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Title of the post pretty much says it all. Wondering when to start a lateral search for the Denver market and wondering if any of you fine people might be able to share your thoughts on the Denver litigation market.

Background: I'm currently a second year associate at a NYC/DC v10 in a general commercial litigation practice and my SO was just accepted into a graduate program in the Denver area. So, it looks like I will be relocating to that area. I'm not planning to relocate until late fall (Oct.) or early winter (Dec or Jan., perhaps). Went to a lower ranked law school but graduated at the top of my class and clerked on 2/9/DC Cir. Wondering when to start my lateral search and what firms I should target with my general credentials.

Please don't quote this post. Thank you in advance for any insight you might be able to provide.

I would start the search right away. Denver is a much smaller legal market than NY, and so there are fewer jobs open. If necessary, you could start the job remote and transition to in-person whenever you and your family move to Denver.

Overall, the Denver market pays quite a bit less than other major markets. Of course, you will find that prices compare favorably with NYC. Good luck!

Keep in mind that they're going to expect you to say you're there for good, sticking it out for partner, etc. Denver is a quite tie-sensitive market that can be hard to crack. It'll probably be an easier sell if your SO is in a Ph.D. program than if they're in an MA program, though of course Ph.D. students inevitably move when they finish so maybe not, idk.