Navigating the Complexities of the Legal Job Market: Answers to Your Toughest Questions

 

1. How Do I Handle Rejection and Keep Moving Forward?

Rejection is a normal part of any legal career, but how you handle it will define your path forward. It’s not uncommon for attorneys to feel disheartened after repeated rejections, whether it’s from law firms or clients. The key is persistence. The legal field is competitive, and every successful attorney has faced rejection at some point in their career.

One of the most important things to understand is that rejection often has less to do with your qualifications and more to do with the firm’s specific needs at that time. A law firm might be rejecting you because they have too many candidates in your practice area, or perhaps they don’t have the workload to support another attorney.

The best strategy is to keep applying to as many places as possible, broadening your search geographically and across different types of firms. For instance, if you’ve been applying only to large law firms in major markets like New York or Los Angeles, consider expanding your search to smaller firms in secondary markets like Sacramento or Richmond. Often, these firms are hungry for talent but face far less competition in terms of applicants.
 

Answer:

Rejection is inevitable, but it should never lead to giving up. Expand your job search, apply to more firms, and consider different geographic markets. The more places you apply to, the better your chances of finding the right opportunity.

 

2. Should I Be Worried About My Job History?

One common concern for many attorneys is how to explain job transitions, especially if they’ve made several lateral moves early in their careers. Law firms want to see stability, so multiple moves can be seen as a red flag. However, when framed correctly, job transitions can be presented as a strategic progression in your career.

If you’ve moved to gain specialized experience, this can work to your advantage. For example, if you started in general litigation but transitioned to a firm that specializes in IP litigation, explain that your move was driven by a desire to focus on a particular area of law. Law firms appreciate attorneys who have a clear direction and can demonstrate continuous growth in their practice area.

It’s also important to show that you’ve been building on your experience with each move. If your career trajectory shows a logical progression—moving to firms with better clients, more complex cases, or higher-profile opportunities—then the moves will be viewed positively.
 

Answer:

Multiple lateral moves can be framed as strategic if you emphasize how each move helped you specialize or gain more complex experience. Ensure that your resume reflects a clear progression, and be prepared to explain why each move was a logical step in your career.

 

3. What’s the Best Way to Present My Resume?

Your resume is the most critical document in your job search. It’s your primary marketing tool, and it must be carefully crafted to make the best possible impression. One of the most common mistakes attorneys make is trying to include too much information or listing too many different practice areas, which can make you appear unfocused.

Law firms are looking for specialists, not generalists. If you’re applying for a litigation position, make sure your resume focuses almost exclusively on your litigation experience. Don’t dilute your message by listing unrelated practice areas or extraneous skills. For example, if your experience includes corporate law or real estate, but you're applying for a litigation role, it’s best to leave out non-litigation experiences that aren’t relevant.

In one instance, I worked with an attorney who had been at multiple law firms and practiced in various areas, including real estate and corporate law. We revised his resume to highlight only his litigation work, leaving out the unrelated practice areas. This made him appear more focused and helped him land a litigation job at a top firm.
 

Answer:

To optimize your resume, focus on highlighting only the most relevant practice areas for the job you’re applying for. Avoid including too many different fields of law, as this can make you appear unfocused. Tailor each resume specifically to the job at hand.

 

4. How Important Is It to Develop a Book of Business?

For senior attorneys, developing a book of business is essential. While junior associates are typically hired based on their ability to handle the firm’s existing workload, senior attorneys are often expected to bring in clients and generate revenue. If you don’t yet have a significant book of business, it’s important to start developing one as soon as possible.

Building a book of business requires strong networking skills, the ability to develop client relationships, and a deep understanding of how to generate leads. One attorney I worked with had practiced for over 10 years without focusing much on business development. When he finally decided to make it a priority, he gradually built a book of business worth over $1 million by leveraging his network and focusing on business development strategies.

If you don’t have a significant book of business yet, it’s important to show law firms that you’re working on developing one. You can present a business plan during interviews to demonstrate your commitment to growing the firm’s client base.
 

Answer:

For senior attorneys, developing a book of business is crucial for long-term career success. Start building one by focusing on client relationships and business development strategies. If you don’t have a significant book of business, demonstrate that you are working on it by presenting a business plan during interviews.

 

5. Should I Switch Practice Areas if My Current One Is Slow?

The legal job market is cyclical, and certain practice areas may slow down during economic downturns. If your current practice area isn’t generating enough opportunities, switching to a different area can be a viable option, especially early in your career.

However, switching practice areas should be done carefully. You’ll need to assess whether your skills are transferable and whether the new practice area aligns with your long-term goals. Some areas of law, like labor and employment or immigration law, tend to be more resilient during economic downturns and can provide more stable job prospects.

For example, if you’ve been practicing in real estate and the market has slowed down, transitioning to litigation, which often remains active even during downturns, may be a smart move. Another attorney I worked with made a successful transition from real estate to litigation by focusing on her transferable skills and demonstrating her ability to adapt to a new area.
 

Answer:

If your current practice area is slow, consider switching to a more in-demand field. Focus on transferable skills and make sure the new practice area aligns with your long-term goals. Switching practice areas early in your career is easier, but it’s essential to assess the demand and viability of the new area.

 

6. How Can I Set Myself Apart in Interviews?

Interviews are your opportunity to stand out from other candidates. One of the best ways to differentiate yourself is by asking insightful questions during the interview. Instead of focusing solely on your qualifications, shift the conversation toward the firm’s needs.

For example, ask the interviewer what challenges the firm is currently facing or how you can contribute to their goals. This approach not only demonstrates your interest in the firm but also positions you as someone who is focused on helping the firm succeed.

I’ve seen attorneys succeed in interviews by asking questions like, “What would success look like for someone in this role in the first 90 days?” This type of question shows that you’re thinking ahead and eager to contribute from day one.
 

Answer:

To stand out in interviews, focus on the firm’s needs by asking insightful questions. Demonstrate your interest in helping the firm achieve its goals, and position yourself as a proactive candidate who can make an immediate impact.

 

7. How Do I Handle Being Passed Over for Top Law Firm Positions?

It’s common for attorneys, particularly those from top law schools, to feel disheartened when they aren’t hired by prestigious law firms. However, it’s important to remember that law firms are businesses, and they have specific needs at any given time. Just because you aren’t hired by a top firm doesn’t mean you’re not qualified—it often means that there were simply other candidates with more closely aligned experience or connections.

Instead of focusing solely on large, prestigious firms, consider applying to mid-sized or boutique firms, which can offer excellent opportunities for career growth. Many attorneys find that they have more hands-on experience and responsibility in these settings, which can ultimately lead to faster career advancement.
 

Answer:

Being passed over by top law firms doesn’t mean you’re not qualified. Broaden your search to include mid-sized and boutique firms, where you may gain more hands-on experience and greater career advancement opportunities.
 

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About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.