It was surprisingly tough to get my foot in the door for a lateral, despite having been extremely successful during my first few years as an associate at a mid-size firm (and attending a law school that I know they hire from). Of course that's their prerogative, but I got the impression I was summarily dismissed for not ticking some big law boxes.

I met with two partners first. After the initial meeting, I then had a follow-up with three associates. The interviews were more about fit than substance. I did not meet with anyone from the base office.