The hottest places to live, work, drink, dine, and play in the nation's capital.
The city that Thomas Jefferson called "that Indian swamp in the wilderness" has risen above its sleepy southern roots, recovered from the awful riots of the 1960s, and now-bonus-has a mayor who doesn't smoke crack! Washington, D.C., has always been an "it" place to practice law, but today, to the surprise of many, the nation's capital has become an "it" city, period.
As a lawyer, you're in your element in D.C., which has more J.D.'s per capita among its half-million residents than any other U.S. metropolis. From large A-list law firms to small civil rights organizations, from liberal enterprises like the Sierra Club to the conservative Heritage Foundation, there's legal work for every appetite. Neighboring northern Virginia is one of the fastest-growing high-tech belts in the country, and then there's the hometown industry-the federal government. Some view the U.S. Justice Department as the country's largest law firm, and a new president means new jobs.
At its best, the District is intellectual, like New York (but more affordable); future-oriented, like Boston (but friendlier); and culturally rich, like any European capital (but without the tight black clothes). At its worst? John F. Kennedy once called the nation's capital "a city of southern efficiency and northern charm." But then, that was long ago.
HOT JOBS
Virtually every decent-sized law firm has a D.C. outpost. For megabucks salaries, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom is the alpha firm. For influence, no shop is more "in" than the D.C. office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, home of Bush election savior Ted Olson.
It's tough to beat a U.S. Supreme Court clerkship when it comes to government jobs (plus, you have access to the legendary High Court hoops gym). The D.C. Public Defenders' Service is one of the finest offices of its kind (it's known for unusually good lawyers and small caseloads). Lawyers at CCIPS, the D.O.J.'s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, handle such cutting-edge legal issues as economic espionage, privacy violations and encryption battles.
Want to go high-tech? Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal is widely regarded as one of the area's top firms for cyber lawyers. Got a green bent? Beveridge & Diamond is the nation's oldest and largest shop devoted exclusively to environmental law.
HOT NEIGHBORHOODS
Adams-Morgan, about a mile north of the White House, is arguably the most popular place for young lawyers to live. Settle here, and you'll nest in a nice (if divvied-up) town house with such classy old touches as big, heavy doors, parquet floors and carved molding. You'll also be able to brag about easy access to some of the best restaurants, bars and clubs in town.
The U Street corridor is Washington's answer to New York's East Village. Here you'll find pierced-body types mixing with young professionals in an upwardly transitioning neighborhood that still has a whiff of "I might just get jumped."
HOT RESTAURANTS
Teatro Goldoni (1909 K Street NW) has appeared on more than one list of America's best restaurants. Asian/Venetian fusion food is served between walls covered with commedia dell'arte scenes. It's a quick walk from the K Street law offices, so attorneys can eat between brokering deals and lobbying (known locally as "educating") members of Congress.
Big-shot D.C. lawyers, congressional types and local sports figures have been regulars at Olive's (1600 K Street NW) since it opened in October 1999. The earth-toned dining room has a clear view of the open kitchen, where chef Steve Mannino prepares meals with a Mediterranean slant. Be sure to try the wood-grilled sea bass over horseradish mashed potatoes, with chilled lobster and fennel salad. If you're thirsty, you can choose from 350 wines.
HOT BARS
Madam's Organ, in Adams-Morgan (2461 18th Street NW), is a simple, old-fashioned take on an all-American bar, with great music, from blues and country to Latin. Named one of America's best bars by both Playboy and The Washington Post, it must be doing something right.
The hottest dance club in the city is Republic Gardens (1355 U Street NW). The place is packed with people who can-get this-actually dance. Consider yourself warned.
HOT TICKETS
The Washington Opera (at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW) has long been among D.C.'s most beloved high-culture draws, and that was before Plácido Domingo signed on as artistic director in 1996. Washington's sexiest and most daring theater company, The Woolly Mammoth, will be in residence at the Kennedy Center through 2003 while it awaits the renovation of a new space.
Locals head to the FBI Building (935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) for the coolest tour in town-a spin through FBI HQ. Highlights include a look at the forensics labs and a firearms demo by a bureau agent. The ghost of J. Edgar Hoover in drag may or may not appear.
HOT SHOPPING
In D.C., high fashion consists of anything other than a blue or gray suit. That said, the most fun, and elegant, place to shop is Georgetown. Among the hippest boutiques are Caché and Giotto for women's clothes and Niccolo for men's.
After you've made your first million, consider moving to G-town. Buy a mansion, settle down and wave to your neighbors, Katharine Graham, C. Boyden Gray and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Then, over Sunday morning coffee in the breakfast nook, wax nostalgic with your lawyer-spouse about your "youthful indiscretions" on U Street.
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published December 08, 2011
By Harrison Barnes, CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search 
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.
- 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.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched—see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
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
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