Although markedly different in function, all of the areas covered in this section have one thing in common - they seek a positive outreach and impact by the company upon the public and government.
Many areas of corporate activity are closely related to meeting the requirements of various laws and the regulations issued by various governmental departments and agencies. In the government relations area, however, the industry seeks to bring its influence to bear upon pending legislation. It does so in several different ways.
The first step is an analysis of all pending legislation, whether federal, state or local, for its possible impact on the company's operation. When it is determined that the legislation under consideration would relate to the company's interests, the position of the company must then be defined. This is done in consultation with officials of the company, interested departments and, in many instances, with trade association boards and committees. The position taken may be for or against the proposed legislation, or may simply be concerned with recommending changes or amendments.
The third step is presenting the company's view to the appropriate government officials. This may involve formal written or verbal statements, or simply informal discussions. The latter meetings are facilitated by maintaining a cordial relationship with government officials most likely to be concerned with the matters under consideration. Development of these relationships is a major responsibility of the government relations personnel, but they also cooperate with other departments having direct relationships with specific agencies, as, for example, might be the case with the employee relations group and the office of the EEOC.
When pending legislation is of industry-wide concern, the company's views may be coordinated through professional or trade associations. In fact, trade associations offer employment opportunities for those interested in government relations because they frequently represent companies which are not sufficiently large to maintain an internal government relations staff.
From time to time, matters may develop that go far beyond specific company or industry concerns, and the need arises to develop public opinion for or against proposed legislation and/or regulation. One such example is the recent concern with energy-related legislation. In addition to coordinating the activities of various company departments that may be involved with the issue, there will also be efforts to coordinate with the work being done by industry, consumer groups and others who may have interests in the matter.
In the consumer affairs area, individuals are working to assure that consumer complaints and information requests are promptly and fairly handled and that the buyer has accurate and useful product and warranty information. In addition, consumer affairs persons may also provide guidance and advice in terms of product safety and in doing so will undoubtedly be working with a broad segment of the company's programs ranging from its contacts with vendors to engineering administration. Close coordination with the legal department is essential in handling inquiries from concerned organizations and government agencies and in an exchange of information that will assure a thorough understanding of the legal impact of government policy affecting product safety and consumer affairs.
The environmental concerns of some companies, aside from regulatory compliance, have led to the development of activities relating the company's position to concerned individuals and organizations. In general, the activities in this area will be similar to those pursued in consumer affairs and product safety.
Upon occasion, all of these activities may be grouped under a single designation such as public relations or public affairs. In others, the public relations function will primarily relate to providing information concerning the company, its products, its officers and its plans and programs to the business community and those individuals specifically interested in the company's business.
Creating and projecting a company's image and position in response to the broad interests and concerns of the American public and its government is a day-to-day concern of business organizations and is involving increasing numbers of persons in these activities. More and more legally trained persons are finding that their particular skills can make a substantial contribution to these efforts.
Lawyers planning to switch to any of these areas can check out these resources:
For government jobs - https://www.governmentcrossing.com/
For public interest jobs - https://www.publicinterestcrossing.com/
For public relations jobs - https://www.prcrossing.com/
Most law firms avoid posting jobs on Indeed or LinkedIn due to high costs. Instead, they publish them on their own websites, bar association pages, and niche legal boards. LawCrossing finds these hidden jobs, giving you access to exclusive opportunities. Sign up now!
published December 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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