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Not sure if anyone would have any insight on this, but thought I'd try.

Do secondary market firms (with less than NYC rates) pay laterals differently than those associates that started at the firm? That is, do they deviate from their lockstep when giving offers to laterals from higher paying markets?

A "true" lateral - someone with a lot of experience and a book of clients they are bringing with him/her to the new firm - is probably not going to be paid the same as a first year associate. As for laterals with 2-3 years experience and no real client base MIGHT get paid the same as a first year associate, but it depends on the firm. Firms really do give a lot of thought to salaries (at least the one where I work seems to!)

No, not if it's a lockstep firm in a secondary market. You'll join your class at the lockstep rate.