My firm has (had) 5 partners, who occupied the 5 offices that are larger than the associates' offices. One of the partners is leaving to go out on his own, leaving one large office unoccupied.
I don't like my current office, because the width (or lack thereof) and outlet placement only really allow for one desk/computer arrangement that puts my monitor in the sun most of the morning. The blinds don't help.
I kind of want the departing partner's office, because it's big enough to turn my desk a different way. Sun problem solved!
I have more seniority than any other associate. After he leaves, ok to ask to move into that office? Or too presumptuous, and I should wait until I (hopefully) make partner? So far indications are that I probably will, but timeframe is kind of open ended. Such is small firm life.
I don't see the harm in asking (unless, due to the culture at your firm, it'd cause a stink).
Oh good.
Re: office culture... I don't think it would be weird, but I figured I'd see what others thought.
We moved into new office space last summer, and it was built to suit. I thought it was a little odd that they built exactly as many partner offices as present partners, given that there are up and comers. There's a big difference in square footage, partner vs. associate. Associates were assigned offices based on proximity to their legal assistants. I would be moving 3 doors down the hall away from my legal assistant, but that seems non-fatal.
The only thing I have for precedent is that in our old location, the 3 big offices were occupied by the 3 founding partners. One left, and a non-founding partner moved into his bigger space. I moved into the non-founding partner's office because it was nicer than mine. Nobody has moved since we've been here, but it's only been like 8 months.