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So this summer i'm working for a judge doing strictly matrimonial work. I'm beginning to have second thoughts about matrimonial law and litigation in general. However, I feel it's very important to carve out a nice in a particular area of law to look more marketable at graduation. Any advice on moving from litigation to transactional? I enjoyed property and have an interest in real estate law and transactions. How can I break into this field? thanks!!!!

It's tough to get a job anywhere in the legal market at this point, much less in some particular niche field. While having a proven interest in an area of law can be a boost in competing for a position within that area of law, I think it's a pretty minor boost, and it can also backfire by making you seem insincere when you express interest in positions outside of that area of law. If you want to make yourself marketable at graduation, I would focus on proving that you're generally capable and hardworking. Namely, I would focus on improving your grades (though they unfortunately don't matter much after 1L) and doing marginal-boost extracurriculars like law review or moot court.

That said, if you really want to work in some specialized, specific area of law, then there's nothing to do except network with attorneys who work in that area, look for positions in that area, and take some classes relevant to the area, preferably something like a clinic.

But this is all just my humble opinion. In my experience, generally successful (e.g. high GPA) law students did well and got to pick from a variety of fields and positions. Generally unsuccessful students had hardly any say over where they ended up, regardless of their specialization efforts. But I never tried to get into a niche field, so I might be mistaken.

I think this is great advice and you thoroughly answered my question. Thank you.