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Changes in the Social Perception of a ''Successful Lawyer''

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published May 14, 2012

By CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search left

Almost imperceptibly, three terrible socio-economic waves have struck the legal profession and changed its nature forever, even though a majority of lawyers and judges steadfastly refuse to recognize those changes. The first was the industrial revolution, the next was the revolution in information technology, and the third is the deadliest economic recession in the history of U.S. The delayed impact of the industrial revolution transformed the lawyer-entrepreneur into an executive. The second wave of information technology turned the ‘man of learning’ into an information broker. The third wave has made money the ‘only measure’ of professional success.

These socio-economic changes have radically transformed the social role of a lawyer. The hallowed role of a lawyer as a business counselor has practically vanished as business leaders have become more learned and knowledgeable. The symbols of professional success are no more those of the past. There is little public recognition of a lawyer as a person of consequence. The social status of a lawyer as a ‘learned person’ has vanished. Except for a handful of fortunate professionals, a lawyer has no individual identification separate from his/her law firm affiliation. The only symbol of success that remains in control of an individual lawyer is money.


So, today, success is judged by income, and the worth of a lawyer is measured by his/her income. Titans of learning are pushed to insignificant corners in law firms and billing partners glorified as rainmakers. Those in charge of getting the money are the new heroes of law firms, not those who get the work done and delivered.

Learn the 10 Factors That Matter to Big Firms More Than Where You Went to Law School

Oh yes, such an attitude has its obvious consequences. It leads to failing law firms whose existence does not depend upon loyal learned people, but on rainmakers who would leave as soon as they see signs of disaster. In fact they are ready to bring in disaster by leaving without any concern for other lawyers hurt by their selfish decisions. But why be selfless when the law firm itself glorifies selfishness, and would not stand by you in your hard times?

United States
A lawyer like Clarence Darrow would be laughed at today and pushed out of law firm boards – only the rainmakers matter, billable hours matter, and those who bring in the most money are glorified as successful. Who is more learned, or a better subject expert or has better integrity is immaterial, the only thing that is material in measuring success as a lawyer today is money

It’s a pity that even today lawyers remain culturally conditioned to believe in the likes of Clarence Darrow ruling the court and in idolizing fantastic models of success which are totally out of sync with the reality of the 21st century. Perhaps there is no other profession in the world which still loves to cling to its roots in the guilds of medieval ages than that of lawyers. And that creates misperceptions and takes a toll on individual careers. People fail to realize that an ‘independent’ practice or ‘solo’ practice is as much ‘interdependent’ as any other modern profession, and further fail to realize that for every lawyer out there, the game has changed and the ‘lawyer’ idolized in law schools belongs to the 18th century, and is better left there.

Reference:

Macklin Fleming, Lawyers, Money, and Success: The Consequences of Dollar Obsession (Westport, CT: Quorum Books, 1997)

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:

  • Immigration law
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Insurance defense
  • Family law
  • Trusts & estates
  • Municipal law
  • And many more...

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.

Alternative Summary

Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison’s writings about attorney careers and placement attract millions of reads each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.

More about Harrison

About LawCrossing

LawCrossing has received tens of thousands of attorneys jobs and has been the leading legal job board in the United States for almost two decades. LawCrossing helps attorneys dramatically improve their careers by locating every legal job opening in the market. Unlike other job sites, LawCrossing consolidates every job in the legal market and posts jobs regardless of whether or not an employer is paying. LawCrossing takes your legal career seriously and understands the legal profession. For more information, please visit www.LawCrossing.com.
Gain an advantage in your legal job search. LawCrossing uncovers hidden positions that firms post on their own websites and industry-specific job boards—jobs that never appear on Indeed or LinkedIn. Don't miss out. Sign up now!

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