The cumulative gpa is what law schools report to the ABA and US News, so it's more important. LSAC uses grades from every single college course, even if you transferred and you gpa did not transfer.
... between uGPA and 1st year grades? uGPA and bar pass? ... work experience and 1st year grades/bar pass? Volunteer experience and ... 1st year grades/bar pass?
EDIT ... and first-year law school grades ranged from .12 to . ...
Route #2 is highly insecure. It doesn't matter what promises your firm will make you, especially at a firm that can get the cream of the crop lawyers. Focus on getting a good LSAT score, going to a good school, and networking during your 1L summer.