Can You Transfer BigLaw Offices?

Yes, you can transfer offices at most BigLaw firms. But the ease of the process depends on the firm, the offices involved, and your timing.

How it works

Most firms with multiple offices allow associate transfers. The typical process involves:

• Expressing interest to your practice group leader or an HR/professional development contact
• Confirming that the destination office has capacity in your practice area
• Getting approval from leadership in both offices
• Coordinating a transition timeline (usually 1-3 months)

Some firms make this easy. Others treat it as a significant administrative lift. The key variable is whether your practice group is well established in the destination office.

When transfers work best

Transfers are easiest when:

• Your practice group exists and is busy in the destination office
• You are in good standing with strong performance reviews
• You have been at the firm for at least one to two years
• There is a legitimate reason (personal, family, partner relocation)

Transfers are harder when the destination office does not need associates in your practice area, or when your group is understaffed and does not want to lose you.

What to consider

Compensation may not change. Most firms pay market rates that are the same across offices, but some adjust based on local market conditions.

Your network resets. You will need to rebuild relationships in the new office. The partners and associates you worked with in your old office are less directly relevant to your daily career.

Cultural differences. Offices within the same firm can have meaningfully different cultures. The New York office of a firm may feel very different from its LA or Austin office.

Browse the firm directory to see which firms have offices in your preferred cities and which practice areas are strong in each location.