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Curious what the prospects of moving from a V100 to a V10 are as a second year for someone doing general litigation. Are you "locked out" of joining a V10 as a lateral if you don't start there?

I don't think you'll be "locked out" since I have seen people "move up" the ranks. It would depend on the firm's hiring need and the market in general at that point. Given the state of the legal (and economic) market, who knows what's gonna happen in the next few years.

Lots of laterals to V10s from my high PPP V100 -- usually in corporate though.

That's totally possible. But v10 usually means more hours and less chances of making partner.

Depends on the firm's hiring need and also probably easier if you went to a good law school.

I don’t think hiring partners are particularly concerned about Vault rankings when looking at laterals. If you were at a V30 of V50 firm, sure that’s nice. But they’re really interested in what you’ve done as an associate. For mid levels and senior associates, they like to see if you’ve managed large productions, taken or defended depositions, done trial prep, etc. if you haven’t had a chance to get that as billable work, it’s good to pick up experience in pro bono.

As a second year, you’re right on the cusp of a mid level and they don’t expect you to have done depositions or anything. I’d probably try to wait it out and lateral as a third year if you can. (Lateraling is generally harder for juniors but that’s unrelated to the fact that you’re at a V100 firm)

I agree with the above, it’s probably a benefit if you went to a good school. You aren’t getting locked out because your firm is V100 though.

Source: I lateraled as a litigation mid level from a large firm (500+) outside the V100 to V20.