You did not mention what type of law you were interested in practicing. The notion of paying 2,000 dollars a month is a little absurd, especially when you consider the policy changes recently implemented. It is likely you would simply pay a percentage of your paycheck each month--something like 10 percent (starting in 2012). In addition, after 20 years of consistent payment the remainder (of your federal loans) would be forgiven--10 if you go into public service.
On another note, grades are not highly unpredictable--performance is. Although I would agree that there is not always consistency between professors (perhaps this is what the other posters where referring to). You may be an A student who gets a B in one class, all the B students get C's and so forth. Some professors simply refuse to hand out A's. Know what kind of student you are and be realistic. Going in with the idea of transferring is certainly a bad plan. But, wherever you go, I would encourage you to do well and simply apply to some other (better) schools and if accepted, at the very least, leverage those acceptances for money. I have a few friends who have done that--many others who were unsuccessful. There are a lot of downsides to transferring, law review being one of the big ones. Most likely would not be able to do it until 3L, which puts you behind the pack.
I am also a firm believer that it is better to shine where you are. If you can make top 10 or 15 percent at any of the three law firms you mentioned, that is much better than being middle of the pack at a school only marginally better--you aren't going NYLS to NYU or Columbia (maybe if you are at the very top of your class, like number 1). The loss of GPA and standing, no law review, scholarships if you had any etc, transferring for reasons other than simply not liking where you are, not the greatest idea. Entering a law school looking to transfer, naive at best. Good luck with your decision.
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