Articles

Should You Send a Thank-You Letter After a Law Firm Interview?

Many job seekers, particularly attorneys, assume that sending a thank-you letter after an interview is a must. After all, conventional wisdom dictates that expressing gratitude and reiterating interest is an essential part of professional etiquette. However, in the legal industry, thank-you letters can often do more harm than good.

In this guide, we will uncover:

• Why thank-you letters may reduce your chances of getting hired
• The psychology behind law firm hiring decisions
• When a thank-you letter might actually work in your favor
• Common mistakes that can turn a thank-you note into a deal-breaker
• Alternative ways to reinforce your candidacy

Let’s dive in.
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How Partners Without Business Can Secure Law Firm Offers

Many law firm partners without a significant book of business face challenges when seeking new opportunities. Law firms prioritize profitability and often hesitate to hire partners who do not bring substantial client work. However, by taking the right approach, partners without portable business can still successfully transition to a new firm.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• The biggest challenges partners without business face in law firm interviews.
• How to overcome concerns about profitability.
• The key strategies to use when discussing compensation.
• How to position yourself as indispensable to the firm’s success.
• How to handle common interview questions and objections.

By implementing these strategies, you can dramatically increase your chances of securing an offer and building long-term success at your new firm. READ MORE >

Executive Summary
In a legal market defined by constant change and fierce competition, achieving both professional success and personal fulfillment is a challenge many attorneys face. This article explores the strategies and mindset needed to build a rewarding legal career. Key takeaways include:

• Define Your Dream Job:
  Understand what motivates you beyond just financial rewards. Knowing your true passion is essential because it guides your decision-making and helps you choose opportunities that align with your core values. When you clearly define what you want, you can make more strategic choices in your job search and career development.


• Build a Focused Resume:
  Specialize in a practice area and tailor your resume to reflect your expertise. A focused resume not only highlights your specialized skills but also helps you stand out in a crowded market. By emphasizing your accomplishments in one area, you can better demonstrate how you are the ideal candidate for a targeted role.


• Network Effectively:
  Cultivate relationships through industry events, social media, and mentorship. Effective networking is more than exchanging business cards; it’s about building lasting professional relationships that can lead to future opportunities. By nurturing these connections, you create a support system that can help you navigate the complexities of the legal market.


• Excel in Interviews:
  Prepare thoroughly, show genuine passion, and be mindful of non–verbal cues. Strong interview performance comes from a combination of research, practice, and self–awareness. Demonstrating enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the firm’s needs can significantly improve your odds of converting an interview into an offer.


• Embrace Continuous Learning:
  Invest in advanced certifications, legal technology, and peer learning. The legal field is constantly evolving, and staying current is critical to your long-term success. By continually updating your skills and knowledge, you position yourself as a forward–thinking professional who is always ready to meet new challenges.


• Develop a Winning Mindset:
  Combine passion, persistence, and a balanced lifestyle for long–term success. A winning mindset means overcoming setbacks, maintaining optimism, and continuously striving for improvement. When you blend hard work with self–care and focus, you create a sustainable path for career advancement and personal fulfillment.

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In today’s evolving legal landscape, the field of trust and estates law stands out as one of the most dynamic and lucrative practice areas available. As the population ages and wealth concentrates in select regions, there is a growing demand for attorneys who specialize in estate planning, wealth preservation, and trust administration.

This comprehensive career guide is designed to help trust and estates attorneys navigate their career paths, understand the importance of specialization, and leverage job search opportunities for long-term professional success. Drawing on insights from industry trends, practical experience, and our own expertise at BCG Attorney Search, this guide will explore why trust and estates law is marketable, the benefits of taking over the books of business from senior attorneys, the value of local networking, the reasons to consider moving firms, and why compensation should not be the sole focus in your career decisions. READ MORE >

Over my 25‑year career in legal recruitment, I’ve seen firsthand how small law firms and solo practitioners face unique challenges in hiring top legal talent and sustaining long-term growth. In one particularly candid conversation with a Houston-based firm owner, I discussed the hurdles of high turnover, the pitfalls of fixed-salary models, and the need for a stable, committed team—insights that have shaped my approach to recruitment and compensation. READ MORE >

The role of patent attorneys has been undergoing significant changes in recent years due to two major forces: artificial intelligence (AI) and corporate restructurings. AI-driven automation has streamlined many aspects of patent law, from prior art searches to drafting applications, reducing the time and effort traditionally required for these tasks. At the same time, corporate restructurings—whether through mergers, acquisitions, or internal reorganization—are reshaping the demand for patent attorneys by redistributing intellectual property (IP) portfolios and altering business strategies. READ MORE >

