Rutgers University GC Emphasizes Importance of Diversity

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published December 09, 2008

By Harrison Barnes, CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search

Alger studied employment law at Harvard Law School because ''it seemed to have a real impact on people's lives.'' After graduating and getting some experience under his belt, Alger found a job at the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. He said this was his first opportunity to train a staff on diversity. There was one employee specifically who challenged his authority to speak about diversity when he was a middle-class white man. It was yet another lesson to Alger that everyone can have their own stereotypes and that each person has a valuable (or at least viable) opinion.

After a few years' experience, Alger discovered that his true passion lay in higher education and, after completing the necessary training, was hired by the University of Michigan in 2000. After his arrival, two students filed law suits against the university, claiming that due to the university's affirmative action policy, they were denied their own rights and admission to the law school. Alger worked with outside counsel on the case and the university won its defense of both the law school's and the university's admissions policies. Alger's largest contribution to the case was coordinating the amici briefs. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was convinced of the validity and value of the law school's policy. Referencing the defense, she spoke of her opinion that the benefits of a diverse student body had been shown as ''not theoretical but real, as major American businesses have made clear that the skills needed in today's increasingly global marketplace can only be developed through exposure to widely diverse people, cultures, ideas, and viewpoints.''

In 2005, Alger left the University of Michigan for a position as general counsel at Rutgers University. He said he had hoped for this position at a major research university, and when the opportunity came, he jumped on it. Rutgers University has a 45% minority student body, so this position was right up Rutgers' alley. He loves dealing with and solving the issues that are the most controversial. As society evolves, more and more issues are coming to the fore. Muslims objecting to being photographed without their veils on and people of transgender being able to use the bathroom of their choice are just two issues that have arisen on the campus this year.

Alger emphasizes the importance of these issues in the workplace, however. He references issues such as these, as well as employees demanding accommodations on mental conditions, other religious beliefs, and in areas like emotional well-being. These issues may just be rising now, but Alger says they will become more prominent and employers everywhere, as well as their attorneys, need to be aware of them and how to address them when they do come up.

A student in Alger's class at Rutgers, when asked about her high school experiences with diversity, said she enjoyed more diverse learning atmospheres because, ''You learn a lot from the people around you.'' She enjoys being at Rutgers where the diverse student body ''mirrors the work force we're going to see.''

This diversified work force is exactly what Rutgers is trying to bring to people's attention. It is both valuable and necessary. Everyone should be aware of the rising issues and be prepared to handle them in the future.

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.

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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.

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His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
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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.

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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.

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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

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