I think that its silly how the predominant stereotype in the legal industry is to not take transfers as serious when making hiring decisions. While this is generally a stereotype, it would be so prevalent unless true in some aspects. Why would a firm judge a transfer harshly compared to their colleagues. Transfers usually have to be at their top of their class to do so. They have a solid worth ethic after a year of demonstrated performance in law school. They also come from humble beginnings and know what its like to work hard, so chances are, they will appreciate the job opportunity a little more. Also keep in mind that they transitioned to a new school with new curriculum and grading styles. That can be tough in itself. Remember what we all faced on those first term finals? Transfers do it all again their first term at the new school.
It just seems completely contradictory to me the way transfer students are viewed. If anything, a little more respect might be due. Discuss.
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I think the transfer students who claim to have been "passed over" or looked down upon for their transfer status had misconceptions about finding jobs. When they transfer and reach the "promised land" some think they should have jobs handed to them.
They still need to hustle - make calls, shake hands, network, etc (just like many students who started at the school as 1L's probably do). Just having a "better" law school on the top of a resume doesn't mean the hard work is over.
Don't worry. Employers in the industry are not going to think "little" of you just because you've "shortened" your stay in one university. You just have to "measure" up to the challenge. "Small" although you think your chances are, "lower" your guard, "reduce" your fear, "squat" down, and give it hell. Remember, it's not how "tall your stand", only how far you "grow". Before you know it, you will have "undercome" all of your problems and your worries will seem "shrunk" down till they are no taller than "midgets"!
Best of luck!
Nearly everyone I know who transferred found that firms were really excited about their experiences. The night after one interview I was talking to two lawyers at a reception, and they couldn't stop talking about how impressed they were that I'd transferred and completely uprooted my life. It was definitely a positive decision for me and didn't seem like much of a hardship, but I found that firms valued all of the things that you mention in your post. It's hard to believe that firms would actually look down on transfers.
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