[TRANSCRIPT] How to Get a Job with a Major Law Firm if You Did Not Go to a Top Law School or Are Not Working at a Top Law Firm

Welcome, everyone, to this webinar. This is one of the most important webinars you could ever attend because I know that everyone here wants to either work in a large law firm or stay employed in a top firm. Today, I'm going to show you how anyone, from any legal background, can position themselves to succeed in a large law firm. I'll also share career and life advice that could change the direction of both.

 
At the outset, I want to commend you for being here. 99.5% of attorneys never take the time to educate themselves on this kind of information. I have a lot of information to share today that can truly impact your career. I encourage you to take notes and refer back to them as you move forward in your career.
 
I've been doing this for over 25 years and have helped many people, even those from non-ABA law schools, land jobs at major U.S. law firms. So, it's possible. But so few take the time to educate themselves on what it really takes to succeed in a large firm and advance in the legal profession. You're already ahead of 99.5% of attorneys by being here, and I want you to know you're making a smart choice.
 
I often hear success stories from people who attended these webinars and changed the course of their careers, even their lives. I receive these kinds of emails regularly, at least one a week. Understanding this kind of information will make you a stronger attorney and help you change the direction of your career and life.
 
This webinar is live, and when the presentation is finished, I’ll take your questions. All questions will be anonymous, so don’t worry—no one will know who you are. I encourage you to ask questions as the webinar progresses, and I’ll answer them at the end.
 

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Let’s get started.
 
Today, you’ll learn proven strategies to overcome barriers for those who believe they can’t get into a large law firm, whether they didn’t go to a top school or aren’t currently at a major firm. We’ll cover networking, developing expertise, and how to structure your job search to break into a large law firm.
 
At the outset, I want to make a few observations. Most people follow a certain path after law school, working at a job and hoping something good will happen, but it never does because they don’t have clear goals. You need a goal like working at a major law firm and then take baby steps toward it. Write it down, keep referring back to it, and run your career in a way that points you toward that goal.
 
Don’t get stuck in the same routine like 99.5% of attorneys do, thinking what you have today is all you’ll ever have. If your only goal is to work hard and hope for good things to happen, that’s not a real goal. Without big goals, you’re just stuck. Most people believe that their law school or current job defines their entire career, but that’s not true. You can’t come to limiting beliefs about yourself.
 
For example, people believe they’re stuck in a small firm or solo practice forever, or that they can only make a certain salary. But these are false limitations. Your legal career is long—if you graduate law school at 25, you can practice well into your 80s. That’s 60 or 70 years to continually improve and move up. Even at 50, you may have another 30-40 years. Why limit yourself?
 
I’ve placed partners in their 80s at law firms. If someone can run for President in their late 70s, think about how long you have to build your career. Your current situation doesn’t determine your future. It has nothing to do with where you’ll be in 5, 10, or even 50 years.
 
The most important thing I can say is this: none of this will happen unless you have major goals. You must break down what you want. If your goal is to work in a major law firm, you can achieve it.
 
I've seen so many attorneys in my career. I had one associate, a woman, who worked at a big firm. She told me, "I want to be a partner, but they’ll never make me one here. I don’t have any business." That was her goal, though, and within six months, she networked, did all the right things, and landed a job as a partner in a major law firm. She went from making around $400,000 a year to $1.2 million almost overnight because she set a goal and worked relentlessly toward it.
 
If you haven’t already, I recommend reading Think and Grow Rich. It explains exactly what you need to do to achieve your goals. Read it once, read it twice, read it as many times as you need to. That book will change your life. It emphasizes persistence, goal-setting, and surrounding yourself with people who are also striving for success. Millions of people, especially entrepreneurs, have had their lives changed by the lessons in that book. I've heard of people who read it once a year and saw success, and others who read it multiple times a year and achieved even greater success.
 
Another book that might fire you up is Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins. It’s essential to realize that where you are today is not where you’ll be tomorrow if you have goals, persistence, and a clear direction.
 
Now, let's address something you're probably aware of: attorneys from the best law schools and top law firms tend to do better than others. It's true, and we all know it. But why?
 
For attorneys who didn’t attend the best law schools, and this may apply to you—so what? Here’s what generally happens if you didn’t go to one of the top schools: you’re less likely to become a prominent judge or academic. That doesn't mean you can’t teach at a third or fourth-tier law school or that you can’t hold an important position like mayor. It just means you're less likely to follow those paths. For example, Kamala Harris went to UC Hastings, which was ranked somewhere between 50 and 100. She failed the bar, but who cares? She’s now in the line of succession for the presidency. The path might be harder, but it’s not impossible.
 
If you didn’t go to a top law school, you're less likely to work in a large law firm. If you were at the top of your class, maybe you’d get a shot, but for most, it's not the case. You’re also less likely to make a lot of money, though there are exceptions. Some people from lower-ranked schools go into areas like personal injury law, become excellent at it, and make millions. It’s not common, but it happens.
 
If you didn’t attend a top law school or work at a top firm, you’re more likely to end up at a smaller firm or in-house at a smaller company. You're also more likely to have a less prominent government job. These are averages, but they’re often true, and I’ll explain why.
 
When you attend a lower-ranked law school, you’re surrounded by people who, from the outset, accept that they’re less likely to be as successful as those from better schools. You quickly learn that your peers don’t have the same level of ambition or goals as those at top schools. At a top school, everyone around you is striving to work at major law firms, and they support and push each other toward that goal. The environment is goal-oriented.
 
The real benefit of attending a top law school isn’t the professors or the curriculum—it’s the people you’re surrounded by. When you're around people with major goals, you're more likely to adopt that mindset. On the other hand, if you didn’t attend a top school, the doors that open for you are often to positions with less pay, less important work, and lower standards. You might accept these limitations early in your career, believing you’re less likely to succeed compared to those from better schools. You may also be surrounded by people who don’t push themselves as hard or hold themselves to high standards.
 
That’s the reality many attorneys face, but it's not an insurmountable barrier if you set big goals and persist.
 
So what does that mean? Let me give you a couple of examples.
 
I have two daughters. One goes to a very prestigious private school. She’s surrounded by people doing everything they can to get into the best colleges. They’re all competitive, sharing information, and constantly talking about colleges. My daughter is a senior, and they’re working as hard as they can, taking AP courses, preparing for tests, and pushing themselves. My other daughter goes to Malibu High, a public school, where many students are more focused on things like fashion or becoming models. It’s just a different mindset. If you're interested in becoming a model or going into fashion, your priorities will be different, and that's okay. But it shows how the people around you shape your thinking and expectations.
 
