Video Interviews — Capture Your Flag

James McCormick

James McCormick is a New York City-based legal career advisor and Partner at Empire Search Partners. Previously, McCormick practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for both Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He holds a JD from Tulane University Law School and a BA in History from the University of Michigan.

All Video Interviews

James McCormick on How Family Can Support Your Career and Life Decisions

In Chapter 1 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "Where Has Your Family Been Most Supportive in Your Career Development?" McCormick notes that his parents have provided consistent support and it has always been about helping him find something that engages and challenges him and helping him make sure he has thought through the decision before making it. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on How Summer Camp Can Teach Responsibility

In Chapter 2 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "What Childhood Experiences Have Been Most Fundamental in Shaping Who You Are Today?" For McCormick, it was about growing up in a very steady and stable family environment. He shares how going away to Sanborne western boys and girls summer camp in Colorado taught him responsibility while opening his eyes to the world of the mountains and great outdoors. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan.

James McCormick on Learning Work Ethic From Two Inspirational Grandfathers

In Chapter 3 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "Where Did You Learn Your Work Ethic?" McCormick learns his work ethic from both of his grandfathers. The first starts a small business making automotive parts and teaches his grandson the benefits of being engaged in your work. The other teaches James the importance of studying and how concentration in schoolwork can lead to positive attention at home. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on Making Better Decisions By Slowing Yourself Down

In Chapter 4 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "What Role Has Reflection Played in Shaping Your Personal Growth?" A self-confessed Type A personality, McCormick finds it hard to stop moving nonstop. Over time, he learns to regularly set aside quiet time. This helps him slow down and be more measured in the decisions he makes and actions he takes. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on Lessons Learned in Year 3 of Parenthood

In Chapter 5 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "How is Your Parenting Approach Evolving as Your Child Transitions from Infant to Toddler?" McCormick shares how his very active two-year old son Jack teaches him the importance of playing good defense at home and out and about. He finds that no matter how much he reads on being a good parent and raising a two-year old, it ultimately comes down to what he and his wife decide is best for their son Jack. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on Why There is No One Right Way to Live Your Life

In Chapter 6 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "How Are Your Personal Experiences Shaping Your Professional Aspirations?" McCormick shares what he has learned in his 20s and 30s, namely that there is no one right script to follow to life a full life. Moving from Detroit to Ann Arbor to San Francisco to New Orleans to New York City, getting married, becoming a father, and building a law career all teach him the importance of improvisation and flexibility. He channels what life has taught him into his work as an executive recruiter by learning to listen and treat every person he works with as an individual. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan.

James McCormick on Learning Business in First Job Out of College

In Chapter 7 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "What Did You Learn in Your First Job Out of College That is Still Relevant Today?" Working for an event marketing company providing contract services to the Chrysler Corporation, McCormick learns the importance of being adaptable and flexible working across cultures and geographies. He finds what works at one local dealership does not always guarantee it will work at another location. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan.

James McCormick on Setting Career Goals as a Small Business Owner

In Chapter 8 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "How Are Your Aspirations Changing As Your Responsibilities Grow?" McCormick notes how becoming a partner and having an ownership stake in a small business has shifted his aspirations away from personal ambition and more to the ambition of the company. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan.

James McCormick on Managing Job Pressures in a Recruiting Career

In Chapter 9 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "What Does It Mean to Perform Under Pressure in the Work That You Do?" McCormick notes the high stakes that come with helping his professional clients make job changes. He learns to manage the pressure in his work by being calm and consistent and aware of his emotions. As his work also involves competing against other firms to fill jobs for hiring clients, performing comes down to reliability to make the right match. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on How Human Capital Strategy Drives Growth

In Chapter 10 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "What Problems Are You Trying to Solve to Grow Your Business?" Running a client services business, McCormick notes human capital strategy is a top priority for his organization. The better the talent, the more opportunity there is to build the business locally and expand into new geographic markets. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan.

James McCormick on Learning Teaching Skills by Raising a Child

In Chapter 11 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "How Are You Becoming a Better Teacher?" Raising a 2-year old son, McCormick learns the importance of patience as it pertains to teaching and instructing. By creating calm situations he is able to understand all parties involved and provide better instruction as a teacher. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan.

James McCormick on Growing Small Business Client Relationships

In Chapter 12 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "How Are Progressively Longer-Term Relationships Changing How You Do Business?" McCormick notes the importance of balancing his small business sales goals between serving existing clients and new business development. Growing the business by opening offices in new cities helps his small business serve its existing clients. As the company grows, McCormick and his teammates make it a point to introduce new hires to existing and new clients. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on How to Build Cross-Functional Knowledge at Work

In Chapter 13 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "How Have You Learned to Work More Effectively Across Different Disciplines?"  Experience provides McCormick cross-functional learning experiences he then can apply in serving clients and training new employees. He learns from his father that often the only way to build institutional knowledge is to embrace the continuous learning experience that creates it in a career. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on Gaining Small Business Operating Experience

In Chapter 14 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "How Are Your Responsibilities Changing As Your Career Evolves?" In his second year as partner in a growing small business, McCormick finds he is getting a better handle on the responsibilities that come with managing business operations. He contrasts the added responsibilities as a small business owner with the incremental advancement in compensation and responsibility working as a lawyer in large law firms. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on How to Get Better By Being Less Judgmental

In Chapter 15 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "What Skills Are You Working on Right Now to Become Better at Your Job?" As a facilitator connecting job candidates to hiring managers, McCormick learns how to be less judgmental and keep his personal feelings out of the job search process. He realizes the hiring decision is up to his candidates and clients and that understanding the views of others from their perspective helps him serve his clients better. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan.

James McCormick on How to Be More Confident Doing Your Job

In Chapter 16 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "What Role Does Confidence Play in the Work That You Do?" In his executive recruiting work placing law professionals, McCormick shares where and when confidence is most important. This involves understanding what you know and what you do not know when helping clients or candidates find or fill jobs. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on Implementing an Employee Development Plan

In Chapter 17 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "What Procedures and Processes Are You Putting in Place to Manage Company Growth?" The first non-founding partner, McCormick and the founding partners establish processes and procedures to roles and employee development practices to help the company grow. In this regard, structure serves a key strategic role for the future of the business. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan. 

James McCormick on Making the Employee to Employer Transition

In Chapter 18 of 21 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, legal search and consulting firm executive James McCormick answers "How Are You Learning to Better Manage and Motivate Teams?" As a young partner at his growing firm, he shares the importance of being patient and being conscious of what motivates others as he makes the transition from employee to employer. He learns on the go from more senior partners and the feedback they provide him. James McCormick is a Partner at Empire Search Partners in New York City. Previously, he practiced law as an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney for Proskauer Rose and Jones Day. He earned a JD at Tulane Law School and a BA in History at the University of Michigan.