12 Reasons Why You Should Work With a (Good) Recruiter for Your Legal Job Search (Part 3 of 3)

Where a candidate has strong credentials, it is almost always to their advantage to work with a capable, experienced legal recruiter.  Below are 12 reasons that explain why this is so.  This article is the third of three parts.  The first part explored the first 4 of these 12 reasons in more depth.  The second part (part II) addressed reasons 5-8 in more depth, and this part (part III) will cover reasons 9-12.

Part I

1. Recruiters are normally free.


2. “Good” recruiters are very low risk.


3. Recruiters have valuable expertise with regard to how the complex market works.


4. Recruiters provide objective advice and representation.



 
5.  

Part II

1. Recruiters know the national and local legal job markets.


2. Recruiters understand your practice, needs and preferences.


3. Recruiters provide valuable advice about which firms are the best “fit” for you.


4. Recruiters know how best to “play the game” with respect to applications.



 
5.  

Part III

1. Recruiters can best assist you with interviews.


2. Recruiters provide valuable organizing, scheduling and oversight.


3. Recruiters assist you with evaluating and negotiating offers.


4. Recruiters assist you with deciding whether to accept an offer.



 
5.  

REASON 9-- Anyone can interview for a job.  But interviewing well is a complex art.  Certainly, there are attorneys who are very smart, well-polished and think they can interview well.  A few of them actually can.  The great majority, however, will need the help of an interview expert, such as a good recruiter, in order to maximize their chances for an offer.  It is difficult to overstate the importance of the interview in the recruiting process.  Interviewing is yet another important area where the recruiter provides expertise that the attorney does not have the time or background to effectively acquire on their own.


REASON 10 –Recruiters also provide value in terms of the extensive organizing, scheduling and oversight that goes into a typical search.  But recruiters are more than just administrative assistants.  They also serve as the candidate’s representative, advisor and advocate.  Going back to the issue of whether going through a “friend” is generally preferable to using a good recruiter in Reason 4; will your “friend” handle your entire search for you and provide you with objective, expert advice and representation?  Moreover, if you use a recruiter, you not only avoid the problems of solely using a “friend,” but you gain the best of both worlds.  Your friend can continue to be your “cheerleader” after you have been introduced by the recruiter without having to worry about the other issues discussed above.

REASON 11- Recruiters are experts with respect to offers and how they compare to the market.  They can also provide valuable “inside information” regarding each firm that has provided an offer.  Skilled recruiters can even time offers so that the candidate experiences a “bidding war” – a very nice place to be.  In addition, they are objective experts.  It does not matter to a recruiter whether you decide to go with firm A or firm B.  Obviously, any “friend” that you may have at the firm cannot be so objective.

REASON 12 – At the offer stage, all of the advantages of using a good recruiter come together.  These advantages include the recruiter’s knowledge and expertise regarding your desires and needs, the proper “fit” for your practice, information about the firms and information about the market.  All of these advantages are at the candidate’s disposal as they make one of the most important decisions of their lives.  Sophisticated professionals and businesses pay a great deal of money for the expert advice of lawyers whenever they have a major business or legal decision to make.  Why shouldn’t you also get (free) expert advice for crucial decisions about your legal career?

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.