If you're in an environment where everyone is taking 4 or 5 AP courses and pushing themselves academically, that’s a different atmosphere than a school where students aren’t as focused on those goals. My daughter at Malibu High is in advanced algebra, but the expectations are still different. You’ll be surrounded by people with limited thoughts if they don’t push themselves. When you're surrounded by winners—people who went to top law schools and figured out how to excel—your mindset shifts.
 

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​In my own experience, no one in my family was an attorney. I had no idea what being a lawyer was like. I went to the University of Chicago, and in my fraternity, I was surrounded by highly competitive people. They talked about the grades needed to succeed, the money attorneys make, and law school. Suddenly, I had goals. I became competitive with my friends, wanting to go to the best law schools, all because of the people I was surrounded by. Without that environment, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
 
Getting into law school was strange for me. I took the LSAT late, in March, and by the time the results came out, most law schools were full. Somehow, I still got into a top 10 law school, even though my original plan was to be a contractor, doing asphalt work on driveways and parking lots. The people around me completely shifted my career path.
 
Let me talk about something related—groups for entrepreneurs. In business, I’m familiar with entrepreneurial groups like Vistage and the Young Professionals Organization (YPO). These groups set a high standard. People pay thousands of dollars a month to belong to them. Some, like Vistage, accept businesses making over $1 million a year, while YPO can be much more competitive. Some chapters require your business to make over $100 million a year, while others might accept businesses making $15 million. Being part of these groups sets expectations for your career and life.
 
I knew a guy running a business in California who wanted to join YPO but kept getting rejected because his business wasn’t large enough. So, he joined a YPO chapter in the Middle East. Every month, he flew from Los Angeles to Saudi Arabia to attend meetings with successful business people. He did it to associate with high-achieving individuals. As a result, his business grew tenfold, and he went from working in a small office to owning a large factory with hundreds of employees.
 
Tony Robbins tells a story about meeting a famous producer in Los Angeles early in his career. This producer invited him to join a group of eight successful people who traveled the world together, but it cost $250,000 a year. Robbins thought it was crazy to spend that much, but the producer explained that surrounding himself with these people could lead to opportunities worth millions. Robbins scraped together the money, joined the group, and went from giving small talks in Los Angeles to building a global self-improvement empire.
 
The people you associate with have a profound impact on your life. If you're around people who have low expectations for themselves, you’re not going to thrive. But if you surround yourself with people aiming high, you'll rise to their level. Even in a law firm, you should be seeking out the most successful partners to learn from and associate with, rather than settling for mediocrity. Surrounding yourself with people who demand more for themselves is crucial to your success.
 
I was at a conference not too long ago, and I sat next to a guy who really stood out. He mentioned that his ability to start a successful business had nothing to do with anything special, just making lots of small decisions with a clear goal in mind, and continually moving forward. There’s a famous analogy: when a plane takes off, it doesn’t just go straight to its destination. It makes thousands of course corrections along the way. I used to fly a plane before GPS was common, and you had to constantly make adjustments, flying towards beacons. You’d hear a faint beep, and as you got closer, it would get louder, helping you know where you were. That’s exactly how your career should be—you set a goal and make small decisions along the way to get there.
 
One important point is to spend time with people who share your mindset and approach to challenges. In every law firm I worked at, there were always negative people. They’d stop by my office, close the door, and share their complaints. Those are not the people you want to associate with. You want to surround yourself with people who are going to win. You know who they are, and you don’t want to be the person who gravitates toward negativity. Being positive, supporting the firm, and giving it your all will lead to positive recommendations and a strong reputation.
 
Surrounding yourself with successful, competitive people will motivate you to compete with them and succeed. What you're doing right now—attending this webinar—is a great step. The more webinars like this you attend, the more you stack that knowledge and improve. I’ve noticed that every time I surround myself with successful people, they are universally competitive.
 
I had a funny experience about 20 years ago when I applied to Stanford Business School on a whim. I got in, which was surprising since I didn’t have the typical background. I went to an event for incoming students, and the graduating students were there too. I went up to a few people and asked what they were doing after graduation. Many were starting businesses, but none of them would tell me what their businesses were. They were being competitive and vague, which is how very competitive people often are—they guard information.
 
It can be stressful to be around successful people because they’re constantly comparing and competing. When I worked at a big law firm, partners would compete over who had the best beach house in Newport or Malibu and the biggest cases. When I lived in Malibu, on a street with about 15 houses, everyone was competitive too. There were some billionaires, and everyone was constantly name-dropping and comparing their homes, their travels, their lives. That competitiveness can create negativity.
 
At the best law schools, you’re surrounded by people with high goals. Not everyone has them, but the majority do. Being around high achievers pushes you to rise to their level. The better the people you surround yourself with, the better off you’ll be. You’ll rise or fall depending on the quality of the people you associate with. It’s the same with learning—you should always be attending webinars like this, reading books, watching videos, and doing things that help you improve.
 
I spend an hour a day exercising, and during that time, I don’t just watch Netflix. I listen to inspirational YouTube videos or business content to learn new things. You should constantly be looking for ways to surround yourself with people and content that push you to improve. This is the biggest reason people fail—they don’t surround themselves with others who have high expectations.
 
If you’re in a law firm, you should be learning from partners, figuring out what they did to get where they are. People who go to the best law schools often start in the best firms, but they’re also more likely to leave the practice of law. I see it all the time—people from the top firms like Cravath or Sullivan & Cromwell leave because the competition is too intense. They can’t keep up with the demands, the hours, or the expectations. They start to feel like they’re not good enough, and the competitiveness wears them down.
 
Sometimes, you can be in a group that’s so competitive, it’s hard to handle. This happens a lot in New York, which is the most competitive legal market. But surrounding yourself with successful people can be overwhelming if the pressure becomes too much. On the other hand, in places like Texas or Utah, people are more focused on family and maintaining their relationships, and there’s less pressure to constantly compete.
 
The quality of the people you associate with will determine how successful you are. If you went to a public high school where people were more focused on socializing, you probably saw a different set of goals. Even your parents can set your expectations—my father went to Harvard, and from the time I was five, I heard about how to get into Harvard. I didn’t get in, but I ended up at the University of Chicago, which is still a great school. My father’s expectations pushed me to aim high, and that’s what happens in high-achieving families.
 
