Achill Consulting

Personal Life

Brian J. Rooney owns and runs Achill Consulting, a legal search firm based in Seattle, Washington. Achill Consulting specializes in lawyers from all areas of practice and primarily focuses on making permanent placements in Seattle. They have also made national and international placements in Denver; Salt Lake City; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Austin; Anchorage; Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Shanghai and many other locations. Brian established Achill Consulting on the foundation of integrity, dedication, and professionalism. His legal search strategies reward a candidate's experience as well as strengths, yielding superior placements for superior professionals.


Prior to founding his company in 2001, Brian served as a technical recruiter for Management Associates in Santa Clara in 1993. In 1995, he left MA and went to work with Systems Partners, a company that specializes in recruiting IT consultants. In 1998, Brian was recruited to a firm that focused on on-site recruiting for major corporations. Eventually, he began the life of a contract recruiter. Brian then landed a position with Cisco Systems, but found himself out of a contract in early 2001 with the economic slowdown. The legal recruiter recalled:

"It became quite clear rather quickly that contract work was drying up. With a young family, I needed to do something. My father had been a legal recruiter for many years and so I decided to try my hand at that. I began work out of our spare bedroom and within a month I had made my first legal placement. I was hooked. I always knew I wanted to own my own business, but was unsure how I would get there. I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. Being let go from Cisco, though initially scary, provided me with a great personal development tool."

Brian was born in Oakland, CA, and raised in Texas and Seattle, WA. He graduated from Eastside Catholic High School. Brian earned his B.A. in Religious Studies and minored in German while attending Santa Clara University. He has been marred to his wife, Lenore, for fifteen years. They have two wonderful boys, Connor and Max.

When asked about his favorite sports teams, Brian replied:

"I am a diehard Notre Dame football fan as well as a Seattle Mariners baseball fan. I used to play golf for relaxation, but found I wasn't relaxing very much and time became more limited as our boys got older. I love the game of baseball and about four years ago a friend recommended that I look at umpiring as a way to get more involved. For the past three seasons, I have been a member of the Northwest Baseball Umpire's Association (NBUA). We umpire games at the high school level and above. This past season, I worked 84 games."

He also enjoys strategic planning, organizational development, reading, and long walks on the beach. Brian is currently reading John Grisham's The Associate.

Brian's Successful Career Path and Tips for Legal Recruiters

Does Brian have a top memory from school? He stated:

"There are so many great memories from my time at SCU. I was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity and served as the Vice President. Academically, my senior thesis was one of my greatest (and most difficult) accomplishments. I translated the work of Karl Peterson, a German theologian of the mid 20th century, and applied it to the Church of today."

What does it take to become a successful legal recruiter? Brian asserted:

"I believe it takes incredible integrity, resiliency and initiative. I tell myself every morning that the phone isn't going to make itself ring. It is up to me to generate the energy. One must be tenacious in all respects. I have a sign in my office that reads 'Never Give Up.' It serves as a daily reminder. In the twenty years I have been a recruiter, my integrity has never brought into question. I apply the golden rule to this business and have been justly rewarded. I treat all those that I come into contact as I would want to be treated."

Did Brian transition into working as a recruiter or was he always involved in the field? "No. My first job out of school was working as a recruiter for a Silicon Valley based recruiting firm. We focused our efforts on identifying software and hardware engineers for companies in Silicon Valley."

Why did the recruiter enter the industry? "At first, it was because I needed a job and was thankful for anyone that would take a chance on me. Why have I stayed in it? Because I love making a difference. There is no other profession where you can bring two sides together while going through every human emotion possible."

What motivated Brian to work as a recruiter? "It was the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. I love the fact that I can get on the phone, develop a rapport with a potential candidate, find his/her pushes and pulls and take them through the process. It really is a very rewarding profession."

Brian discussed what he is known for professionally. "I believe that if you asked either my clients or candidates, they will tell you my integrity. Again, the Golden Rule applies."

He also discussed his strengths as a recruiter. "I love working with people. I think that anyone who is successful in this business needs to love working with people. Understanding what it is that motivates them. Talking and more importantly listening. I really do listen to everything that they have to say."

So what is Brian's advice to new recruiters? "Read. I am a strong proponent of self-development. Reading is an excellent tool. Also, find a mentor."

Considering his twenty years of experience in the recruiting industry, many readers may want to know where Brian sees the legal field in the next five years. "I believe that firms will still be looking for good quality candidates, and I will provide them."

