How easy is it to transfer to another office? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Reposting from another forum because this section has more traffic: So, here's my situation. My SO and I are 3Ls, and we're both starting jobs this fall at different v10 firms. Both firms are headquartered in NYC, and also have a smaller office in DC. But, one of us is starting in DC and one is starting in New York. Neither of us have strong preferences between the two cities, and all we really want is to be able to live in the same place. So our plan is basically that when we start, we'll both explain the situation to our respective firms and say that we'd like to be transferred if and when it becomes possible. Whichever firm says yes first, that person moves. If neither firm says yes within a reasonable time (maybe 2 years), we both start looking to lateral to the other city.

My question is: how likely is it that either firm will allow this? Are firms usually fine with associates moving between offices? And, does anyone have any advice on how to execute this plan?

If it makes any difference, we've both already been given practice group assignments, but both firms have our respective practice groups at both their DC and NY offices, so switching offices won't change our practice area. And, we're both planning on getting licensed in both NY and DC.