Not attending a top law school can limit your thinking about what’s possible, but surrounding yourself with people who push you can still lead to success. I know someone who went to Cravath, surrounded himself with top people, and now runs a huge fund worth hundreds of millions of dollars. That wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t been around people who thought big.
 
Large law firms will have different types of clients. You’ll work for bigger clients, and the firm will teach you how to handle various types of work. Let me explain the benefits of moving up to a large law firm and continuing that trajectory throughout your career.
 
If you're at a large firm, you're working for clients who can afford to spend significant amounts on legal services. This allows you to go into great depth on problems and produce high-quality work. You’ll learn the difference between average and excellent work. In contrast, at a smaller firm, clients may not have as much money, so attorneys often cut corners, resulting in lower-quality work.
 
At smaller firms, you’ll be surrounded by attorneys who might struggle to get paid. I know someone whose father, a solo practitioner, went to a good law school but struggled to collect even 60% of what he billed to clients. That wouldn’t be acceptable at a larger firm. Larger firms give you a strong brand, the ability to cultivate larger clients, public companies, and more prestigious work. In smaller firms, you may be limited to lower-level clients, like individual divorces or personal injury cases.
 
At a smaller firm, your goal should be to get larger clients. For example, in divorce law, you can aim for clients who spend millions on a case. No matter your practice area, you should always strive to attract the biggest clients possible.
 
Now, let’s talk about what really matters in advancing your career. First, motivation and drive are key. If you’re motivated to improve, it will make all the difference. If you maintain your enthusiasm and don’t give up—which most attorneys do—you’ll continue to grow. Most attorneys settle for what they have, but if you stay motivated and surround yourself with people who have big goals, you’ll move forward.
 
You also need to understand how your practice area can limit your ability to work in a large firm. But the most crucial element is the business you develop. If you generate large clients who pay substantial fees, you can get into a large law firm. It’s that simple.
 
If you look at large law firms, you’ll see partners who didn’t go to the best schools or don’t have the most impressive resumes. But they’ve developed business, and that’s all that matters. Large firms want the business, not just the resume. Out of the 200 largest law firms in the country, if you have enough business, at least 150 of them will hire you.
 
Reputation also plays a role, as does your willingness to keep looking for better opportunities. Presumably, you're attending this webinar to learn how to get a better job. If you start at a small firm and continually move to bigger firms with larger clients, you’ll get better results. Keep moving up.
 
I know someone who read all my articles, printed them out, underlined them, and studied them. He went to a great law school, worked at an average firm during his first summer, didn’t get an offer, passed the bar, and then got fired from his first job at a small law firm. He decided to turn his life around, followed my advice, and now, 10 years later, he’s at one of the top 10 firms in his practice area in the U.S.
 
None of this stuff matters—where you are now, where you went to school. What matters is your ability to keep improving and learning, as you are today. This information can change your life. I’m serious. Write this down—it will change your career and your life.
 
Let’s talk about motivation, drive, and enthusiasm in more detail. You’re clearly motivated because you’re here, which is fantastic. Most successful people are incredibly driven. When I spend time around the most successful people, I’m constantly blown away by their motivation. Bad things happen to them—they lose jobs, clients, fail the bar, or don’t get into good schools. But they stay motivated. They view setbacks as just a blip on the radar.
 
For example, when Elon Musk started SpaceX, rockets kept exploding. But every time, he’d post on Twitter saying they were one step closer to their goal. He stayed focused, knowing he’d reach his destination. People who want to be successful, respected, and powerful are motivated, no matter the obstacles. There are many ways to cultivate that motivation, and it’s crucial to your success.
 
You need to surround yourself with people who are motivated, people who have big goals. Watch YouTube videos, spend time with successful individuals, and read books like Think and Grow Rich. These actions will fuel your motivation and teach you what you need to do to be successful. What you've learned today should already change the direction of your life.
 
If you want to be successful and powerful, you need motivation. Set a goal, and don't crawl under a rock when setbacks happen. Get up and keep fighting. Look at someone like Donald Trump, who has faced numerous lawsuits, been convicted of felonies, and endured relentless criticism. Most people would give up, but he keeps moving forward. Kamala Harris failed the bar and didn’t attend a top law school. Many would have seen that as a failure at 25, but she didn’t stop.
 
The most successful people are resilient. They bounce back, never letting setbacks hold them down. They keep fighting, and you need to do the same. Learn from your mistakes, ask yourself what you can do better, and keep improving. Successful people continue fighting because they know in their minds that they will succeed.
 
When I was young, I studied what makes people successful. I listened to self-hypnosis tapes at night to build confidence, to reinforce the belief that I would succeed. I read books, and I surrounded myself with this mindset. The person you see today didn’t just arrive here by chance. I’ve been continually working on myself, and even today, I still use self-hypnosis tapes. When bad things happen—whether it’s in relationships, getting attacked online, or anything else—I keep going. That's what you need to do.
 
Your desire to succeed has to come from within. Don’t give up. You need to keep that drive alive. Attorneys lose cases, but the successful ones don’t stop. They learn from their losses and strive to become better litigators or transaction lawyers. This drive and enthusiasm are what make them successful.
 
It doesn’t matter where you went to law school or where you're working now. If you stay motivated, great things will happen. You need to guard your motivation and not allow setbacks to define your future. Your past does not equal your future. Most attorneys, even in large law firms, lose motivation, but the most successful ones stay focused and driven.
 
Successful people are never comfortable with where they are today; they’re always thinking about where they’ll be tomorrow. If you didn’t attend a top law school or work at a top firm, you can still stay motivated and move up. Each step will teach you something, and you’ll keep improving. Boxers don’t start by fighting world champions. They work their way up by fighting increasingly better opponents, building their confidence and skills until they’re ready for the top. The same is true for your legal career.
 
Many attorneys lose confidence early in their careers, especially those at large firms. That’s why you need to stay motivated. Write down your goals and give yourself affirmations. The more motivated you are, the more successful you’ll become. Don’t accept where you are as the final destination. Your past does not equal your future.
 
I recently switched accountants because my old accountant wasn’t motivated. The new one, in his mid-sixties, is passionate about his work. He wakes up at 4 a.m., reads about accounting, and is constantly learning and improving. His enthusiasm drives his success, and that’s the kind of motivation you need. Motivated people do well.
 
