The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Law Firms: Chicago BigLaw & Boutique Firm Guide: Best Law Firms and Attorney Job Trends | BCGSearch.com

The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Law Firms: Chicago BigLaw & Boutique Firm Guide: Best Law Firms and Attorney Job Trends

11

Print/Download PDF

Font Size

Rate this article

2 Reviews Average: 3.3 out of 5

The Chicago Legal Market: A Thriving Hub for Litigation and Corporate Attorneys

Chicago is one of the most dynamic and competitive legal markets in the United States, serving as a major hub for high-stakes litigation, corporate transactions, and regulatory matters. With a deep concentration of Am Law 100 firms, prestigious litigation boutiques, and highly regarded mid-sized firms, the city offers exceptional career opportunities for attorneys looking to advance their careers. Known for its strong demand for commercial litigation attorneys, securities and shareholder litigators, antitrust lawyers, and government enforcement specialists, Chicago remains a prime destination for attorneys with top-tier credentials and diverse experience. The market is also a significant center for M&A, private equity, and financial services litigation, given the city’s role as a financial and business hub.

The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Law Firms

 

For attorneys making a lateral move, understanding the nuances of the Chicago legal market is essential. Unlike other major markets like New York or Los Angeles, Chicago law firms highly value employment stability and a demonstrated commitment to the region. While the demand for transactional attorneys has grown in recent years, litigation remains a dominant force, with firms continuously seeking experienced litigators with BigLaw experience or government enforcement backgrounds. Moreover, boutique litigation firms in Chicago—such as Bartlit Beck, Goldberg Kohn, and Sperling & Slater—provide highly sophisticated litigation practices, often rivaling or even surpassing the complexity of cases handled at larger national firms.

 


BCG Attorney Search: A Leading Legal Recruiter in the Chicago Market


For over 25 years, BCG Attorney Search has been a leading force in the Chicago legal recruitment market, helping hundreds of attorneys successfully transition to top-tier law firms, elite litigation boutiques, and mid-sized firms with thriving practices. We have built strong, long-standing relationships with hiring partners, firm leadership, and decision-makers in Chicago’s most prestigious firms, allowing us to place attorneys in highly coveted roles that often never reach public job boards. Our deep expertise in partner placements, lateral associate moves, and high-level government-to-private practice transitions sets us apart from other legal recruiters.

Attorneys looking to transition into BigLaw, boutique litigation firms, or specialized mid-sized firms in Chicago rely on BCG Attorney Search for our market intelligence, access to exclusive opportunities, and proven track record of placing attorneys in firms that align with their long-term career goals. Whether you are a seasoned commercial litigator, a securities and antitrust expert, or a financial services attorney, our data-driven approach ensures that your candidacy is presented to firms where you will thrive. Our experience working with attorneys from elite law schools, Am Law 100 firms, and government enforcement agencies allows us to strategically position you for success in the competitive Chicago market.

 

Navigating Your Legal Career in Chicago


For attorneys like Benjamin Brunner, who bring a unique blend of BigLaw experience, government enforcement expertise, and a track record of high-stakes litigation, the Chicago market presents an array of opportunities in firms that value both litigation prowess and regulatory insight. Law firms in Chicago actively seek attorneys with deep experience in securities and shareholder disputes, complex commercial litigation, internal investigations, and professional liability matters—areas in which Ben has excelled.

Whether you are considering a lateral move, transitioning from government to private practice, or seeking a firm that aligns with your long-term career trajectory, BCG Attorney Search provides the insight, expertise, and access needed to secure a position that fits your goals. Our 25-year history of placing attorneys in Chicago law firms gives us an unmatched perspective on the evolving market and the best strategies to navigate it successfully. If you are an attorney seeking a new role in Chicago, now is the time to leverage our expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies to secure the ideal opportunity.

 


See Related Articles:


 

FIRM TYPES


To help you navigate the Chicago legal market, firms are categorized into four groups based on their size, geographic reach, and areas of specialization.

