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Hope everyone is doing well in these crazy times! I'm an associate trying to retool into a specialty corporate group from a different specialty corporate practice. There isn't much substantive overlap (i.e. think leverage finance vs. tech trans), and I am having trouble making any progress. I am in a major market, but there are not a lot of groups who practice in the space I want to change into. Every group was looking pre-covid/had postings, but they are only looking for midlevels. As a result, I have not had much luck thus far besides getting told to try and build more relevant experience if possible.

I was thinking of explaining on the front end that I am fine with losing two class years to improve the economics in my favor. However, I am worried it looks too desperate and may give the impression I have been laid off. Anyone know whether this would raise red flags? FWIW I am at a peer or "better" firm (quotes because I am just going off vault rankings to give a sense of context, but recognize they are meaningless) in a strong group and the firm has not had any layoffs or salary reductions.

Your recruiter can offer it you shouldn’t. If they want it they will ask during the interview.

I definitely wouldn't try this. If they're willing to hire you at a reduced salary, let them offer it. I also wouldn't read too much into the fact that you've been having trouble finding a new job right now, it's not exactly a red hot job market. I would just wait until later this year when hopefully things get better.