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Third Year Law Student J. Drew Knapic Plans to Practice Criminal, Animal, or Health Law in Massachusetts

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published December 22, 2014

By CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search left

Third Year Law Student J. Drew Knapic
Personal Life

J. Drew Knapic is a third year law student at Massachusetts School of Law and anticipates a December 2014 graduation. Drew has had an extremely diverse employment background. He has worked as a personal trainer, emergency response, dog trainer, and in police departments. He plans to practice law in any field that incorporates his prior experiences.

Drew spent the majority of his younger years with his mother, twin sister, and grandmother. He shares his life with his mother, stepfather, and twin sister. Although his parents live mainly in Florida and his sister is married with a new baby, he strives to stay in close contact with them.

Drew received his Bachelors of Criminal Justice in 2010 and his Masters of Criminal Justice in 2011 from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He graduated magna cum laude in both degrees and is an ongoing member of the Worchester County Reserve Deputy Sherriff's Association and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Holden, MA. In addition, he has interned with Worchester Police Department, Lowell Superior Court, and Lowell District Court.

Mr. Knapic has been an executive member of the Student Bar Association (SBA) for the past two and a half years and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association. He has moot court experience in motions preparations and arguments with different classes, as well as trial advocacy including both pretrial and post-trial arguments. Drew is a past member of Kaplan Bar Review for MPRE and past exams and a member of the Barbri Bar Review and will attend a class for bar preparation.

When asked about his hobbies and personal interests, he said, "I have worked as a personal trainer for several years and I am an avid fitness enthusiast. In the beginning my interests were focused mostly around improving my top sports, football and golf. It has become a hobby where I compete in different obstacles or competitions to continuously improve myself both physically and mentally."

Drew's Academic Law Career and Future Aspirations

Why did Drew decide pursue a legal career? "I have always been interested in the law and how the entire legal system functions. I initially went to college for criminal justice in hopes of becoming a police officer. That quickly escalated to a state police trooper, and then to the desire to become a federal agent. With all of my studying centered on the American legal system, I became more interested in the laws themselves as opposed to enforcing them. Additionally, my parents were divorced when I was rather young and the divorce process was interesting in its own way. It has been several years that I have wanted to become a prominent and influential member of the legal system. The most effective means to achieve this goal is to become an attorney."

He discussed his aims and aspirations. "I strive to make a difference in as many people's lives as possible. I am not as motivated by money as many others entering the legal field. Helping people and becoming a successful and meaningful figure in society is my main aspiration."

Drew also discussed his key strengths and skills that he would like to use to advance his career goals. "I am an extremely friendly person that is excellent at communicating with people of all education and professional backgrounds. In addition, organization has always been one of my strongest suits. I am a very determined individual who will never back down from a problem, regardless of its size or severity."

What are his key accomplishments? "I did not have the easiest childhood. I have had to overcome numerous obstacles and I am fervent of my ability to graduate with two degrees and am nearly finished with my third. I believe that my success can help many younger people who are living through different difficulties to see that with a positive outlook and pure determination you can truly overcome anything."

Family Matters, Travel, and Activities

What makes Drew stand out from his peers?
"I can almost guarantee that none of my peers have overcome the amount of trials and illness in my childhood to become successful. I am an extremely giving person and have not only worked to help pay for school, but have worked an equal number of hours as volunteering for the local fire department and as a service dog trainer. Everyone who when to school with me has seen me bring service dogs into class for training and socialization on numerous occasions."
Has Drew faced any obstacles in his life?
"I was lucky that the roughest years of my life were when I was young. Although this has changed my perspective because it made every other obstacle pale in comparison. My parents were getting divorced and had been fighting over custody of my sister and I, which is somewhat traumatizing for a ten year old. It was at that point that I was diagnosed with bone cancer in my spine. The treatment included several intricate surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. There were unforeseen circumstances with every aspect of the treatment and I ended up sicker that any other patient receiving treatment. I had severe side effects that had never been seen, the worst was seven weeks in a coma during the summer of 2000. Halfway through treatment my father passed away without ever finalizing the divorce with my mother. I was able to attend his wake, but was too sick to leave the hospital for his funeral and was not allowed to attend. Through all of this I learned that the best way to look at life is that everything happens for a reason. As long as you keep a positive outlook on your life then nothing can really keep you down. I have since conquered the cancer and have been in remission for 15 years."
What are his most influential traveling experiences?
"I have been fortunate enough to travel to several different states and countries throughout my lifetime. The majority of the trips have been family vacations. Many of those were spent with relatives who are no longer with us. I will always remember the happy memories and fun times we all had together. Other trips were with my immediate family. These experiences were eye opening because I was able to see different countries and discover how various cultures function. My favorite trip was the Make-A-Wish cruise that I took with my family to Hawai'i. We did all kinds of outstanding excursions and my room was filled with treats and decorations every night when we returned."
What achievements would Drew like to share with our readers? "The one thing I am most proud of accomplishing in my life is surviving cancer. I have been a motivational speaker at various events centered on childhood cancer treatment and survivors. Helping people has always been something that I enjoy doing. Hopefully, once I have completed law school and my bar exam, I will be able to make an even larger influence as a more influential member of society."

What is his view on confidence? "Confidence is one of the biggest building blocks of life. If you are not confident in what you are doing then why would you bother doing it? The bottom line is that if you are working on something important and you are not confident in your abilities then your boss is going to replace you with someone who is able to more confidently perform those tasks."

Drew's favorite quote comes from his father:"Winners never quit and quitters never win." He also has a tattoo that says "AutViamInveniamAutFaciam" which is Latin for "I will find a way or I will make one."

Looking for a law clerk job as a law student? Click here to access law clerk openings on LawCrossing.

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.

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

About LawCrossing

LawCrossing has received tens of thousands of attorneys jobs and has been the leading legal job board in the United States for almost two decades. LawCrossing helps attorneys dramatically improve their careers by locating every legal job opening in the market. Unlike other job sites, LawCrossing consolidates every job in the legal market and posts jobs regardless of whether or not an employer is paying. LawCrossing takes your legal career seriously and understands the legal profession. For more information, please visit www.LawCrossing.com.
Gain an advantage in your legal job search. LawCrossing uncovers hidden positions that firms post on their own websites and industry-specific job boards—jobs that never appear on Indeed or LinkedIn. Don't miss out. Sign up now!

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