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Topic says it all. I know the sweet spot to lateral is 3-4 years, but what is the latest someone can lateral and still have a non-nonexistent shot of partnership?

I’m 4 years in but want to stay another year (I lateraled after 2 years and have been at my current firm for 2). Is 5 years too late? I’m in a practice area where they don’t really expect big books of business, if that helps with the advice.

Thanks in advance.

It's not totally unheard of for a very senior associate who was recently passed over for partner at their old firm to accept a lateral offer to counsel with the potential for partnership. There really is no "latest." A firm will make an associate/counsel partner if they deem it in their interest to do so regardless of how many years of experience.