Few areas of law carry universal relevance and enduring importance as estate planning. Unlike specialized fields that may cater to select circumstances or unfortunate events, estate planning exists as a necessity, touching the lives of virtually every individual. In a world where asset ownership, mortality, and taxation are inevitable, trusts and estates attorneys are more valuable than ever. READ MORE >

As attorneys, particularly those working in BigLaw, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of long hours, high expectations, and an environment that often prioritizes billable hours over personal well-being. However, this constant stress doesn’t just affect our careers; it can bleed into our personal lives, creating tension in relationships and contributing to burnout. The truth is that many lawyers, myself included, have faced these challenges. And through experience, I have learned that while the legal profession demands a lot from us, it’s possible to succeed both professionally and personally if we learn how to manage stress, set boundaries, and navigate relationships effectively. READ MORE >

For over 25 years, I’ve run BCG Attorney Search, talking to attorneys every day—law students sweating their first job, associates drowning in Big Law hours, partners wondering why their corner office feels like a gilded cage. What I’ve seen in that time is a vicious cycle: lawyers sabotaging their own careers, chasing what I call “shiny objects”—status, money, prestige—only to end up burned out, miserable, or worse. On February 24, 2025, I held a webinar where I pulled back the curtain on this pattern, sharing raw stories from my life and work, and laying out a practical plan to break free. This article takes everything I said there, builds on it with decades of recruiting wisdom, and gives you a detailed, no-nonsense guide to stop sabotaging your legal career and start crafting one that actually fulfills you. READ MORE >

As a senior attorney with 10 or more years of experience—whether you’re an associate, partner, income partner, in-house counsel, government lawyer, or public interest attorney—you’ve built a formidable legal career. Yet, finding a new job can feel like navigating a maze filled with skepticism, barriers, and missed opportunities. Research suggests that only 18% of senior attorneys with 10+ years secure law firm roles without portable business, highlighting the uphill battle you face. READ MORE >

Wondering if BCG Attorney Search can get you a law firm job? With over 25 years of experience and more than 10,000 attorneys placed in top law firms worldwide, we’re not just a recruiter—we’re the best legal recruiter in the game. Approve firms or jobs in your BCG account, and our 150+ member team fights relentlessly to secure you interviews and offers at elite law firms. Our proven playbook, developed by founder Harrison Barnes—a legal recruiting visionary with decades of industry leadership—delivers results no competitor can match. Below, see how BCG gets people jobs—and why we’re your fastest path to a standout legal career. READ MORE >

Standing out in today’s competitive legal market requires more than just an impressive academic record or technical expertise. To succeed, attorneys must master the art of resume building and interview preparation. These essential tools help showcase your value and secure opportunities in prestigious law firms. Harrison Barnes, CEO of BCG Attorney Search, shares actionable insights to help attorneys craft standout resumes and deliver stellar interviews. READ MORE >

Are you a law student or attorney seeking a career in social justice, civil rights, or representing individuals against powerful institutions? Private public interest and plaintiffs’ law firms provide a unique opportunity to engage in mission-driven work while benefiting from the financial rewards of private practice. READ MORE >

When it comes to securing a position at a top law firm, the interview process is often the most critical hurdle. While many attorneys believe they are well-prepared, most make avoidable mistakes that significantly reduce their chances of receiving an offer. Having worked with thousands of candidates over my 25-year career, I have developed strategies that consistently turn interview opportunities into job offers. Today, I’ll share the most crucial insights and tactics that can help any attorney achieve remarkable results in interviews. READ MORE >

Navigating the legal job market is no small feat. For attorneys seeking to elevate their careers, the process is often overwhelming—marked by fierce competition, opaque hiring practices, and limited visibility into hidden opportunities. Even with strong credentials, many attorneys struggle to find roles that align with their aspirations. That’s where BCG Attorney Search steps in to redefine the landscape of legal placement. READ MORE >

Welcome to BCG Attorney Search, your trusted partner in advancing your legal career. With over 25 years of experience and thousands of successful placements, we specialize in connecting talented attorneys with law firms where they can thrive. Our mission is simple: to empower attorneys by providing tools, guidance, and advocacy that turn career aspirations into reality. READ MORE >

Choosing a legal practice area is one of the most important decisions for any attorney. It shapes career trajectories, impacts earning potential, and determines day-to-day job satisfaction. From corporate law to intellectual property, each specialty offers unique challenges and opportunities. READ MORE >

A well-crafted business plan is a cornerstone of a successful lateral partner move. For law firms, lateral hires are significant investments, and they rely on business plans to evaluate the value, potential, and long-term contributions of a candidate. These plans outline a partner’s goals, client relationships, financial metrics, and strategies to build business—serving as both a road map and a pitch to prospective firms. READ MORE >