Dare to Dream

As with all jobs and with life in general, your biggest enemy as a lawyer, the demon who controls all the obstacles that lay in your path, is ultimately yourself. You might be waiting for the magical opportunity for a promotion, or a lateral move, but the secret is that great men don't wait for opportunities, they seek them out.


Perhaps nothing seems to be happening: you are doing alright where you are at, but the job is getting tedious. You might pick up an interesting assignment here or there to keep things interesting, but it's like adding honey to the same old oatmeal you eat every day: it's a little sweeter, but nothing really changes.

"It sounds quotable to say, 'great men seek out opportunities,' but what does that actually mean?" you might ask.

First of all, dare to dream. If you find yourself hating a coworker or lawyer in the field, ask yourself, "Am I envious?" Admit it if you are. It's okay. We all get envious from time to time, and the sooner you admit it to yourself, the sooner you can put yourself where he is. Don't envy. Become. The reason you hate that man or woman is because they are living your dream.

Dare to dream, and dream big. What is it you won't even let yourself hope for? Maybe it's time to let yourself fantasize. You could be working your dream job, and the only thing that is holding you back, the ultimate obstacle, is that you won't let yourself consider it possible.

This isn't about simple grandiosity -- "what if I were the President of the United States? What if I was God? What if I had a harem with 50 beautiful women?" Chances are, if you really got those things, you wouldn't even want them. That's the secret of the old advice "be careful what you wish for." What your heart really wants is something perhaps less shiny and incredible, but closer to your actual ability and proclivity.

It starts with a dream. Talk about your dreams. Bring those clouds in the sky down to earth. Perhaps taking a job that actually seems like a demotion or loss of power would bring you closer to your goal. That's okay: ultimately, you only have yourself to answer to, so hold fast to your dream and let it grow.

This is not escapism. There is a time to quit your job, and a time not to quit it, and once you get that rhythm down, you finally have found your own career path, the strange winding, incredible road that has never been travelled by anybody before. That's yours to travel.

Keep busy, keep happy, but take time to dream of how things could be better. Talk about it enthusiastically and others will believe in your dreams too, and will help contribute. Dreams cost nothing, so indulge yourself. You will be happier for it.



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.