Should You Transfer Law Schools? What the Data and Firms Say

Each year, thousands of 1Ls contemplate a pivotal question: Should I transfer to a law school? Whether motivated by a desire for a higher-ranked institution, better job prospects, or a change in personal circumstances, transferring to a law school can be a career-defining decision. But before you submit that transfer application, it’s critical to examine what the data shows and how law firms actually view transfer students.
 

Why Law Students Transfer

 
Transferring to a law school is a major decision that often stems from a combination of academic ambition, career strategy, and personal needs. While every student’s circumstances are unique, several recurring motivations tend to drive the decision to leave one institution for another after the first year of law school.

 

1. Access to Higher-Ranked Schools

Perhaps the most common reason law students consider transferring is to attend a more prestigious institution. Many students begin their legal education at regional or lower-ranked schools with the intention of performing exceptionally well in their first year and using that performance to gain admission to a Top 14 (T14) or Top 25 law school. Higher-ranked law schools typically offer broader national recognition, increased access to BigLaw firms, and more competitive clerkship and public interest opportunities.
 

2. Improved Career Prospects

Transferring can dramatically change a student’s career trajectory. Employers—especially large law firms—often heavily recruit from elite law schools and may not conduct interviews at lower-tier institutions. A transfer to a higher-ranked school can provide access to on-campus interviews (OCIs), job fairs, and alumni networks, which can significantly expand job opportunities in both the private and public sectors.
 

3. Geographic Relocation

Some students decide to transfer in order to position themselves in a region where they ultimately want to practice law. Law schools often have strong regional ties, and attending a school in the geographic area where you intend to practice can provide valuable local connections, internships, and state-specific coursework, such as bar preparation and legal writing.
 

4. Academic and Intellectual Fit

After a year of coursework, some students find that their initial school does not offer the academic environment or specialized programs they seek. For example, a student interested in environmental law might consider transferring to a school with a nationally recognized program in that field. Others may be seeking a more rigorous curriculum, specific professors, or joint-degree programs that weren’t available at their original school.

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5. Personal or Financial Reasons

Life circumstances can also significantly influence the decision to transfer. A student may want to be closer to family due to health, childcare, or other personal reasons. Alternatively, financial considerations—such as scholarship opportunities at the new school or cost-of-living differences—may influence the choice. Some students also reconsider their initial decision after gaining a better understanding of their financial aid options during their first year of college.
 

6. Culture and Community Fit

Law school is an intense and often isolating experience. Some students find that their original school isn’t the right cultural fit, whether due to class size, teaching style, faculty accessibility, or overall atmosphere. Transferring can be a way to find a more supportive environment that better aligns with one’s learning style, values, or identity.
 

What the Data Says About Transferring Law Schools

 
Data from the American Bar Association (ABA) and law school admissions trends highlight several key points about the transfer process:

• Roughly 1,200 to 1,500 students transfer each year, typically after completing 1L.
• Most transfer from lower-ranked or regional schools to Top 50 or Top 14 institutions.
• Successful transfer applicants generally rank in the top 10–15% of their 1L class.
• T14 law schools often reserve seats specifically for high-performing transfers.
• Early OCI (On-Campus Interviewing) access may be limited or conditional, but many schools now offer full OCI participation for transfers arriving before the summer.
• Employment outcomes often improve, especially for those seeking BigLaw jobs, federal clerkships, or public interest fellowships.
• 1L grades remain important—law firms still evaluate early performance closely, even after a student transfers.
• Transfer students may face challenges with integration, such as journal access, class rank calculation, or fitting into established social circles—but the career benefits often outweigh these hurdles.

 
Bottom line: Transferring can yield tangible career advantages—but only under the right conditions.
 

How Law Firms View Transfer Students

 

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While transferring to law school can offer academic and professional advantages, many law students worry about how future employers will perceive their decision to do so. The good news is that most law firms—especially mid-sized and large firms—are accustomed to seeing transfer students in their applicant pools and are generally neutral or positive about the decision, provided the candidate can demonstrate strong academic and professional credentials. Our 2026 Law School ROI Rankings can guide transfer students in evaluating the financial payoff of switching institutions.
 

Positive Signals Law Firms Look For:

• Upward Academic Mobility: Transferring from a lower-ranked to a higher-ranked law school is typically seen as a smart and ambitious move. Firms often view this as a sign of drive, competitiveness, and self-awareness.
• Top 1L Performance: Your 1L transcript is often the only full year of grades you have when applying for jobs. Strong grades at your original school help prove your academic ability regardless of where you finished law school.
• Clear, Strategic Reasoning: Firms appreciate when students can clearly articulate why they transferred—whether it was for academic rigor, geographic fit, better employment opportunities, or a specialized program.
• Prestige Alignment: Firms that recruit primarily from top-tier law schools will often value the name recognition and brand of your new institution, even if you began elsewhere.

 

Potential Concerns Firms May Have:

• Lack of Continuity: Firms may question whether a transfer student had access to key opportunities like journals, moot court, or long-term professor relationships. These experiences are often helpful indicators of initiative and leadership.
• Limited Integration: Transfer students sometimes face difficulty integrating socially and professionally into their new school. Law firms want to know if you've built meaningful connections and made use of your new environment.
• OCI Timing Issues: Depending on when you arrive at your new school, you might have limited access to OCI (On-Campus Interviewing). Some firms may not have had the chance to meet you during early interview cycles.
• Résumé Clarity: If not clearly formatted, your résumé might confuse reviewers. Therefore, it’s crucial to present your educational path transparently, listing both your original and transfer law schools, and noting your GPA and class rank (if available).

 
Pro Tip:
If you're a transfer student interviewing at a law firm, be prepared to explain your transfer in a confident, professional, and concise way. Emphasize what you gained from the move and how it supports your long-term career goals.
 

Questions to Ask Before You Transfer

 
Before leaping at another law school, it’s important to step back and assess whether transferring aligns with your long-term goals—academically, financially, and professionally. The decision should be based on more than just rankings or prestige. Here are key questions to ask yourself before submitting that transfer application:

1. Will the new school increase my chances of landing my target job (BigLaw, clerkship, government, etc.)?
2. How much access will I have to OCI, law review, clinics, and journals?
3. Am I giving up a scholarship or leadership role at my current school?
4. Will I fit into the new school's culture and network?
5. How will transferring affect my résumé and long-term career story?

 
Asking these questions will help ensure your decision is grounded, strategic, and personalized—not just driven by rankings or peer pressure.
 

See Related Articles Is It Worth Transferring From a Poorly-Ranked Law School to a Better One? 15 Law Schools That Get the Most Transfer Students The Benefits and Drawbacks of Transferring to a New College

Final Thoughts: Should You Transfer?

 
Transferring to a law school can be a smart strategic move—but only when done with clear goals and data-driven reasoning. If you're top of your 1L class and eyeing BigLaw or federal clerkships, a higher-ranked institution could open doors otherwise closed. But if you're already thriving where you are, with strong job prospects and support, transferring might not offer enough upside to justify the disruption.
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