When considering a geographic relocation as a BigLaw associate, the considerations differ based on whether you are a junior associate, midlevel associate, or a more senior associate In this article, I identify some considerations and factors to consider when you are looking to relocate as a BigLaw associate as 3rd year, 4th year or 5th year associate. This information is specific to attorneys seeking to remain in a BigLaw environment.
Has your practice experience remained consistent since you started at your firm, or did you rotate through practice areas in your first (and possibly second) year(s)? Some associates, especially at New York City firms can spend the summer and their first or second years rotating through some of the practices at their firm. If this has been the case, it is best not to hide this fact. Be clear about the areas where you have experience and also reflect this in any matter list or deal sheet. This may also impact the types of lateral associate positions you consider. For some openings, you may be better positioned than an associate with continuous experience in one specific practice area; it may mean you are well-suited to more general practice openings at a new firm. On the other hand, if your experience in one practice area has been consistent from the start, it's best to focus on openings in your new target region aligned with that experience. To that end, you will want to consider a detailed matter list or deal sheet that really highlights the depth of your relevant experience.
Do you have a transferrable UBE bar exam score OR will you need to take a new bar exam to be admitted in your target location? Your bar exam score transferability is something to identify early with your recruiter; it has a big impact on your search. (The National Conference of Bar Examiners has this information in one place.) If your situation allows for transferring your bar exam score to your target location, indicate this on your resume. If not, consider your willingness to take a new bar exam. Depending on your practice and type of search, it may make sense to take that bar exam before you start your relocation search.
Have you worked on many deals and matters OR has your experience been confined to a handful of projects? Again, the level of your experience as a 3rd/4th/5th year associate has a big impact on both your materials and type of search. Certain associates (often finance or funds associates) will have completed a lot of projects in just a couple of years as a junior associate. If this is the case, work with a recruiter to clearly showcase this experience in your materials; this is when a matter or deal list is most useful.. On the other hand, if you worked on only a few matters, ensure that your resume clearly but succinctly demonstrates the breadth of skills and responsibilities you have developed. Also, work with your recruiter to create a list of firms that align with your level and type of responsibility.
Are you clear about your reasons for thegeographic move? Before considering a geographic relocation as a 3rd/4th/5th year associate, you need to think through all of the specific personal and professional reasons why you want to move. Make it clear to target firms that you don't intend to leave your current firm after just a few years because BigLaw isn't right for you. Identify what attracts you to the new location and the new firm rather than what is pushing you away.
What are your long-term career goals as it relates to this geographic relocation? Maybe you want to move to a new firm and work towards partnership? Maybe you want to use the new firm as a platform for going in-house or a non-BigLaw job opportunity? Identifying your goals will help your recruiter find suitable firms in the new location. As a 3rd/4th/5th year associate, you are still at the start of your legal career and have a lot of paths still open to you. However, the more you know about which paths you want to keep open, the more you can be strategic about your move.
Geographic relocation in BigLaw happens all the time. And moving as 3rd, 4th or 5th year associate is also very common. But you also want to make the move very thoughtfully.