Large National Firms: These firms typically have 250+ attorneys in their Chicago office and maintain a significant presence across the United States and internationally. Examples include Kirkland & EllisSidley Austin, and Mayer Brown.
National Firms: These firms also have 250+ attorneys firm-wide but are headquartered outside of Chicago. Examples include Latham & Watkins and Jones Day.
Boutique Firms: These smaller firms, usually ranging from 20-100 attorneys, focus on specific practice areas and often require top academic credentials. Examples include Bartlit Beck and Goldberg Kohn.
Other Firms: This category includes:

1. Regional firms based in other Midwestern cities with a strong presence in Chicago (e.g., Faegre Baker Daniels).
2. Mid-sized Chicago-based firms with 100-250 attorneys (e.g., Vedder Price).
3. Smaller Chicago firms with fewer than 100 attorneys (e.g., Levenfeld Pearlstein).
4. Specialized national firms with smaller Chicago offices that focus on niche practice areas (e.g., Jackson Lewis in labor and employment).

 

PRACTICE AREAS

 

ANTITRUST

Size of practice in the market: Small
Overview of the practice in the market: Antitrust attorneys in Chicago primarily advise clients on competition laws, regulatory compliance, and antitrust litigation. They often collaborate with corporate attorneys on mergers and acquisitions to ensure compliance with antitrust regulations. The work involves representing clients in investigations, litigation, and regulatory matters related to competition issues.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Baker & McKenzie
    • Jenner & Block
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • McDermott Will & Emery
    • Sidley Austin
    • Winston & Strawn
  • Boutique Firms:
    • Eimer Stahl
    • Freed Kanner
    • Sperling & Slater
  • National Firms:
    • Jones Day
    • McGuireWoods
  • Other Firms:
    • Freeborn & Peters

 

BANKRUPTCY/RESTRUCTURING

Size of practice in the market: Medium
Overview of the practice in the market: Bankruptcy and restructuring attorneys in Chicago handle complex Chapter 11 proceedings, out-of-court restructurings, and distressed asset transactions. They represent a wide range of clients, including debtors, creditors, and purchasers of distressed assets. The practice often involves high-stakes negotiations and litigation.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • DLA Piper
    • Dentons
    • Jenner & Block
    • Katten Muchin Rosenman
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • McDermott Will & Emery
    • Sidley Austin
  • Boutique Firms:
    • Adelman & Gettleman
    • Goldberg Kohn
    • Goldstein & McClintock
    • Shaw Fishman
  • National Firms:
    • Greenberg Traurig
    • Jones Day
    • Latham & Watkins
    • Locke Lord
    • McGuireWoods
    • Paul Hastings
    • Perkins Coie
    • Proskauer Rose
    • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
  • Other Firms:
    • Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer
    • Foley & Lardner
    • Freeborn & Peters
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
    • Vedder Price

 

CORPORATE - Capital Markets: Debt and Equity

Size of practice in the market: Medium
Overview of the practice in the market: Capital markets attorneys in Chicago advise clients on debt and equity offerings, including initial public offerings (IPOs), high-yield debt, and investment-grade securities. They also handle matters related to derivatives, securitization, and structured finance. This practice area is highly transactional and often involves working with investment banks and corporate clients.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Baker & McKenzie
    • Jenner & Block
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • Sidley Austin
  • National Firms:
    • Jones Day
    • K&L Gates
    • Latham & Watkins
    • McGuireWoods
    • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
  • Boutique Firms:
    • Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg
    • Goldberg Kohn
  • Other Firms:
    • Levenfeld Pearlstein
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg

 

CORPORATE - Banking & Finance

Size of practice in the market: Large
Overview of the practice in the market: Banking and finance attorneys in Chicago represent a wide range of financial institutions, including investment banks, commercial banks, private equity firms, and corporations. Their work includes secured and unsecured lending, syndicated loans, leveraged finance, cross-border transactions, and asset-based financing. This practice area is highly transactional and often involves complex financial structures.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Katten Muchin Rosenman
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • McDermott Will & Emery
    • Sidley Austin
    • Winston & Strawn
  • National Firms:
    • Greenberg Traurig
    • Jones Day
    • Latham & Watkins
    • McGuireWoods
    • Reed Smith
    • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
  • Boutique Firms:
    • Goldberg Kohn
  • Other Firms:
    • Chapman & Cutler
    • Vedder Price

 

CORPORATE – M&A and Private Equity

Size of practice in the market: Large
Overview of the practice in the market: M&A and private equity attorneys in Chicago handle a wide range of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures. They also advise on related financing arrangements, corporate governance, and entity formation. This practice area is highly transactional and often involves working with private equity firms, corporations, and financial sponsors.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Baker & McKenzie
    • Dentons
    • DLA Piper
    • Jenner & Block
    • Katten Muchin Rosenman
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • McDermott Will & Emery
    • Sidley Austin
    • Winston & Strawn
  • National Firms:
    • Greenberg Traurig
    • Jones Day
    • Latham & Watkins
    • Paul Hastings
    • Perkins Coie
    • Reed Smith
    • Ropes & Gray
    • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
  • Boutique Firms:
    • Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg
  • Other Firms:
    • Much Shelist
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
    • Vedder Price