What does Brian look for to find the right fit? What makes a great candidate? "I don't know if there is ever a 'perfect' fit. I search for individuals who are content with their current roles, but are open to an opportunity that will improve them either professionally or personally."

In regards to what makes a great candidate, he also noted, "Someone who is content in their current role, but is open to the opportunity of improvement."

Does Brian have a recipe for a perfect match? The candid recruiter claimed, "As soon as I develop the recipe, I will let you know."

How does the businessman process fear? "Taking it on. I have learned over the years that FDR was right in his first inaugural address, the only fear we have to fear is fear itself. When I hesitate or am fearful, I remind myself to not stand in my way. We never know what might be on the other side."

How does Brian tackle obstacles? "I take them head on. If you don't they are only going to loom larger."

Has the recruiter learned something of value from his mistakes? "Yes, absolutely. Unfortunately, in this business, each mistake can be an expensive one."

Where does Brian derive his confidence? "That's a great question. My confidence comes from my past achievements. I set goals for myself and work toward achieving them."

Brian's Mentor, Facing Obstacles, Most Inspiring Influence, and His Passions

Does Brian have a mentor? "My mentor in this business is my father, John Rooney. It has been a great experience to bounce things off of him in this business. He has seen it all and will share with me his thoughts. It is unique in that we have taken the father/son relationship to a business relationship."

When asked if he has faced any obstacles, Brian acknowledged:

"Our second son, Max was born nine years ago with multiple complications. We were unsure of what lay ahead, but through faith and prayer we were able to begin the process. About six months after his birth, the doctors found a tumor at the base of my wife's brain. Thankfully, it was benign, but again, it was a time that I look back on and know that without my faith in God and the support of my family and friends, I am not sure if I could have gotten through it. Those two experiences put what was most important to me in perspective."

Who has the most inspiring influence upon him? "Professionally and personally, my father. He has been a steady influence my entire life and I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with him in this business as well."

Is Brian passionate about any causes? "I am passionate about working with children who have special needs and their parents. I have passed this on to my two boys and am very proud of their involvement in this area."

Non Profit Organizations, Motivation, A Rewarding Position, Favorite Quote and Brian's Goals

Does Brian work with any non-profit organizations? He replied:

"I am a proud member (and past President) of the Rotary Club of Issaquah, WA.I am a member of the Sammamish Little League Board as well as a baseball coach for both of my boys' teams. I am a member of St. Monica Parish on Mercer Island, WA. There, I serve as the CYO basketball administrator. I am also the coach of my son's 8th grade basketball team."

What motivates him to be a recruiter every day? "My family. I look at them each and every morning and know that they are counting on me to do my best and provide for them."

Does Brian find his position rewarding? "Absolutely. I am making a difference in people's lives. I enjoy my occupation. It was Scott Love who said it is the best personal development tools disguised as a job. I couldn't agree more."

Does the recruiter have a favorite quote? "On Jackie Robinson's tombstone it reads: 'A life isn't important except for the impact it has on others.' In my estimation, that says it all."

What are Brian's goals? "My professional goal is to make a legal placement in every state in the country. My steps in achieving those goals is to work hard every day and focus. It can happen. Personally, stay true to myself and my faith. Raise two boys into productive young men and love my wife."

What to Expect When Working with Brian

In September 2005, a technology transactions associate who works at an AM Law 100 firm revealed:

"Taking Brian Rooney's call is one of the best career decisions I've ever made. Brian got to know me, found the ideal job for me, and then helped me land the position. He is professional, trustworthy, and treats his clients with the long-term view. Brian distinguished himself from other recruiters as it became apparent to me that he cared about helping me and my family - not just about making a quick buck. He is well-connected and experienced, and to this day is someone I consider a friend and a trusted advisor. I wholeheartedly recommend Brian without any reservation."

In May 2009, a litigation associate who joined Top Tier Pacific Northwest Firm's Anchorage office disclosed:

"I had the pleasure of working with Brian in obtaining a position at a top Pacific-Northwest law firm. Brian worked closely with me - not to make me marketable to law firms, but to make sure my talents and interests would fit in well with the firm's goals and people. I appreciated this emphasis on getting the perfect fit between candidate and position, rather than just trying to sell a resume."

In 2010, a life sciences patent attorney stated:

"I still vividly remember that sunny day Brian first called me about a position opening. It was the day after my baby girl was born and I was not in the mood for a career change. However, Brian is a great counselor with a personal touch. After chatting with him several times, more about his sons' baseball practice than anything else that I can recall, I decided to give it a try and finally made the move. More than a year later, the least I can say is: Brian, thanks for that call and you are the best!"