Current Summer Associate Considering Switching Firms - 3L hiring
I'm a current summer and am considering switching firms if possible. I have found a few firms in my desired market (nearby but not the same as my current market) which are hiring for 3L. I do not have a return offer yet for my current firm.
Given this, is it wise to begin submitting 3L applications at this point?
While I understand that the return offers are almost guaranteed provided no major missteps, there's some anxiety about being no-offered. I am also concerned that if I begin applying to these other firms, the legal community being as small as it is, my current firm might find out and no-offer me because of it.
I would like to keep as many options on the table as possible. I'm also aware of how important it is to apply early, so I'm looking for advice about how to balance these considerations.