I have been a Litigator since I graduated. However, over the course of my career I have come across many from my previous firm who gave up transactional / advisory practice for litigation either at PA level or sometime after attaining Partner designation. None of them have returned to transactional advisory and do not generally have any regrets about their career choices.

If I were in your position, I would first shift to the litigation team internally and grasp as much as I can within a couple of years before taking a call on independent practice. These are the reasons:

a. A shift within the Firm wouldn't leave you unsettled all of a sudden. There would be less of a culture shock;

b. Transactional lawyers have excellent grasp of many substantive laws. You can focus on shadowing partners to court and learning how teams manage their filings and appearances.

c. The team will, in time, trust you with court appearances in simpler matters. You can use this to deal with any apprehensions or confidence issues. You will have much less at stake at the time.

d. Time spent with the litigation team will also help you build necessary contacts at the courts and you will be more comfortable managing your practice once you go independent.

As you learn, also save as much from your law firm retainer to build a cushion for the next phase.