I want to ask my Midwest national firm if I can move to a different office that is more diverse on the east coast. Some of my lawyer friends have said that I need to have an excuse like my fiancé’s job is forcing him to move or a family emergency. If I lie and they look up my partner’s job for any reason they would see that they don’t have an office where we want to move. (He would be remote). Do you think honesty is the best policy?

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I wouldn't lie. I probably wouldn't tell them I want to be in a more diverse office. I would just say that I would like to move offices and what's the process for that.

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This is the right answer.

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I’d be honest about just wanting to change offices and make the ask. And if you’re not already, it might help to start working with partners in your preferred office.

In my opinion, requests like this should be welcomed. Being the only woman and/or the only black person in the office has been really exhausting for me. I hope it works out for you!

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For clarity, I am a black woman and I have always been the only black woman both in law school and at my past firms. The office that I want to move to is in a very diverse city and the office is the most diverse out of all my firms offices. There are over 10 attorneys of color in that office. I also just want a change and am sick of the Midwest.

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Could you also come up with a reason to move that also helps the firm or your career development? “I’ve been doing so much work with the government contracts group, that it makes more sense for me to be with them in DC. Plus, my network is there and I have a better chance at bringing in more clients if I move.”

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I wouldn’t specifically say that you’re looking for more diversity. I would say something like you fell in love with this city or something along the lines like that.

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Update: they approved my transfer request! I’ll be moving in the next three months 😄

likeuplifting

As they should!! Congratulations 🎉

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Yes, the firm may ask for proof from your spouse’s employer.

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Could you maybe say you want to be closer to family?

smart

Thank you everyone for the great insight, really happy that I posted on here!

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Def tell the truth but also try connecting with the attorneys in that office to make the ask and transfer easier.

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Yes

I’m mulling this over too and for me when/if I try to transfer, my reason is going to be because most of the people in my group that I work with are in this bigger East Coast office.

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