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Hey guys,

I've been really worried about this lateral move for a while, since I keep hearing that lateralling as a first-year (or even a second-year) is next to impossible. For context, I'm a first year at a V50 firm in NY doing transactional work (passed the NY Bar this past October), and learnt a couple months about that my fiance will have to make the move to SF due to school (starting in this Fall). Since this is going to be a few years, I definitely want to make the move to SF as well ASAP. When can I make the move to SF/how do I go about recruiting/do I need to take the CA Bar in July to boost my resume? Thanks a ton! Any advice or inputs would be appreciated.

I did a cross-country move at the end of my first year. I recommend using contacts you have and also looking to make connections with lawyers at the firm you are applying to (see if anyone went to your law school or undergrad school and contact them directly before you apply so they can flag your application/personally recommend you). From my personal experience recruiters were not too helpful when I was a first-year trying to make a move (now they won't stop bothering me as I am a mid-level). Still, recruiters may know of openings that are not public, so there is no harm in using them. Leave no stone unturned. Good luck!

Thanks so much for this advice! I will get started on this ASAP Really appreciate it!