I worked with an attorney who lost his job at a big firm. He felt he wasn’t given much feedback, but one thing stood out: his firm said other associates were giving everything they had to succeed, but he was just coasting. That’s the problem with many people from top law schools—they get comfortable and coast. But success requires constant effort. You need to guard your motivation and surround yourself with people who share that same drive.
 
You need to take rejection as something that drives you to succeed. A lot of people get rejected and think, "This is horrible, something’s wrong." Attorneys often apply to a few firms, get rejected, and start doubting their entire job search. They think, "What’s the point?" On the other hand, some attorneys apply to hundreds of firms and keep going because they’re motivated. They push forward, determined to succeed.
 
Rejection shouldn’t make you withdraw—it should fuel your drive. Think of rejection as rocket fuel, giving you the energy to try even harder and do better. It’s not something to fear, but something to use to propel you forward.
 
Many attorneys get crushed by the firms they work for. It’s common for people to join a firm and work with someone who is just awful—someone who criticizes everything, makes them feel like they’re not a good attorney, and is just unpleasant to be around. I knew a woman who was so difficult to work with that almost everyone who worked with her quit practicing law. One of the last people who worked with her had gone to Columbia Law School, was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, and had a bright future, but she was so crushed by the experience that she became a waitress at the age of 28. That’s how much someone’s spirit can be broken.
 
You need to believe that you’re unstoppable, that you’re going somewhere, and that you’ll continually improve. If you're motivated and determined to work in a large law firm, you will get there if you keep pushing and never give up. But you must believe it. If you don’t believe you’ll work in a large law firm, then you never will. You have to be certain about where you're headed.
 
Tony Robbins, in his book Unlimited Power, talks about a man who had horrible things happen to him, including an accident that left him scarred and in a wheelchair. Most people in that situation would give up, but he went on to run for Congress and live an extraordinary life. When you're motivated, anything is possible.
 
I've told you to write down big goals and look at them every day. I've encouraged you to read books that help you, especially Think and Grow Rich. I've recommended self-hypnosis and affirmations. These are tools to reinforce your drive and keep you focused on success. Anyone who carries this mindset and is dedicated to it will be successful. Most people fail because they don’t have the motivation to push forward.
 
The most successful people in the world are incredibly motivated. You cannot afford to lack motivation, and you cannot afford to surround yourself with people who lack it. Your life will be as big as you want it to be, but if you’re not motivated to make your life better, it will never change.
 
Whether you're an attorney in a small town or aspiring to work in the biggest firm in New York, it’s possible if you have the motivation to pursue it. That motivation will get you there, whether it takes five, ten, or twenty years.
 
The decisions you make will determine your success. The practice area you choose, the city you work in, and the law firms you join will all influence your career path. For example, if you take a job in a small city, that can limit your exposure to larger clients and more significant opportunities. Working in larger cities often exposes you to bigger clients and more important work, which can change the direction of your career.
 
When I started my career in Los Angeles, I didn’t know the city had many recruiters. If I had stayed in a smaller area like Detroit or Midland, Michigan, where I had been clerking, I would never have had the opportunities that led me to where I am today. Your surroundings matter, and larger cities can often provide better opportunities.
 
You need to be strategic about where you work and the decisions you make. If you read my articles, print them out, underline them, and watch my webinars, you’ll gain insights into making the right decisions for your career. I've helped thousands of attorneys get jobs, and I’ve spent years studying what works and what doesn’t.
 
I can tell you based on what I've seen work for tens of thousands of attorneys. The decisions you make will determine your career trajectory, whether forward or backward. Every decision needs to be geared towards moving towards a large law firm, not away from it. If you're at a mid-sized firm and move to a smaller firm, that’s a step back. Moving from a small firm to a bigger one is a step forward. Moving from a mid-sized firm to a larger one, or from a smaller market to a larger market, will get you closer to your goal.
 
The most important thing to understand is that if you want to work in a large law firm, you need to be in a practice area that services large clients, not individuals. Individuals don’t have a lot of money to spend, while large law firms work for companies. You need to find a practice area where you work for companies with big budgets.
 
I had a candidate recently at an insurance defense firm. He represented motorists in accidents, and the insurance companies paid for his services. He wanted to move up, so he kept his goal in mind and got an interview and job with a firm doing product liability. Product liability involves representing companies with faulty products, and these companies have larger budgets. He wasn’t at an AmLaw firm, but he positioned himself to move to one eventually.
 
If you want to work in a major law firm, you need to work for larger and larger clients. You can start small, maybe working for individuals, then transition to working for small companies. But your goal should always be to work for businesses. Some practice areas, like trusts and estates, may exist at large firms, but the majority of large firms service businesses.
 
Your compass needs to be set on larger and larger clients. Larger clients have bigger budgets, and that’s what big law firms thrive on. Large firms bill clients millions of dollars per month, and those clients pay without hesitation. In contrast, smaller clients will balk at even a $10,000 bill. You need to align yourself with clients that can afford extensive legal services.
 
I’ve seen attorneys in small firms develop niche expertise and grow their practices significantly. One woman I knew started working at a small law firm on software services agreements. She developed a reputation, wrote papers on the subject, and soon was doing hundreds of thousands of dollars in business. She eventually transitioned into a large law firm with a thriving book of business.
 
Another attorney developed expertise in data privacy while at a small firm. She went from handling small cases to generating millions of dollars in business. She initially worked in a firm paying her $200,000 a year, but after realizing how marketable she was, she moved to a large firm earning over $1 million per year.
 
Developing a niche expertise can catapult your career. It may start small, working for one client, but if you’re motivated, you can grow your expertise and attract larger clients. For example, I knew a woman who was fired from her first job as a first-year associate. She saw a need for Delaware corporate attorneys and began reaching out to law firms across the country, offering her services. She built a solid book of business, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars a year as a solo practitioner, and eventually moved to a larger firm.
 
If you're motivated, like these individuals, you can achieve great success. It's not about where you start, but how you position yourself and your willingness to pursue larger opportunities.
 
I saw another attorney do something similar, though not in a privacy-related practice area. He became interested in a niche field around his second year of practice. He started reading everything he could, building case law files, and immersing himself in it. He wrote papers, contacted firms, and let them know about his expertise. He began at a smaller law firm but used this expertise to transition into larger firms. By the time he was 12 years out, he had a $3 million book of business. This is someone who started small and worked his way up. Developing an expertise is crucial. It's a decision you make that can change your career trajectory.
 
Think of it like a business. A business in a crowded market has slim chances of success. How can a simple burger place compete with McDonald’s or In-N-Out? The smart move is to find something unique that no one else is offering, something where there’s demand but little competition.
 
