In contrast to many other industry sectors, tech companies, especially those related with information technology show no signs of stopping or slowing down. The recent overwhelming response to Facebook’s IPO is an indicator, and the need of lawyers in such companies is amply proved by the multitude of litigations between tech giants. While every tech company requires lawyers in traditional roles, as required by other businesses, the principal focus is on internationalizations, Intellectual property law, drafting of terms of service, contracts, patent acquisition, patent filing, copyright protection, copyright litigation and others on top of compliance requirements of SEC and other bodies.
In tech companies day-to-day work of lawyers involve protection of brands and patents. Scrutiny and drafting of every bit of published material ranging from Terms of Service to advertisements is expected of in-house lawyers. In-house lawyers in tech companies also need to interact with external law firms for litigation purposes generally involving IP law or contracts.
Common designations of in-house lawyers at tech companies include IP-Litigation Attorney, Licensing & Technology Transactions Attorney, Technology Transaction Attorney, Patent Attorney, Regulatory/Compliance Attorney etcetera. According to the nature of their businesses, most technology companies also need in-house lawyers in the positions of Export Compliance Attorney, Corporate & Securities Attorney and positions dealing with regulations and requirements of regular business functions. All or most of these positions are also available from beginner to senior levels, and it is often to find in-house lawyers at tech companies in positions overseeing IP Strategy and Transactions.
The recent trend in the legal market shows that IP litigation and IP related work is booming in comparison to other legal fields. There are in-house lawyer openings in tech companies for Patent Prosecution Attorneys on a regular basis as well as for in-house lawyers who specialize in mergers and acquisitions. Of course, technology companies still need help in finance and compliance so, positions as Finance & Securities Attorneys or Health Care, Regulatory & Compliance Attorneys are also available.
In-house lawyers in tech companies are especially focused on patent law and positions ranging from Patent Associates through Patent Licensing Attorney to Senior IP Counsel are encountered on an everyday basis in tech companies.
Usually, in-house positions in big companies require additional technical degrees on top of legal specializations in patent law.
Usually a B.S. or higher in a specific stream of academic or industrial discipline is a must. Most openings are in Fortune 500 companies, so pay and environment is quite acceptable.
Ideally, in-house lawyers in tech companies are required to have a good technical background, and expected to be registered with the USPTO and possessing experience in complex transactions over technology. Usual transactions, besides conventional litigation includes licensing, joint-development, patent portfolio acquisitions and so on and so forth. In-house lawyers in tech companies are expected to be not only conversant with the latest technology and gadgets, but also have a fondness for technical things.
According to the nature of the tech company the area of additional expertise in in-house lawyer positions is defined. A Pharma company developing new bio-technologies would need a lawyer conversant with biotechnology or medical devices, whereas a computer company that deals with knowledge and services in information technology may need lawyers who are aware of different international laws, censorship and IP laws of different countries and processes through which international disputes may be resolved or claims filed.
Regardless of the label of the designation, an in-house lawyer in a tech company is expected to have a solid foundation in prosecution/litigation and should know how to provide strategic counseling. In-house lawyers at tech companies are also required to be extremely good writers who can draft TOS that can be understood by lay persons, and are also sufficient to safeguard the rights of the company.
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published May 21, 2012
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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