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
Assistant General Counsel Los Angeles California United States
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive attorney with a background in finance, lending, or litigation related to the same to join our legal team. This role will have a specific emphasis on structuring and drafting financing contracts with cust...
Law firms use titles to show a lawyer’s role. Titles can also show a lawyer’s level.
However, titles can vary from firm to firm. Therefore, lawyers should learn what each title means before taking a new job.
The usual law firm hierarchy starts with law clerks and summer associates. Lawyers can then become junior, midlevel, or senior associates.
Next, some lawyers move to counsel roles. Others become partners or firm leaders.
Associate Roles Build Legal Skills
Associates take on more work as they gain experience.
Junior associates often handle research and legal writing. They may also help with cases.
Midlevel associates usually take on larger tasks. They may also work more with clients.
Senior associates handle more complex matters. In addition, they may help junior lawyers.
These roles help lawyers gain valuable skills. They can also prepare them for the next step.
Counsel and Partner Titles Differ
Counsel roles can vary from one firm to another. The same applies to of counsel roles.
Some lawyers choose counsel roles to focus on one area of law. Others choose them instead of seeking partnership.
Partner titles can also differ. A non-equity partner may have the partner title without owning part of the firm.
An equity partner usually owns part of the firm. The partner may also receive a share of firm profits.
Therefore, lawyers should ask about pay and ownership. They should also ask about voting rights and promotion.
Lawyers Have More Career Options
The traditional path runs from associate to partner. However, lawyers have other options.
Some firms hire staff attorneys and contract lawyers. Others hire project attorneys for specific work.
Law firms also need business staff. These workers include recruiters, marketers, finance teams, and technology staff.
As a result, legal professionals can choose from many career options.
Why Law Firm Titles Matter
A job title does not always show a lawyer’s daily work.
For example, two lawyers may have the same title. However, their duties may be very different.
Lawyers should look beyond the title when reviewing a job. They should compare pay, client work, ownership, and growth.
Recruiters should do the same. This can help them compare candidates more accurately.
Conclusion
The new BCG Attorney Search guide explains law firm titles, roles, and career paths.
The guide can help law students learn about legal careers. It can also help lawyers compare new job options.
Meanwhile, recruiters can gain a clearer view of legal roles. Ultimately, understanding these titles can help legal professionals make better career choices.