This concept has changed more attorneys' lives than I can count. You make decisions that will push you toward better firms and opportunities. I knew another attorney who went to an unaccredited California law school. He managed to earn an LL.M. from a few schools, culminating in one from Harvard. He got hired at a decent mid-sized firm, but his background wasn’t respected. No one gave him work, and he felt defeated.
 
He eventually moved to a smaller firm where he met a Russian client needing corporate work. That client referred more business to him, and within five years, he was at an AmLaw 100 firm with a substantial book of business. He developed an expertise in setting up companies for Russian clients, and it led to success.
 
If you’re working in-house or for the government, your chances of transitioning into an AmLaw 100 or large law firm are slim. Large law firms generally hire from other law firms or from candidates with business. In-house or government roles often lack the pressures and culture of a law firm, and you won’t build a book of business.
 
If you want to move into a large law firm, you need to be working in one already. Even if you’re at a small firm, it's better to be in a law firm environment where you can develop and grow. Moving in-house usually leads to a career of bouncing between different in-house roles, while government work often has limited timelines. Neither allows you to build a sustainable business like law firm work does.
 
Law firms offer longevity. You can work well into your eighties or nineties if you build a business. In a law firm, you’re continually growing, both internally and in terms of your business. As you develop more business, the firm provides support, including associates and secretaries.
 
When you move between law firms, aim to move to better ones. Law firms respect attorneys who want to challenge themselves and improve. If you’re trying to move from a smaller city to a larger one, or from a smaller firm to a more challenging one, firms appreciate that ambition. Most attorneys from large firms tend to move down or out, so moving up is seen as a positive.
 
Most attorneys move to firms that are about the same as where they are currently, and they often get stuck in a rut without clear goals or motivation. When you're considering changing firms, your focus should be on moving up. Every job you take and every firm you interview with should represent an opportunity for growth.
 
When you interview, the firm will ask why you’re moving. This is the key question. Some people say things like, “I don’t like the people at my current firm” or “I need more money,” but those aren’t strong reasons, especially if they aren’t moving to better firms. Your reasons for moving need to reflect that you’re improving—whether in terms of your practice area, the clients you're working with, or the challenges you're seeking. Law firms want to hear that you’re moving for growth, not out of unhappiness.
 
If you frame your move as a step up because you want to challenge yourself more or work with larger clients, that’s what law firms want to hear. This approach can change the trajectory of your career. Most people don't get job offers after interviews because they lack a strong narrative or plan. They don’t clearly explain why they're moving, and without a compelling reason, firms lose interest.
 
Each move you make should take you to a better firm, and you need to have clear reasons for why you're making each transition. You might have reached the limits of what your current firm can offer in terms of client size or expertise. If you explain that you’re moving because you want to grow your expertise or work with bigger clients, that’s a positive story that makes a firm believe you’ll work hard when you arrive.
 
If you want to work in a larger law firm, aim to work in markets where large law firms are located. Big law firms operate in big markets. They’re not in small towns in places like Nebraska—they’re in cities where there’s a lot of legal activity. If you’re working in a smaller market, you should aim to move to a bigger one. For example, if you’re working in Toledo, moving to Cincinnati is a step toward a larger market. The larger the market, the greater your chances of getting into a big firm.
 
Law firms typically hire from their local markets, though there are exceptions. I’ve seen candidates from places like Boise, Idaho, get jobs in Los Angeles, but that’s rare. Firms love it when you’re moving back to your hometown. If you’re from Chicago but working in Quincy, Illinois, moving back to Chicago is often easier because firms appreciate candidates returning home. When you move back to your hometown, it’s often viewed as a positive move, and firms have fewer concerns about why you’re leaving your current job.
 
The longer you’re in a major market, the more likely you are to develop a reputation and get noticed by attorneys in large law firms. You’ll also have more opportunities to interact with major firm attorneys, whether in courtrooms or conference rooms, and that visibility can lead to job offers down the road. In smaller markets, these opportunities are limited.
 
If you’re just starting out, choosing a small market with no large firms is likely a bad decision. Even if the salary is higher at a smaller firm in a small market, your long-term prospects are better if you work in a larger market with bigger firms. Your objective should be to get into a market where there are big firms, allowing you to grow and eventually move to a better firm.
 
The attorneys you spend your time with matter, too. Whether you’re at a large or small firm, surround yourself with the best attorneys. Learn from those who are bringing in business, those who are succeeding, and those who have a track record of making smart career decisions.
 
You can't just sit in an office and churn out work and expect to be successful. You need to spend time with the best attorneys in your firm, learn what's making them successful, and apply that knowledge. Every successful person has spent time with people who were highly successful, learning from them and being influenced by their habits and strategies.
 
You need to seek out colleagues and mentors who are successful, motivated, and willing to share their expertise. Avoid associating with people who are distracted, unmotivated, or struggling. There are attorneys in every firm who are coasting, and some partners who aren't doing a great job. Those are not the people to align with. Instead, focus on building relationships with attorneys who are winning in their careers and committed to excellence.
 
Join bar associations and practice group sessions, and learn from the leaders in your field. You can’t expect to succeed if you're not surrounding yourself with motivated, high-achieving individuals. You should be around attorneys who have connections, deep expertise in your practice area, and a drive to succeed. These connections will influence your growth and help you develop the skills and knowledge to advance.
 
It’s important to learn from others who are continually getting better, and to seek out friends and mentors at large firms who can offer valuable insights. When I was at the University of Chicago, I networked with people who had been there before me, sought out professors, and absorbed as much information as possible. You need to do the same—work with the best attorneys possible, especially those with significant business. Don’t associate with those who are stagnant in their careers, such as long-time income partners or counsel with no path to partnership.
 
Your practice area also plays a huge role in determining whether you'll work in a large law firm. You need to focus on practice areas that service companies, not individuals. Consumer-facing practice areas, such as personal injury, family law, or consumer bankruptcy, typically involve clients with less money to spend and lower-quality work. Large law firms don't operate in these practice areas.
 
If you're in the right practice area, large law firms may hire you regardless of where you went to law school or what firm you're coming from. For example, during the corporate boom in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it didn’t matter where someone went to law school—corporate attorneys were in such high demand that many were hired by top firms even if they didn’t have stellar credentials. Similarly, patent law is another area where attorneys with the right technical background, even from smaller firms, can move into large law firms because their expertise is needed.
 
