Top Attorney Career Questions Answered: Navigating Resume Gaps, Office Drama, Feedback, Practice Areas, and Interviews

In this guide, we address five of the most frequently asked questions about attorney career development. From handling periods of unemployment and defusing office drama to seeking constructive feedback, choosing the right practice area, and excelling in interviews, these insights will help you approach your career with confidence and clarity.

 

Question 1:

"How do I deal with gaps on my resume? I’ve had periods of unemployment, and I’m worried they make me look unemployable. What should I do to overcome this issue?"

Answer:
Gaps in your resume are a common concern, but they’re rarely insurmountable. Start by reframing the narrative around those gaps. For example, if you took time off for personal reasons or to pursue a non-legal project, highlight the skills or insights you gained during that time. When crafting your resume, focus on what you bring to the table rather than the time away.

One approach is to structure your resume so that it emphasizes your skills and achievements rather than strict chronological order. Additionally, networking and proactive applications can help bypass concerns about employment gaps. Employers care about what you can contribute now, not just what you’ve done in the past.
 

---

See Related Articles:

• How to Explain the Employment Gap in Your Resume
• How Do Law Firms Treat “Gaps” in Your Resume?
• How Law Firms and Other Hiring Organizations Can Determine if an Attorney Will Do the Job Long Term

---

 

Question 2:

"There’s a lot of gossip and drama in my firm, but I often feel drawn into it because I don’t want to appear disengaged. How do I gracefully remove myself from these situations, especially when the drama involves people in leadership positions?"

Answer:
This is a challenging but important situation to navigate. Removing yourself gracefully often means being strategic in your interactions. Politely excuse yourself from conversations or redirect them to more professional topics. For example, if a colleague starts gossiping, you can say, “I’d love to catch up on this later, but I need to finish this project.”

When the drama involves leadership, it’s essential to stay neutral. Avoid taking sides and focus on your work. Let your performance speak for itself. If someone tries to pull you into office politics, a simple response like, “I’m focusing on [project/task] right now” can help shift the conversation back to work without appearing disengaged.

 

Question 3:

"How do I ask for guidance or feedback without appearing needy or creating a reputation for being difficult?"

Answer:
Seeking guidance is an essential part of professional growth, but it’s all about how you approach it. Start by doing your research and exhausting available resources before reaching out. For instance, review internal documents, use online tools, or even consult peers at your level for insights.

When you do approach someone for guidance, be concise and specific. For example, instead of saying, “I don’t understand this task,” say, “I’ve reviewed the relevant materials, but I’m unclear about [specific aspect]. Could you clarify this for me?”

Additionally, consider the timing and method of your request. Sending a well-thought-out email or scheduling a brief meeting can be more effective than interrupting someone’s workflow. Show that you value their time by being prepared and focused.
 

---

See Related Articles:

• Mastering the Legal Path: Key Strategies for Career Success and Growth
• How Becoming a Mentor Can Help Advance Your Professional Career
• 11 Steps for Attorneys to Find Mentors (and Why Attorneys Need Mentors)

---

 

Question 4:

"What’s the best way to choose a practice area, especially when I’m still figuring out my interests?"

Answer:
Choosing a practice area can feel daunting, but the best approach is to start with self-reflection and exposure. Think about what excites you in your studies or early work experience. Are you drawn to transactional work, advocacy, or a specific type of client?

Internships, rotations, and informational interviews are invaluable for exploring different areas. Speak to attorneys practicing in fields that interest you and ask them about their day-to-day work. This will help you understand what aligns with your personality and career goals.

Remember, your choice of practice area doesn’t have to be permanent. Many attorneys transition into different areas as their interests and opportunities evolve.
 

Question 5:

"How can I stand out during interviews when competing with candidates from more prestigious schools or firms?"

Answer:
Standing out in interviews is about demonstrating your unique value. Emphasize the skills and experiences that make you an asset. For instance, highlight a challenging project you successfully handled or a unique perspective you bring to the table.

Be authentic and enthusiastic. Employers want to hire people who are not only competent but also passionate about the role. Tailor your answers to show you’ve researched the firm and understand how you can contribute to their success.

Finally, prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers. Asking about their challenges or goals shows that you’re genuinely interested in the firm and eager to be a part of their journey.
 

---

See Related Articles:

• The Art of Interviewing: Tips for Converting Interviews into Offers
• Off-the-Record Interview Tips from Law Firm Interviewers
• The Importance of Interview Preparation — No Matter How Confident You Feel about Your Interviewing Skills

---

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.