Junior Associate Lateral from Secondary Market to NYC

[Anonymous User]

I'm a junior IP associate (read: second or third year associate) in a secondary market.

I've been contacted by various headhunters over the past few months who have set me up with screening interviews at top shops in non-NYC primary markets. However, I want to lateral to NYC. I am not admitted to the NY bar as I have only taken and passed my state bar and the USPTO exam.

I've heard that it would be difficult to lateral to NYC witbout already being admitted to the NY bar. At the same time, I have been getting at least screening interviews at other primary markets, and I am not admitted in any of those states.

Even after researching the lateral process, I am largely unfamiliar with the lateral process especially for IP attorneys. A few questions for anybody who can shed light:

1. Is lateraling to NYC from a secondary market harder than lateraling to SF, DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc.?

2. Would lateraling for an IP litigation or transactional position be more difficult to obtain than a prosecution position?

3. What are the chances of lateraling to the NYC market for someone with my background without already being admitted to the NY bar?

My background:

T25, right outside top 1/3
Secondary journal
Engineering background
Solid experience in hot niche field
Experience in both procurement and litigation
Strong ties to NYC

Thanks in advance.