General Counsel
Consulting
provided
exceptional
service in helping
my organization
recruit for a hard
to fill position.
They did extensive
work on the front
end to understand
our needs and
our culture and
began referring
highly qualified
candidates almost
immediately.
Melinda Burrows
Deputy General Counsel
- Litigation and
Compliance, Progress
Energy Service Company
LLC
Articles By Harrison Barnes From BCG Attorney Search
Senior intellectual property attorneys face a unique challenge in job interviews. Their legal skills may already be well known. However, law firms also want to see what more a senior lawyer can offer.
A new guide from BCG Attorney Search explains how senior IP attorneys should interview. It also offers tips for preparing for law firm opportunities. The guide covers business growth, client ties, firm fit, and career goals.
For senior IP attorneys, an interview is about more than legal knowledge.
Law firms want to know if a candidate can bring in clients. They may also want to see how the attorney can grow current client ties.
Therefore, candidates should explain how their skills can help the firm grow. They should also learn about the firm’s current IP work before the interview.
Show the Value You Can Bring
Senior attorneys should prepare a clear list of ways they can help a new firm.
For example, they can review their current clients and business contacts. They can also consider past clients and referral sources.
Candidates should look for ways to create new IP work. They can also explain how they could work with other firm teams.
For example, an IP attorney may work with litigation, corporate, or technology lawyers. This can help show the firm how the candidate could add value.
Treat the Interview Like a Business Meeting
Senior IP attorneys can approach an interview like a client meeting.
First, they should listen to what the firm needs. Then, they can explain how their skills may help.
Answers should be clear and direct. Long answers can make it harder for an interviewer to see the main point.
Meanwhile, good questions can help candidates learn more about the firm. They can ask about clients, IP work, team support, and growth plans.
Check the Firm’s IP Opportunities
Candidates should also study the opportunity from their own point of view.
They should ask where new work will come from. They should also learn whether the firm has clients that need IP services.
In addition, candidates can ask about internal referrals and support staff. These details can affect how quickly an attorney can build a practice.
A strong title or high salary may not be enough. A firm should also offer a good path for long-term growth.
Avoid Common Interview Mistakes
Senior IP attorneys should not make salary the main topic during an early interview. Instead, they should first show their value and learn whether the firm is a good fit.
Candidates should also avoid speaking poorly about their current firm.
Instead, they can explain that they want new growth or more client opportunities. They can also discuss a desire to build a stronger IP practice.
Key Takeaways for Senior IP Attorneys
The BCG Attorney Search guide makes one point clear. Experience alone may not win a senior legal job.
Strong candidates must show more than legal skill. They should also show good judgment, clear communication, and business skills.
For attorneys planning a lateral move, preparation can make a major difference. A clear message about their value can help turn years of experience into a strong reason for a firm to hire them.
