Moving from BigLaw to Mid/Small City Forum

[meatball122]

Hello

I used the search function but the vast majority of info out there is big law (this is TLS.com afterall).

If one were to go to a mid T-14 schools (NU, mich, va, etc), work for 2-3 years in big law in NYC or Chicago, what would the transition be like to a smaller market like Rochester, Des Moines, Albany, Pittsburgh, Etc? I don't know much about law markets, so I'm not sure which cities are which size markets, but I think you all get the idea.

Basically, I'm engaged and the future Mrs Meatball would prefer to live in a place like the ones mentioned above. I'm actually in the same boat, since being a small fish an enormous pond isn't appealing. Even without that factor, I am very willing to make sacrifices for the beautiful future Mrs Meatball.

To be a bit more specific:
-Would you transfer in as a 3rd year associate at the same pay scale as someone from Univ of Iowa, Penn State, etc?
-Would you be better positioned than your peers for career development?
-Obviously there will be a pay cut, but to what extent? How much would the average 5 year attorney in Des Moines be making, ballpark? Think the cost of living will account for a good chunk of the pay decrease (eg, 30% salary decrease but 40% CoL decrease)?
-If one can demonstrate ties to the region (wife's family or job, for example), would job prospects be improved?

I'm a 0L putting together apps to T20 schools (but focusing on T-10). Still learning the employment side of the house, so please forgive any ignorance.

I intend to contact attorneys in those and similar markets with the sane question.

Any thoughts or advice?

[meatball122]

Shameless bump...

[meatball122]

Really? No one has any idea?