 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS/EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Size of practice in the market: Small
Overview of the practice in the market: Employee benefits and executive compensation attorneys in Chicago advise clients on the design, implementation, and administration of retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive compensation programs. They also handle compliance issues related to ERISA, tax, and securities laws. This practice area often intersects with corporate transactions, particularly in M&A deals.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Baker & McKenzie
    • Jenner & Block
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • McDermott Will & Emery
    • Sidley Austin
    • Winston & Strawn
  • National Firms:
    • Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
    • Seyfarth Shaw
  • Other Firms:
    • Drinker Biddle & Reath
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
    • Vedder Price

 

ENVIRONMENTAL

Size of practice in the market: Small
Overview of the practice in the market: Environmental attorneys in Chicago handle a mix of litigation and transactional matters. They advise clients on environmental compliance, due diligence in M&A transactions, and regulatory issues related to air, water, waste, and endangered species. This practice area often involves working with corporate attorneys on complex transactions.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:

    • Baker & McKenzie
    • Jenner & Block
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • Sidley Austin
  • Boutique Firms:
    • Nijman Franzetti
  • Other Firms:
    • Barnes & Thornburg
    • Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
    • Quarles & Brady
    • Schiff Hardin
    • Seyfarth Shaw

 

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

Size of practice in the market: Small
Overview of the practice in the market: Energy and natural resources attorneys in Chicago advise utility companies, oil and gas producers, and alternative energy providers on regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters. Their work includes permitting, licensing, and compliance with environmental regulations. This practice area often involves complex regulatory frameworks and high-stakes transactions.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Clark Hill
  • Eimer Stahl
  • Lueders, Robertson & Konzen
  • Rooney Ripple & Rataswamy
  • Sidley Austin

 

HEALTH CARE

Size of practice in the market: Medium
Overview of the practice in the market: Health care attorneys in Chicago advise clients on a wide range of issues, including regulatory compliance, transactional matters, and litigation. They work with hospitals, health systems, medical device companies, and insurers on mergers, acquisitions, and regulatory issues related to Medicare, HIPAA, and the False Claims Act.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Dentons
    • Katten Muchin Rosenman
    • McDermott Will & Emery
    • Sidley Austin
  • National Firms:
    • Drinker Biddle & Reath
    • Jones Day
    • McGuireWoods
    • Nixon Peabody
    • Proskauer Rose
    • Ropes & Gray
  • Other Firms:
    • Barnes & Thornburg
    • Duane Morris
    • Hogan Marren
    • Polsinelli
    • The Health Law Consultancy

 

INSURANCE – LITIGATION/REGULATORY/COVERAGE

Size of practice in the market: Large
Overview of the practice in the market: Insurance attorneys in Chicago represent policyholders and insurers in litigation, regulatory matters, and coverage disputes. Their work includes handling claims, advising on reinsurance agreements, and navigating complex insurance regulations. This practice area often involves high-stakes litigation and regulatory investigations.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Dentons
    • DLA Piper
    • Jenner & Block
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • Sidley Austin
  • National Firms:
    • Foley & Lardner
    • Locke Lord
    • Proskauer Rose
    • Reed Smith
  • Other Firms:
    • Barnes & Thornburg
    • BatesCarey
    • Butler Rubin
    • Hinshaw & Culbertson
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
    • Schiff Hardin
    • Shook, Hardy & Bacon

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Size of practice in the market: Large
Overview of the practice in the market: Intellectual property attorneys in Chicago specialize in patent litigation, patent prosecution, and trademark matters. They often have technical backgrounds in engineering or science, allowing them to handle complex IP disputes. This practice area involves representing clients in patent infringement cases, trademark disputes, and trade secret litigation.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • DLA Piper
    • Jenner & Block
    • Katten Muchin Rosenman
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • McDermott Will & Emery
    • Sidley Austin
    • Winston & Strawn
  • Boutique Firms:
    • Banner & Witcoff
    • Brinks Gilson & Lione
    • Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery
    • Leydig, Voit & Mayer
    • Marshall, Gerstein & Borun
    • McAndrews, Held & Malloy
    • McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff
    • Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson
  • National Firms:
    • Greenberg Traurig
    • Jones Day
    • Latham & Watkins
    • Loeb & Loeb
    • Steptoe & Johnson
    • Taft Stettinius & Hollister
  • Other Firms:
    • Barnes & Thornburg
    • Michael Best & Friedrich
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg

 

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Size of practice in the market: Small
Overview of the practice in the market: Investment management attorneys in Chicago advise clients on fund formation, regulatory compliance, and investment strategies. They work with private equity firms, hedge funds, and other investment vehicles to structure and manage funds in compliance with federal and state regulations.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • Sidley Austin
  • National Firms:
    • Latham & Watkins
    • Perkins Coie
    • Ropes & Gray
    • Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young
  • Other Firms:
    • Chapman & Cutler
    • Drinker Biddle & Reath
    • Vedder Price

 

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

Size of practice in the market: Medium
Overview of the practice in the market: Labor and employment attorneys in Chicago represent clients in wage and hour disputes, discrimination claims, and ERISA litigation. They also advise on compliance with labor laws, employee handbooks, and workplace policies. This practice area often involves both litigation and advisory work.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Baker & McKenzie
    • Sidley Austin
    • Winston & Strawn
  • Boutique Firms:
    • Franczek Radelet
    • Laner Muchin
  • National Firms:
    • Jones Day
    • Littler Mendelson
    • Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
    • Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart
    • Proskauer Rose
  • Other Firms:
    • Seyfarth Shaw
    • Barnes & Thornburg
    • Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
    • Cozen O’Connor
    • Holland & Knight
    • Jackson Lewis
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
    • Quarles & Brady
    • Vedder Price

 

LITIGATION

Size of practice in the market: Large
Overview of the practice in the market: General commercial litigation attorneys in Chicago handle a wide range of disputes, including securities litigation, product liability, intellectual property disputes, and white-collar criminal defense. This practice area is highly diverse and often involves high-stakes litigation for corporate clients.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Baker & McKenzie
    • Dentons
    • DLA Piper
    • Jenner & Block
    • Katten Muchin Rosenman
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • McDermott Will & Emery
    • Sidley Austin
    • Winston & Strawn
  • Boutique Firms:
    • Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott
    • Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum
    • Goldberg Kohn
    • Novack and Macey
    • Sperling & Slater
  • National Firms:
    • Akerman
    • Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer
    • Jones Day
    • Latham & Watkins
    • McGuireWoods
    • Perkins Coie
    • Reed Smith
    • Ropes & Gray
    • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
  • Other Firms:
    • Barnes & Thornburg
    • Foley & Lardner
    • Freeborn & Peters
    • Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn
    • Loeb & Loeb
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
    • Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila
    • Schiff Hardin
    • Shook, Hardy & Bacon
    • Steptoe & Johnson
    • Thompson Coburn
 

MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT/SPORTS

Size of practice in the market: Small
Overview of the practice in the market: Media, entertainment, and sports attorneys in Chicago represent clients in the film, television, music, and sports industries. Their work includes litigation matters such as defamation, copyright disputes, and privacy issues, as well as transactional matters like contract negotiations, licensing agreements, and sponsorships.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Litigation:
    • Dentons
    • Jenner & Block
    • Vedder Price
  • Transactional:
    • Freeborn & Peters
    • Holland & Knight
    • InfoLawGroup
    • Katten Muchin Rosenman
    • Leavens, Strand & Glover

 

REAL ESTATE

Size of practice in the market: Medium to Large
Overview of the practice in the market: Real estate attorneys in Chicago represent developers, investors, lenders, and REITs in a wide range of transactions, including financing, leasing, acquisitions, and dispositions. They also handle zoning, land use, and development matters. This practice area is highly transactional and often involves complex financing structures.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • DLA Piper
    • Dentons
    • Jenner & Block
    • Katten Muchin Rosenman
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • Sidley Austin
  • Boutique Firms:
    • Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg
    • Goldberg Kohn
    • Pircher, Nichols & Meeks
  • National Firms:
    • Greenberg Traurig
    • Holland & Knight
    • Jones Day
    • Latham & Watkins
    • Paul Hastings
    • Perkins Coie
    • Seyfarth Shaw
  • Other Firms:
    • Dykema Gossett
    • Freeborn & Peters
    • Levenfeld Pearlstein
    • Locke Lord
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
    • Quarles & Brady
    • Taft Stettinius & Hollister