Other niche areas like food and drug law, environmental law, trademark, finance, tax, and healthcare also provide opportunities to move up. Transactional practice areas, such as corporate, real estate, and finance, often provide the best paths into large law firms. Real estate, for example, is a practice where you could start at a small firm and move to a larger firm once you've gained experience.
 
The more niche and in-demand your practice area is, the fewer competitors you'll face when you're ready to move. If you're a mid-level attorney with solid experience in an area like real estate in a city like Atlanta, there may only be a handful of people with your level of expertise. When a large law firm needs someone with your skills, you could be one of the only available candidates, which increases your chances of landing the job.
 
Your practice area will determine your ability to move into a large law firm, and choosing the right one can change the trajectory of your career.
 
The most important point for getting into a major law firm as you progress in your career is developing business. This should be something you think about every day. Ask yourself, how am I going to get business? What am I going to do? There are articles I've written on BCG about how to get business, but the key is to focus on it as you progress. Your success will ultimately depend on the amount of business you bring in.
 
I knew a woman in Chicago who started at a smaller law firm as a junior attorney. She set her sights on becoming a partner at a firm like Latham & Watkins. She kept developing business, going from $1 million to $2 million, and then to $2.5 million. Eventually, she brought in over $5 million, earning her a partnership position. This didn’t happen because she went to a top law school—it happened because she kept trying and focused on developing business.
 
At most major law firms, $1 million in business won't be enough. Even $3 million might not open many doors. You need to develop significant business as a partner. The question you should always ask yourself is, how do I develop a good book of business, and how do I get clients who are willing to pay?
 
I once attended a friend's high school graduation party at a beautiful house his father, a successful attorney, had built. His father was giving his card to everyone, even the kids, offering help with traffic tickets and other legal issues. He was always thinking about bringing in business. The game for personal injury attorneys is similar—getting work and clients is 90% of the battle, which is why they advertise on billboards and spend thousands on Google ads. Bringing in business is critical.
 
Law firms view attorneys' books of business like private equity companies view investments. They want to see growth—$700,000 one year, $1 million the next, then $1.5 million, and so on. Your firm should be looking for larger clients as you progress.
 
John Quinn of Quinn Emanuel famously cold-called companies offering to do employment defense work at a low cost. Over time, he built up a client base, started handling commercial litigation, and eventually grew the firm into a litigation powerhouse. Large law firms need attorneys who can bring in business, and if you have it, they will hire you.
 
Your goal should always be to develop a substantial book of business. Start with small clients and work your way up to larger ones. This will determine the course of your legal career.
 
Large law firms also want attorneys with good reputations. This means you need to be known in your field. Many successful attorneys give talks, write treatises, and contribute articles to their firm’s website or legal publications. They build their reputations by being active in the legal community.
 
I once found an attorney for a real estate dispute simply by reading an article he had written online about handling similar cases. That article brought him a client. You need to build your reputation through your work, treat people well, and continually put content out there. It’s about being seen and known for what you do.
 
You must also ensure you're impressing everyone you work with—your peers, clients, and even opposing counsel. Every interaction is an opportunity to develop a good reputation. Over time, large law firms will know who you are if you consistently do good work and treat people fairly.
 
Everything you do affects your reputation, and in the legal community, that reputation will rise or fall based on how well you handle your career.

The next thing is how willing you are to continue looking for better jobs. Many attorneys who end up at large law firms only get there by continually seeking better and better opportunities.
 
You should be on platforms like LawCrossing, which shows jobs that aren’t advertising on LinkedIn. You should also be on Indeed, LinkedIn, and talking to attorneys at other firms to learn where they’re applying and what opportunities exist. Always look at different cities and niche practice areas. You should always be looking for jobs unless you’re already where you want to be.
 
There’s nothing disloyal about trying to improve your career or seeking a better firm. You don’t need to move constantly, but you should be strategic and aware of the market. I like LawCrossing because it shows jobs that are often not publicized elsewhere. These are opportunities you might not find without going through multiple publications or firm websites.
 
It’s essential to keep applying to better jobs, even if you get rejected 100 times. If just one works out, that’s a win. Never stop applying for better jobs as long as it makes sense for your career. Winners never stop looking for opportunities, and this mindset is what creates miracles.
 
At BCG, we send candidates many jobs. Most people only apply to one or two and give up if they don’t get those jobs. That’s insane. You need to apply to a lot of places and not worry about rejection. Think of it this way: if you apply to 500 firms, maybe one or two will have an immediate need, and you might land a much better job. But if you sit on the sidelines, you won’t.
 
You need to make your job search a priority, just like an investor always looks for opportunities. As an attorney, you need to see where you can sell your product—your skills—and find the best market. Don’t let rejection discourage you. If you apply to 100 firms and get rejected by 98, but one firm hires you, that’s all that matters.
 
Moving to a major law firm doesn’t depend on where you went to law school or where you’re currently working. Age is not a limiting factor either. If you’re 40, you still have decades ahead in your career. You need to make the right moves, position yourself well, and stay driven. You don’t need to be a genius or have perfect skills right away. Over time, with commitment, you will get good at what you do.
 
If you’ve been able to pass the bar, you can succeed in a large law firm. A lot of what I’ve discussed is motivational, but these are practical ingredients for making it into a major law firm. I hope you follow them and let me know how your career progresses.
 
I commend everyone for spending the time today. You are in the top 1% of those who take action to learn and improve. This information is powerful and can transform your career. Take what you’ve learned, apply it, and change the direction of your life. Anyone can do it. I’ve seen countless examples of people making incredible changes by following these steps.
 
Now, I’ll take a quick break for a few minutes. After that, I’ll answer all the questions you’ve submitted. Feel free to ask more questions during the break, and I’ll make sure to get to each one.
 
Thank you again for being here and for your engagement. I'll be back shortly to go through your questions.
 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

  
Question: What can attorneys from lower-ranked law schools do to effectively differentiate themselves against candidates from top law schools for positions at major firms? I’ve applied to several law firms but haven’t received much attention on my resume. Are there specific ways to highlight my skills and experience?
 
Answer: Attorneys from lower-ranked law schools face challenges when competing against those from top law schools, especially right out of law school. The odds of getting into a major law firm immediately after graduation are slim, and it’s not necessarily a reflection of your abilities but rather the competition. Law firms often prioritize applicants from higher-ranked schools because they have limited information to differentiate candidates early in their careers.
 
