Orange County biglaw - is LA feasible? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I am currently a biglaw associate in Orange County (5th/6th year). Not super happy at my firm and am looking to lateral, but the options in OC are pretty limited. I am thinking about applying to firms in LA with the hope of working out a mostly remote work situation, and maybe going into the office once a week and for meetings as needed. The commute would be brutal (over an hour), but if only once a week I think I could do it. Anyone know of someone doing something like this? Would firms laugh at the idea?

[12YrsAnAssociate]

I know someone that did this at a firm that has offices in both LA and Irvine. He only did it after establishing himself in LA. Then after splitting offices for a few years he just moved to the OC office full time.

[burritotaco]

I know someone that did this at a firm that has offices in both LA and Irvine. He only did it after establishing himself in LA. Then after splitting offices for a few years he just moved to the OC office full time.

I know people who have done this too, but it was also people who had been at an OC/LA office and moved to the other area for personal reasons. I think it'd depend a lot on the partners you work for.

[Anonymous User]

It will be difficult to do as a new lateral. After a year or two when you establish yourself and earn that level of freedom, easier (though practice group / firm specific). If you are in an in-demand niche you may be able to negotiate this to start, but if this is general lit or corp I wouldn’t plan on it.