Q: I am a sixth-year associate at a small “branch office” of a large upstate New York firm. Although the salary is decent, it does not compare to what New York City firms are currently paying their associates. I have been actively looking for employment in the New York City area but have had no luck. The recruiters I have registered with advise me that since I did not graduate from a top-tier law school and since I have no New York City big firm experience, I might as well give up.

I refuse to believe that.