leads. Your existing network can be one of your most powerful tools in landing your next position, especially since senior roles are rarely filled through job boards and public listings.

However, one of the challenges senior attorneys face is knowing how and when to approach their network. Many senior attorneys are hesitant to broadcast their job search for fear of jeopardizing their current position or appearing overly aggressive.

In a conversation with an attorney from a top-tier firm, we discussed his hesitation to reach out to contacts at other firms where he knew attorneys personally. He was concerned about breaching etiquette or damaging his relationships. My advice was to strategically reach out to contacts who could provide insight into whether the firm had a need for someone with his background. Often, making a personal connection before officially applying through traditional channels can give you an edge, as it allows you to gather intelligence about firm culture, demand, and potential openings.

Strategy: Use your network strategically. Don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted contacts within your industry to gauge potential opportunities. Your goal should be to approach people who can give you insights into the firm’s hiring needs before formally applying. Remember, senior attorneys are often hired through personal referrals rather than job boards.

 

For senior attorneys, the ability to bring in business is one of the most critical factors that will determine your marketability to law firms. Firms expect senior attorneys to have a solid book of business that not only supports their own practice but also contributes to the firm’s overall revenue. If you’re lacking in this area, it can significantly hinder your ability to make a successful lateral move.

However, even if your business generation efforts are modest, you can still leverage your relationships with existing clients or use your market knowledge to position yourself as a rainmaker. For example, many senior attorneys find success by focusing on niche markets or industries where their experience allows them to stand out. Firms value attorneys who can differentiate themselves by bringing in work that complements the firm’s existing practice areas.

In one instance, a senior attorney specializing in environmental law was navigating the challenge of increasing business generation while not being on the partnership track at his current firm​. I advised him to focus on bringing in clients who needed help navigating recent legislative changes, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which opened doors for companies seeking renewable energy project financing. This approach allowed him to demonstrate his ability to generate business and increase his marketability.

Strategy: If your business development skills are lacking, focus on creating a niche where you can develop a strong book of business. This could involve targeting specific industries that are underserved or growing rapidly. If you already have a modest book of business, emphasize the growth potential and your plans for expanding it when approaching firms.

 

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See Related Articles:

• Experience is Not Enough – Senior Attorneys and Jobs in Law Firms
• Senior Associate With Small Book of Business Seeks Work – Suggestions?
• Strategies for Senior Associates with Portable Business Making a Lateral Move to a New Firm

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5. Target Firms That Need Your Specific Expertise

Many senior attorneys make the mistake of applying only to firms that have publicly posted job openings. However, a significant number of senior-level opportunities are never advertised, as firms often hire opportunistically when they find an attorney with a specific skill set that complements their existing practice areas.

I often advise senior attorneys to approach firms even if they don’t have immediate openings. By applying to firms with strong practice areas that align with your expertise, you may uncover opportunities that are not yet posted but where the firm is looking to grow.

For example, when working with a senior attorney specializing in land use and project finance, I recommended targeting firms with strong environmental and energy practices, even if they didn’t have advertised openings​. Many firms are willing to hire senior attorneys when they bring a specific type of experience that is currently in demand or if they can contribute to an underdeveloped practice area.

Strategy: Don’t limit yourself to applying only to posted openings. Instead, target firms with a history of handling cases in your practice area, even if they’re not actively advertising. Senior attorneys often find success by reaching out directly to partners who may need additional support but haven’t initiated a formal search yet.

 

If the law firm landscape seems too limiting, senior attorneys may also want to explore in-house counsel or government roles. These positions often offer more stability, less business development pressure, and a better work-life balance than law firm roles. Senior attorneys with a strong background in corporate law, intellectual property, or regulatory compliance are particularly attractive to corporations looking to fill general counsel or specialized in-house positions.

Many senior attorneys I’ve worked with have transitioned successfully to in-house positions, especially after building deep expertise in a specific industry. While the compensation may be lower than law firm partner salaries, the trade-off in terms of work-life balance and job security can be worth it for attorneys seeking stability.

Similarly, government positions may offer more stability and the opportunity to work on policy or regulatory matters that align with your expertise. I often see attorneys transition into government roles after many years in private practice, particularly in areas like environmental law or corporate governance.

Strategy: If law firm opportunities seem scarce, don’t overlook in-house or government positions. These roles can offer more stability and still allow you to leverage your legal expertise. If you’ve built strong relationships within an industry or worked with government agencies in the past, those connections could help ease your transition into these types of roles.

 

Conclusion: Take a Long-Term, Strategic Approach

As a senior attorney, your job search requires careful planning, targeted strategies, and leveraging the relationships and expertise you’ve built over the course of your career. By focusing on market demand, expanding your geographic range, leveraging your network, and targeting firms or roles that align with your skills, you can successfully navigate the complexities of a senior-level job search.

Remember that the legal market for senior attorneys can be unpredictable, but with the right approach, you can position yourself to land a role that aligns with your career goals and expertise. Whether you’re targeting a lateral move, an in-house role
 

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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.