Hi all! I’m a second year associate in a big law litigation team and I just had my end of year evaluation. I have a feeling that nothing substantial was said. The overall message was fairly neutral. I was called motivated and a good communicator and I was told that my goal for the year to come should be to contribute more directly to cases as I gain seniority. The way I understand it is that I’m meeting expectations for a junior but I’m not a stellar associate either. Thoughts? C’td

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Sounds typical/average but junior associates that get stellar reviews typically leave by year 3 or 4 😉

likehelpfulfunny

A2- Thank you for the support/encouragement. It’s been really difficult for me to bounce back from this experience. Just hoping everything works out one day.

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I do “check ins” with the partners I work with every few months and ask what’s working/not working and if they had any immediate feedback since we last checked in. I usually will get vague answers initially, but then I’ll point to specific examples to finesse the feedback out of them. I’ve come to find that I get more substantive feedback during those check ins than I do on my actual yearly reviews. For now, just take the advice they’ve given you and work towards that. From what you’ve said above, you’re doing more than fine! You also don’t want to burn too bright too soon only to self combust/not live up to expectations. Remember- it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep at it. You’re on the right track!

likeupliftinghelpful

Thank you that’s great advice and reassuring to hear! :)

C’td. I have a very anxious nature with bad impostor syndrome. Part of me is relieved that I wasn’t fired/told anything negative per se, but part of me also understands that it’s because of very vague feedback like this that I don’t understand where I stand, what I do well and what I don’t. I asked partners individually and they all had the same fairly neutral/ vaguely positive message. What should I work on, other than my self confidence? How do I understand expectations and how well I am meeting them/how to exceed them?

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Thank you!

While you might want personalized feedback, these vague comments are not bad. Read between the lines— they can’t think of anything negative to say. And this is good!

likeuplifting

Thank you A3!!

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