To overcome this, you need to develop an expertise in a niche area. Over time, the competition in your practice area will dwindle. For example, in the first year of practice, there may be 50 attorneys with your background, but by the eighth year, that number could drop to 10, and perhaps only two or three are actively looking for a job. Time is on your side. As you gain more experience, fewer attorneys will be competing for the same positions, and law firms will value your specialized knowledge and expertise over where you went to law school.
 
Question: In situations where I’ve been rejected by several large law firms, how should I approach reapplying to these firms in the future? Should I continue gaining experience and reapply in a few years, or are there ways for me to stay on their radar in the meantime? How can I strategically plan my career to make a successful move to a major firm later on?
 
Answer: Large law firms are highly organized, with robust HR departments. When you apply to a firm, your resume is likely entered into an applicant tracking system. While reapplying can show continued interest, law firms typically hire when they have immediate needs, and they’ll look for candidates who meet their criteria at that time.
 
If you’ve been rejected, it’s usually due to the law of supply and demand. For every opening, a firm might receive 100 applications, and they’ll often prioritize candidates from top law schools or with experience at large firms. To overcome this, you should focus on developing a niche expertise and gaining experience. Over time, as your skills become more specialized and fewer people have your level of experience, you’ll be in a better position to apply again. In your fifth year, for instance, the number of qualified candidates will drop, and your expertise will make you more appealing.
 
Question: It seems the main obstacle I must overcome is that I did not participate in OCI (On-Campus Interviews) for an associateship. How do I overcome this, or am I wrong in this assumption? Open to any suggestions.
 
Answer: Answer: Not participating in OCI can feel like a missed opportunity, but it’s not the end of the road. Many attorneys didn’t go through OCI and still found success. While top law schools have more firms participating in OCI, you can still reach out directly to law firms in your area or any city where you’d like to work.
 
You can research law firms online and directly contact them to ask about summer or permanent positions, even if it’s unpaid work. The key is to get experience in a law firm environment, which will provide the training that law school doesn’t offer. Your first five years of practice are crucial for developing skills in a specific practice area, so don’t worry as much about money at this stage. Focus on gaining the experience that will stick with you for the rest of your career.
 
Question: I work full-time, 50+ hours a week, in addition to family obligations. Are there any unconventional avenues that would allow me to pursue a law degree that doesn't require an immense upfront time allocation?
 
Answer: Yes, there are options. In California, for example, you can work for an attorney for several years and then take the bar without attending a traditional law school. However, you still need to allocate time to prepare for the bar exam. There are also online law schools, but many people who attend these schools struggle to pass the bar, and you won't be around peers who can help elevate your skills. If becoming an attorney is important to you, you need to find a way to attend law school, whether it's part-time or through non-traditional means.
 
Question: What role do advanced certifications or LLM degrees play in making a candidate more competitive for a law firm position if they didn’t attend a top law school? Should I pursue additional qualifications or focus on gaining practical experience and networking in my practice area?
 
Answer: For the most part, an LLM isn’t going to significantly boost your career, except in specific practice areas. An LLM in intellectual property, for example, might not help much unless you have an engineering background. However, an LLM in tax law from a top program like NYU can be valuable and may lead to opportunities in tax law at large firms. Similarly, an LLM in healthcare or employee benefits can help you transition into those practice areas.
 
If you are an international student, getting an LLM is often more about having a U.S. law degree on your resume than about practical benefit. However, focusing on gaining practical experience and developing a strong network in your chosen practice area is often more effective than pursuing an LLM, especially if you're targeting large law firms.
 
Question: I went to Georgetown Law, JD 2023, but I didn’t participate in OCI and therefore didn’t do a summer associateship. How can I make myself competitive for big law firms now?
 
Answer: It’s essential to get some experience in a law firm, even if you didn’t go through OCI. The size of the firm doesn’t matter initially—what matters is demonstrating that you want to work in a law firm. You need to get a job in a law firm during the summer or as soon as possible after graduation, even if it’s unpaid. Apply to as many firms as possible, regardless of size or location, and offer to work for free if necessary. The goal is to gain experience that will make you competitive for larger firms later.
 
Question: What should discouraged attorneys do if they aren’t being persistent enough in their job applications?
 
Answer: The reason many attorneys get discouraged is because they aren't being persistent. You can't expect good results if you're only applying to 50 jobs. When you apply to firms that don’t have openings or use platforms like LawCrossing, you drastically increase your odds of success. You need to keep applying. It's not just about sending out a few applications and stopping—it’s about consistently putting in the effort. If you apply to 50 firms each week, that’s 2,400 applications a year. Whether you do this on your own or through a service, you need to pump out applications consistently to move the needle.
 
Question: For attorneys currently at mid-sized regional firms, when is the optimal time to transition to a major firm?
 
Answer: If you're at a mid-sized regional firm, the best time to transition to a major firm is between 3 and 6 years of experience. Your marketability increases significantly during this window because you’re experienced enough to know what you're doing but not so senior that firms need to worry about making you a partner. At 5-6 years, you're efficient and can handle most of the work without much oversight. After 7+ years, your billing rate gets higher, and firms may prefer partners to handle higher-cost work. So aim to transition around the 3-6 year mark, when your value is highest.
 
Question: What advice would you give attorneys in-house or in non-law firm roles who want to move back into a major law firm?
 
Answer: If you're in-house and want to move back to a major law firm, you're competing with attorneys already working in firms. Law firms often prefer candidates who are currently in the same environment because they understand the type of work being done there. To get back into a firm, you may need to look at smaller markets or firms where competition is less intense. Networking can also help, especially if you’re currently referring work to firms. However, it’s important to note that transitioning from in-house to a major law firm is difficult, and many in-house attorneys struggle to make that shift.
 
Question: How should attorneys from non-traditional backgrounds, such as academia or public interest law, tailor their applications to major law firms?
 
If you come from a non-traditional background like academia or public interest law, you’ve made a choice to enter a different practice setting. Law firms typically won’t hire you over candidates with law firm experience. To position yourself for a law firm job, you’ll likely need to start at a smaller firm and work your way up. It’s about showing consistency in your career choice to work in law firms. Major law firms want candidates who have consistently chosen the law firm path. If you haven’t, they’re less likely to consider you unless you’ve proven your commitment by gaining law firm experience.
 
Question: What role does the timing of job applications play when trying to break into a major law firm from a less prestigious background?
 
