The View From The Top

Pretend for a moment that you are a hiring partner at a firm, and you are looking through a stack of resumes from applicants for a mid-level corporate associate position you need to fill because, fortunately for you, business is booming in your corporate practice and you know that you can better serve your clients and make more money by bringing on another associate to the group.

You make the first cut and pick a couple resumes of candidates who have good credentials in terms of law school and grades, and who have done good high-level work at large or sophisticated mid-sized firms.  Now it’s time for the interviews.  What do you look for during the interview process?  What do you want to hear in terms of answers?


Thinking about your own interview in this way is an extremely helpful exercise.  If you are hiring because you need someone capable of assisting the partners in your practice group, servicing your current and future clients, and contributing to the future growth of your firm, you want to hear the candidate explain in detail how they will accomplish all of those things.  You want the candidate to be familiar with your practice group and clients, and to have a vision for how their background, skill set, and career goals will best mesh with that dynamic.  You want a candidate who expresses enthusiasm for your firm, and for the opportunity to contribute to the firm’s bottom line in terms of performing current work and bringing in future work.
 
You do not want a candidate to explain why their prior firm was not super great, so they are now looking for the next best thing.  You do not want to hear that a candidate is looking to move to the city in which your office resides for “lifestyle” reasons, unless that is relevant to the question of a candidate’s long-term plans and the likelihood they will stick around for more than just a few years to grab a couple paychecks.

See 6 Things Attorneys and Law Students Need to Remove from Their Resumes ASAP If They Want to Get Jobs with the Most Prestigious Law Firms for more information.

Kennedy implored the American people to ask not what the country could do for them, but what they could do for their country.  If you are a hiring partner at a firm, you are going to want your candidates to have a similar mindset towards your firm.  As an applicant, you are asking the firm to incur the time, effort, and expense of hiring you and integrating you into their practice, over all other potential candidates for the position.  You need to sell yourself and your value, and the best way to do that is to think hard about how you can contribute to the firm.  I guarantee this approach will increase your chances of success in an interview tenfold.
 

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.