 

TAX

Size of practice in the market: Medium
Overview of the practice in the market: Tax attorneys in Chicago advise clients on domestic and international tax planning, tax controversies, and transactional tax matters. They work on mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and executive compensation plans, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and international tax laws.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Baker & McKenzie
    • Jenner & Block
    • Katten Muchin Rosenman
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • McDermott Will & Emery
    • Sidley Austin
    • Winston & Strawn
  • National/Other Firms:
    • Latham & Watkins
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
    • Levenfeld Pearlstein
    • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

 

TECHNOLOGY TRANSACTIONS AND OUTSOURCING

Size of practice in the market: Small to Medium but Growing
Overview of the practice in the market: Technology transactions and outsourcing attorneys in Chicago advise clients on the acquisition, licensing, and divestiture of technology and intellectual property. Their work includes drafting and negotiating joint venture agreements, outsourcing contracts, and technology licensing deals. This practice area is rapidly growing as technology continues to drive business innovation.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Baker & McKenzie
    • Dentons
    • DLA Piper
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • Sidley Austin
  • Other Firms:
    • Drinker Biddle & Reath
    • Locke Lord
    • McGuireWoods
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
    • Perkins Coie
 

WEALTH MANAGEMENT/TRUSTS & ESTATES

Size of practice in the market: Small
Overview of the practice in the market: Wealth management and trusts & estates attorneys in Chicago assist individuals and families with estate planning, wealth transfer, and tax-efficient strategies. Their work includes drafting wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents, as well as advising on charitable giving and family business succession planning.
 

Firms to consider for this practice:

  • Large National Firms:
    • Baker & McKenzie
    • Katten Muchin Rosenman
    • Kirkland & Ellis
    • Mayer Brown
    • McDermott Will & Emery
  • National/Other Firms:
    • Levenfeld Pearlstein
    • Loeb & Loeb
    • Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
    • Perkins Coie
    • Reed Smith
    • Schiff Hardin

 


See Related Issues:


Conclusion: Navigating the Chicago Legal Market and Securing Your Ideal Law Firm Position


The Chicago legal market remains one of the most competitive and opportunity-rich environments for attorneys at all levels, from junior associates to lateral partners. Whether you are seeking a position in BigLaw, a prestigious litigation boutique, or a mid-sized firm with a specialized practice, understanding market trends, firm hiring practices, and the most in-demand practice areas is essential to securing the right role.

For attorneys looking to transition to a new law firm in Chicago, opportunities abound in commercial litigation, securities and shareholder disputes, antitrust law, financial services litigation, corporate transactions, and regulatory enforcement. While litigation remains a dominant force in Chicago law firms, the demand for corporate attorneys in M&A, private equity, capital markets, and restructuring has continued to grow. Attorneys with strong government enforcement, white-collar, and internal investigation experience are particularly well-positioned for roles at firms handling complex regulatory matters.

At BCG Attorney Search, we have been at the forefront of Chicago legal recruiting for over 25 years, placing hundreds of attorneys at top-tier law firms, elite boutiques, and mid-sized firms with strong litigation and corporate practices. Our deep industry knowledge, direct relationships with hiring partners, and extensive track record of successful placements make us the go-to resource for attorneys navigating the highly competitive Chicago legal job market.

If you are considering a lateral move, transitioning from government to private practice, or seeking a firm that aligns with your long-term career goals, now is the time to act. The Chicago legal market is evolving, and firms are continuously seeking top legal talent. Whether you are a BigLaw attorney looking for a better platform, a litigator eager for trial work, or a corporate lawyer seeking high-level transactional experience, we can help you find the right opportunity.

Take the next step in your legal career today. Contact BCG Attorney Search to explore your options and gain access to exclusive opportunities at Chicago’s best law firms.
 


About Harrison Barnes

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

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

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

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

Proven Success at All Levels

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

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

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

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

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

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

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

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.

Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays

You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts

You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives


Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.

Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.

To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.


AGREE/DISAGREE? SHARE COMMENTS ANONYMOUSLY! We Want to Hear Your Thoughts! Tell Us What You Think!!

Related Articles

We've changed thousands of lives over the past 25 years, and yours could be next.

When you use BCG Attorney Search you will get an unfair advantage because you will use the best legal placement company in the world for finding permanent law firm positions.