Lateral Question re: GDC Forum

[Anonymous User]

I am currently doing a DC clerkship on the east coast and am set to go to a Gibson Dunn satellite office when I'm done. I'm curious how difficult it will be to lateral to another big law firm in the DC area as a third year associate. I know that my post is pretty ambiguous, but I'd prefer to err on the side of anonymity.

[desertlaw]

So you're doing Clerkship during 4L, then starting at GDC in satellite (Denver/Orange County/Chicago), and then want to go back to DC? Why not skip the GDC part and go straight to DC? Or why not consider doing Gibson in DC?

Another firm might wonder why you leave GDC so quickly, but perhaps if you had a good reason (spouse, family, etc), then maybe not. There seems to be demand on experienced 3-5th years right now, so if that is still the case when you want to move, that's in your favor. Culture/personality fit is hard for laterals though.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks. I am definitely considering going to DC straight out of the clerkship, and it seems like that is the best bet. My only concern is that I will be reneging on my offer, but I can't imagine that I will burn any bridges / offend anyone if I decide to head elsewhere. Thoughts?

[Anonymous User]

Have you asked them to extend you your offer in the DC office? I know they do this with summers who want to switch offices, but am not sure about associates (especially ones coming straight from a clerkship). If you do that and they say no, it's easy to shop around without burning a bridge. If they say yes, problem solved.