How an Email Changed the Course of My Life

Not all unknown emails are junk, and I realized this on a summer afternoon when I received a mail from Harrison Barnes, the founder of BCG Attorney Search. The subject line of the mail caught my attention, since I was desperately seeking a job. My ex-employer (cannot name due to obvious reasons) did not appreciate my credentials or my expertise as a corporate attorney. Forgive me if I say this, but he was a racist.

Coming to my credentials, I’m a UCLA graduate with a 3.65 GPA. I needed a job where my hard work could be appreciated and I’d receive the respect that I deserve. And the mail from Harrison Barnes claimed just what I wanted: his company placed the best attorneys at best law firms. I replied to Harrison Barnes’ mail, and immediately posted my resume on the BCG Attorney Search website. I received a message saying the recruiting firm was reviewing my resume and considering my candidacy. I was quite confident they’ll select me.

A few days later, I spoke to Dan Binstock, a JD from Washington College of Law, and an extremely proficient recruiter. The best part about our conversation was that he made an honest assessment of my prospects in the current job market. He briefed me about my options. He also briefed me about the history of BCG Attorney Search and how it works. BCG Attorney Search was founded by Harrison Barnes in January 2000 and most of its recruiters received direct training from the CEO.

In two weeks period, I was interviewing at two big law firms, and ended up getting offers from both. To this date, I can never forget the email that changed the course of my life and my career. Since then, Harrison Barnes has become the source of inspiration for me, and I still follow his blog (www.aharrisonbarnes.com) where he offers extremely constructive advice on job search and career success.

Rickie McCullers,
Washington, DC
Corporate Attorney