Answer:  There are periods during the year when applications slow down, and firms may be more open to hiring candidates from less traditional backgrounds. These periods are usually in November, closer to
 
Thanksgiving, and after that, towards Christmas. Attorneys in large firms tend to stay put during these times as they wait for their year-end bonuses, creating less competition for open positions. Applying during these periods can increase your chances, as firms may be more eager to fill roles with fewer applicants.
 
Question: How does a foreign attorney break into the U.S. job market? I'm having a hard time finding a job.
 
Answer:  The best way for a foreign attorney to enter the U.S. job market is typically by getting a J.D. An LL.M. alone isn’t enough. You're often just competing with other LL.M. candidates and haven't gone through the rigorous first-year curriculum like J.D. students. Law firms generally prefer candidates with a U.S. J.D. because they don't have to worry about sponsorship and they know those candidates have completed the full program.
 
If you can’t get a J.D., follow my advice and focus on applying to smaller firms in smaller markets. You’ll find less competition there. Don’t just apply to large firms; it’s much harder to break in that way. Apply to firms in smaller towns where fewer people are applying. This strategy can help you land a job when you're not competing with graduates from U.S. schools with J.D. degrees.
 
Question: Any advice on switching to a niche practice area? I work in Social Security disability claims but want to work in affordable housing. What is the best way to prepare?
 
Answer:  To switch practice areas, your best strategy is to apply to firms that specialize in affordable housing, even if they don't have advertised openings. Research the firms in your desired location, look for those involved in affordable housing work, and send them your resume with a cover letter expressing your interest in transitioning to that area.
 
If you apply to firms without advertised positions, your chances of landing a job increase significantly. You can also explain your genuine interest in affordable housing, which will stand out even if you don’t have direct experience. Don’t wait for openings—be proactive and apply to firms where your skills and passion can fit.
 
Question: I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for a long time and am trying to return to work. I have various volunteer experiences but no recent work experience. Any advice on overcoming this gap, and how can I show that I’m ready to return to work?
 
Answer:  The key is finding smaller law firms willing to hire you, especially in areas like trust and estates, personal injury, or other similar fields. You don’t need to go through additional schooling like getting an LL.M. What you do need is to apply to as many places as possible.
 
Research local firms in your desired practice area and reach out to them with your resume. You can use the same approach I’ve mentioned before—find firms that aren’t advertising openings and send a targeted, thoughtful application. Many attorneys, especially in smaller firms, would love to hire someone with your background who is eager to get back into the field.
 
Question: Is it okay to leave a firm if the new one offers better benefits like healthcare, or is that not a good reason?
 
Answer:  Leaving a firm for better healthcare benefits is not the best reason to make a move, especially if you're early in your career. When you're less than five years into practice, your primary focus should be on getting the best training and experience possible. The training and experience you gain in these early years are what will set you up for long-term success.
 
That said, if you’re leaving for a better firm—one that offers stronger opportunities for career growth—it’s a valid reason to switch. But moving purely for healthcare isn’t strategic in the long run. You can always buy healthcare coverage on your own, but the legal experience you gain in those early years is irreplaceable.
 
Question: How should attorneys approach re-entering the workforce after taking time off, such as being a stay-at-home parent? Is outlining your resume with volunteer experiences helpful?
 
Answer: You don’t need an LL.M. or additional schooling to return to the workforce after time away. What you need is to get applications out to law firms, particularly smaller ones, that could use your help. Find local firms that specialize in the areas you’re interested in and send them a tailored resume.
 
Your volunteer experiences can be valuable, but it’s crucial to get in front of as many potential employers as possible. Small and medium-sized firms are often open to hiring candidates with diverse backgrounds, especially if you present yourself as eager and ready to jump back into work. Send out applications widely, and you’ll find a firm that is willing to bring you on board.
 
Question: Have you seen success with people working full time while going to law school part time? Does this reduce my chances of being hired at a big law firm?
 
Answer: Yes, I've seen many people succeed while working full time and attending law school part time. However, it does make it more difficult. The reason is that it's not the same as going to law school full time, and it may be harder to rank at the top of your class or secure a summer associate position, which are often pathways to major law firms.
 
The key to success in this situation is gaining experience in a specific practice area and becoming an expert in it. The longer you're in the field and building expertise, the better your odds are of transitioning into a large firm.
 
Question: If you work in one area but want to work in another, is attending a conference a good strategy to transition into a new field?
 
Answer: Attending a conference can help you learn more about the new practice area, which may increase your enthusiasm and knowledge. However, it’s not likely to directly get you a job in that field. Networking at conferences can be beneficial, but the most important step is immersing yourself in the area and gaining experience. Throwing yourself into learning about the new practice area will make you more likely to find opportunities.
 
Question: Is age an obstacle when trying to get hired at a large law firm, especially for a foreign-trained attorney without a U.S. J.D.? What is the best practice for a 60-year-old attorney?
 
Answer: Yes, age can be an obstacle, especially if you're looking to join a large law firm where the partners and associates are significantly younger. Being foreign-trained without a U.S. J.D. adds another layer of difficulty. For a 60-year-old attorney, the best approach is to look for smaller firms, especially in consumer-facing practice areas like personal injury or family law, where there is less competition.
 
Large law firms are unlikely to hire someone with these challenges, so it's important to target smaller firms that need help, particularly in practice areas with high demand.
 
Question: What is the best way for foreign-trained attorneys to break into the U.S. legal market?
 
Answer: The best way is to get a U.S. J.D. An LL.M. alone is often not enough because you're competing with U.S.-trained attorneys who don’t require sponsorship. If obtaining a J.D. isn't an option, the next best strategy is to apply to smaller firms in smaller markets. Larger firms have no incentive to hire foreign attorneys when they have access to U.S. attorneys who don’t require additional steps like visa sponsorship.
 
Question: Is switching to a niche practice area like mergers and acquisitions realistic if I have experience in a different field like insurance, but also speak fluent German?
 
Answer: Switching to mergers and acquisitions based on your German fluency alone is unlikely, as most transactions are conducted in English, and firms will hire attorneys with specific experience in that practice. However, if you stay in insurance coverage, which is a strong practice area, you could transition to a larger firm that does insurance coverage work. Focus on gaining more experience in that field, as it will be more effective than switching to a new area without relevant experience.
 
Question: Can paralegals transition to law firms after going to law school?
 
Answer: Yes, paralegals who go to law school can transition into positions at large law firms. Their paralegal experience is often seen as an asset, and firms value that practical experience. It's entirely possible to move into a legal role with the right training and focus.
 

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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• 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.
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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.