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So, I am currently a 3L at a T14 (median grades) who is joining a V50 firm in NYC next year. I am really looking forward to it and I know I want to be in NYC for a few years. However, I know that in 2-3 years I will want to return home. My home city is a secondary market with a few big law shops, but definitely not to the LA/SF/Chicago/NYC size. I bid all the home market firms that went to my OCI but unfortunately did not land any offers in my home market.

My question is when should I reach out to start making connections at the firms in that market. I was thinking of making some preliminary networking connections, but any advice on when/how to start those connections would be super appreciated.

I am happy with my current situation, but I just want to place myself in the best possible position to make this transition in a couple years and after gaining some experience. I am a little concerned about making my current firm upset at all if they were to know of my future plans

Thanks so much!

OP poster - bumping because I really need advice. Admins feel free to delete comment if this is outside the scope of rules

I don't think there is any particular rush on networking. Generally lateral moves can go really fast (when I was thinking of lateraling, the process from sending in my resume to getting an offer was less than two weeks). Maybe it is worth checking in with a recruiter (maybe even now) to see what their perspective on the job market is on moves for 2nd/3rd years, as they probably have a good idea how hard it would be.