How to Stand Out in Your Law Firm Job Search: Best Practices for Securing a Position

 

1. Focus on Asking the Right Questions in Interviews

When it comes to law firm interviews, the questions you ask are just as important as the answers you provide. Asking thoughtful, strategic questions demonstrates your eagerness to contribute and your understanding of what it takes to succeed in a law firm environment.
 

What to Ask:

• Instead of asking general questions like "What’s a typical day like?", focus on questions that reflect your commitment to excellence and growth, such as:
  • "What would it take for me to be your top-performing associate in the first 90 days?"
  • "How can I contribute to the firm’s success in both the short and long term?"
• These questions show that you are not just looking for any job, but you’re serious about making an impact from day one.

 

Why It Matters:

• Law firms want to hire associates who are proactive and willing to go the extra mile. By asking performance-focused questions, you set yourself apart from other candidates who may take a more passive approach.

See Also: Off-the-Record Interview Tips from Law Firm Interviewers
 

2. Tailor Your Resume for Every Application

Generic resumes are a thing of the past. Today, every law firm expects candidates to tailor their resumes to the specific job they are applying for. This means more than just highlighting relevant experience—it’s about framing your skills and achievements to align with the firm’s needs.
 

How to Tailor Your Resume:

• Highlight Relevant Experience: If you’re applying to a litigation-focused firm, emphasize your litigation skills, such as trial experience, deposition management, or case strategy.
• Use Keywords: Review the job description carefully and incorporate relevant keywords into your resume. For example, if the firm is seeking someone with “complex commercial litigation experience,” make sure this phrase appears in your resume.
• Showcase Results: Firms want to see outcomes, not just tasks. If you have successfully handled cases or contributed to significant settlements, include those details. For example: "Secured a $2 million settlement in a breach of contract case for a Fortune 500 client."

 

Why It Matters:

• Law firms receive hundreds of resumes for each position, so tailoring yours ensures that it stands out. Demonstrating that you understand the firm’s specific needs will make a stronger impression on the hiring committee.

See Also: Harrison Barnes’s 29 Rules to Make Your Resume More Marketable

 

3. Be Proactive with Law Firm Communication

Once you’ve applied for a position, it’s important to stay engaged with the firm, especially if you have already secured an interview. Following up with the firm not only shows your interest but also keeps you top of mind as they evaluate candidates.
 

How to Follow Up:

• After an Interview: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview, thanking the interviewers for their time and reiterating your enthusiasm for the position. Mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you, whether it was a discussion about the firm’s culture or a case they mentioned.
• Before the Hiring Decision: If you haven’t heard back within the timeline they provided, send a polite follow-up email. Keep it simple, such as: "I wanted to check in and see if there are any updates regarding my application. I remain very interested in the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you."

 

Why It Matters:

• A well-timed follow-up demonstrates professionalism and genuine interest. Law firms appreciate candidates who are eager and proactive but not overly aggressive in their communications.

 

4. Understand the Importance of Market Timing and Location

The legal job market fluctuates based on location and practice area. Some regions or practice areas may be saturated with candidates, making it harder to stand out, while others may be experiencing a shortage of qualified lawyers.
 

Tips for Navigating the Market:

• Be Open to Relocation: Some of the best opportunities may be outside of major legal markets like New York or Los Angeles. Smaller markets such as Las Vegas, Indianapolis, or even Nebraska may have less competition and more job openings, making it easier to secure a position.
• Practice Area Flexibility: Certain practice areas, like corporate law or mergers and acquisitions, may slow down during economic downturns. However, areas like litigation, trusts & estates, insurance coverage, or family law tend to remain stable or even increase in demand during recessions. If you’re open to working in these areas, you’ll have more opportunities.

 

Why It Matters:

• In major cities, the sheer volume of qualified candidates can make it difficult to secure a position. By expanding your search to smaller markets or more niche practice areas, you can increase your chances of success significantly.

 

5. Approach Interviews as Learning Opportunities

If you’re not immediately sold on a particular firm or position, approach the interview as an opportunity to practice and refine your interviewing skills. Sometimes, the firm you least expect may turn out to be the best fit.
 

How to Shift Your Mindset:

• View interviews as practice for bigger opportunities down the road. The more interviews you participate in, the better you become at navigating tricky questions, articulating your value, and understanding what firms are looking for.
• Don’t dismiss an opportunity too early in the process. Even if a firm or location isn’t exactly what you were initially aiming for, the interview experience can open new doors. For example, a candidate who originally only considered roles in New York ended up accepting an offer in Las Vegas after realizing the firm’s culture and work-life balance were exactly what they were looking for.

 

Why It Matters:

• Treating interviews as valuable learning experiences will help you build confidence and improve your performance over time. You may even discover a great opportunity that wasn’t on your radar.

See Also: Top 23 Law Firm Interview Tips for Attorneys and Law Students: How to Excel in Law Firm Interviews

 

6. Be Realistic About the Role of Recruiters

Legal recruiters can be extremely helpful in guiding you through the job search process, but it’s important to manage your expectations about what they can do. Recruiters often work on behalf of law firms to fill specific openings, so if you don’t meet the criteria for those roles, they may not prioritize your application.
 

How to Work with a Recruiter:

• Be Honest About Your Goals: Clearly communicate your expectations, such as practice area preferences, desired locations, and long-term career objectives. This will help the recruiter match you with the right opportunities.
• Understand Their Priorities: Recruiters are most likely to work with candidates who meet the immediate needs of their client firms. If you don’t fit those roles, it may be beneficial to expand your search independently.

 

Why It Matters:

• While recruiters can provide valuable insights and help you land interviews, ultimately, you need to be proactive in your own job search. Leverage their knowledge, but don’t rely solely on them for all of your opportunities.

See Also: A Comprehensive Guide to Working with a Legal Recruiter

 

7. Stay Open to Opportunities in Niche Markets

Some of the most promising legal careers are found in niche markets or practice areas that may not initially seem appealing. However, these areas often have fewer candidates and higher demand, making it easier to stand out.
 

Examples of Niche Markets:

• Insurance Coverage: This practice area consistently has a high demand for qualified lawyers, and firms often struggle to find enough attorneys with relevant experience.
• Trusts & Estates: While not as glamorous as corporate law or intellectual property, trusts and estates can be a stable and lucrative practice area, especially in smaller markets.
• Patent Litigation or Prosecution: If you have a background in science or engineering, consider leveraging those skills in patent prosecution or litigation. Law firms are always in need of attorneys with technical expertise.

See Also: Develop a Niche

 

Why It Matters:

• If you are open to exploring niche practice areas, you may find yourself in higher demand and with more career stability than if you focus solely on oversaturated markets.

 

Conclusion: Becoming a Standout Candidate

Securing a position in a law firm requires a thoughtful approach, from tailoring your resume to strategically handling interviews and following up with firms. By asking the right questions, staying proactive in your communication, and being open to opportunities outside of traditional paths, you can increase your chances of landing a position that fits your skills and career goals.

Remember, the key to standing out is showing law firms that you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking to make a lasting impact from day one. By following these best practices, you'll not only stand out from other candidates but also increase your chances of securing a rewarding position at a law firm.

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About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

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.