T6 Law School -> Vault 20 Law Firm -> IB

Sage Simians,

A few weeks back I posted the below in a comment buried in a necro thread to avoid redundancy, but received no takers. Figured I might have more luck and visibility by starting a new thread. Any constructive thoughts are much appreciated.

Background: I'm currently a mid-level Corporate/M&A associate that graduated from a T6, initially worked for a V20 in NYC with a strong M&A presence, and now work at a V25 in California (though the firm's Vault reputation is far stronger in California). I've done a range of deals, from multi-billion dollar public-public mergers, to mid-market private equity deals to distressed debt/equity deals for hedge funds. I've worked with the top of the top in terms of IB's providing M&A advisement on deals, as well as more directly with top private equity and hedge funds. I'm certainly not trying to "show off" my experience here, I simply want to provide ample background so I receive more nuanced advice. Note that outside of my corporate law experience that brings me into contact with financials often, I do not have a strong background in economics (aside from an International Relations degree as an undergrad with a focus on Global Markets and the Global Economy) or finance aside from keeping up with the WSJ and Deal Book, and devouring books like King of Capital, Hedgehogging, Liar's Poker, When Genius Failed - just to name a few as examples.

I've been debating the move to an IB for the past couple years, and am now certain the time is right. I don't know that becoming an MD is an ultimate goal, or if a jump to PE or a Hedge Fund after 3-4 years in IB will ultimately be my preference. As of now, my plan is to begin studying for the Level 1 CFA exam (or a similar course), as well as use WSO materials to prep for interviews that incorporate modeling and technical questions in particular. Meanwhile, I'm tapping every contact at IB's that I've met or worked with on deals over the past few years - even if it's just for a quick email, chat or coffee.

Why Post Now?: OK, but why post, you may be asking, if I seem to have digested at least some of the excellent advice offered in similar threads on WSO? I think that in addition to my lack of a finance/economics background, my concerns are two-fold: 1) While the firm I'm at has a very strong California reputation, in New York and more globally it is not a powerhouse in the M&A game; and 2) I'm in Los Angeles and have a slight preference to stay here (though I love NYC and am willing to move back as necessary), but am concerned that while there are excellent shops out here (e.g. Moelis, a smaller Goldman TMT team, etc...), this move is likely much "easier" in New York, as there are many more opportunities and openings. For example, I know at least two juniors/mid-levels that made this move from my former v20 in New York - one to JPM and one to an M&A group at, I believe, Lazard.

Addressing Concerns: Given the concerns noted above (no doubt there are others), I'm trying to formulate a course of action in addition to beginning my CFA studies and more general interview prep I noted above. So, in addition to any general advice you might have, it would also be helpful to get reactions on the below:

-Should I lateral to a firm with a stronger M&A reputation in New York? The lateral market is very hot, but this would be my second lateral move, and I would only be sticking around at a new firm until I landed an IB gig.

-Should I internally relocate to my firm's NYC office and launch my search from there? My firm would very likely let me do this, and my reputation is pretty strong within the M&A group, but again, in New York this firm is only marginally on the radar for M&A, whereas it's an elite TMT-focused M&A shop in LA.

-Should I stay put in LA and simply use every resource I can muster, and try to land a gig within the more limited LA IB-landscape, while also applying to NYC IB offices as a backup?

Lengthy post, I realize, but I would appreciate any insight people are willing to share. Also happy to PM anyone who thinks they are able to provide insight. Thank you.