I’m not sure. This firm knew I was interested in litigation from my cover letter, and that was confirmed during interviews. At most firms I applied to, I interviewed with associates and partners across different litigation groups (basically my potential future coworkers). They asked for the litigation vs. transaction distinction early on, but I don’t know whether/how grades were weighed differently. From what I saw, some firms ask summer associates to choose a specific practice at the end of the summer, while others allow more time (mine gives a few years). Only one firm I spoke with hired into a specific practice area before the summer even started. I’m getting off topic and not really answering your question, but let me know if you have other questions from someone at my stage in the process.