I’m a soon-to-be second year associate who is getting his very first yearly performance review in a month. Any advice on how I should be preparing for that review? I’ve been saving all the work I’ve had redlined by my supervisors and know pretty well what my strengths and weaknesses are, but I’m not sure how someone is supposed to prepare for this kind of thing.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

You’re saving redlines? You’re taking this WAY more seriously than you need to. Until you’re a 4th year no one cares about your reviews unless you’re just awful to work with (you’d know).

likesmart

This was helpful, thank you!

like

What do you mean by prepare?

like

Other than having a few goals you’d like to accomplish next year, I don’t think you really need to prepare unless there have been concerns over your work product. I would not take redlines with you unless your firm expects that for some reason.

like

Just show up. Don’t be defensive. Do what they tell you. There, prep time over. :)

like

Have questions on improvement and expectations next year. If it’s a conversation, set goals for the upcoming year as well (court appearance, oral arguments, etc)

like

Generally, listen, nod, do what they say at your level. If there is some glaring thing you need to work on, acknowledge it and tell them how you are going to fix it.

like

YES. THIS. Don't even try to "explain." You aren't explaining. You are defending. Just shut up and listen. Complain to your friends later if it makes you feel better.

like

My first year i billed like complete garbage--hot mess. Probably averaged 166/month???? Mind you i had no experience with billing but i got my work done and the work was fine. All they told me was: well, you are 100 hours short (i took off for a month to take a second state's bad), so we cannot give you a bonus, but here's a $2k raise, and you are lucky to even get that. (Mind you, i am going into my second year, 3rd year with the firm, and lawyers with the same experience with less licenses (i have three) get paid more than me.)

Defense sucks unless you absolutely love it, are a rainmaker and bring in the clients (not happening without trials under your belt) or you're a psychopath (hehe im kidding). I cannot wait to join the plaintiffs side. You will soon learn nothing matters more than your billing. You can crush motions and win arguments all day, if you did not bill, you are trash to them. Sorry terible day, rant over. Welcome to the shit show.

like

@A2 and @A4 I'm at a small firm in DC. I remember we recently extended an offer to an associate that I knew (and had recommended we hire). He turned it down because of the salary (he came from big law). A few of us were talking about how we were surprised since it's so worth it. We were like: we all go for afternoon walks or coffee runs together, we take full hour lunches, we have low billable hour requirements... We were like, When do we work? Maybe we are paid too much. Don't get me wrong, we sometimes get annoyed with each other. But we can commiserate with each other about any problems. We associates feel empowered to let a partner know if they are stepping on boundaries at all. We have been calling each other and video chatting to check in and make sure we are all OK during the quarantine - not the forced, arranged, all-firm zoom. It's not perfect but it's pretty awesome.

Set achievable goals that they can appreciate you putting forth effort to meet or exceed. Also talk about your brand - who you are that no one else is. What you bring to the table now and how you see your brand evolving in the next year, 2 or 3.

I am same (coming up on second year in October) and had my first review a week or two ago. Did you fill out a self eval? Did the partners you work for fill out evals? Generally, you should already know what they will discuss because, it there are negative issues with your performance, your partners will have already told you about them. Or at least that was my experience. Mine went well overall but I’m obviously not going to be perfect. The things they said I needed to improve on were already known by me, so I actually referenced them in my self eval. Just be yourself, no need to prepare. It’s nerve wracking, but being nervous is really unnecessary. If they like you and your work, but you have some things to improve on, that’s perfectly normal for your skill level! Don’t fret dude, especially as a first year. You’re going to suck at some things and be good at others, just say you’ll work on those things you suck at and continue to do well with the things you’re good at.

I come to the yearly review with a list of 5 goals, generally touching on improvements in my performance, experience, charitable outreach, and bringing in business. I discuss these goals with the partner and the bullet points of how I plan to achieve them. Also, my firm does a yearly review as well, but before you leave ask for a 6 month review to touch base. A year is too long to wait to revisit your goals/ progress! And schedule the 6 month review right away - when it gets to the week of the 6 month review touch base with the partner to work out which day/time will work best for them, then move the calendar entry at that point.

Related Posts

Podcast or book recommendations for my 10+ hour wait in the ER?

like

Best games to play on a Mac?

like

Where would I be able to find referrals? I’m looking to advance in my career at a different agency because I realize a private practice isn’t for me financially at this time. I’m not leaving my job cold Turkey but I need to look for something stable and I know referrals would greater my chances of getting hired.

like

For those that left PA for industry, then went back to PA - why did you decide to go back? How long did it take you to realize you wanted to go back to PA? Also, how did it impact your career progression?

like

Fishes, what are your thoughts on companies with HR/recruiters that never return follow ups? I feel it leaves a bad impression of the company.

like

Anybody looking for junior copywriters right now? Willing to work at any location but currently based in New York.

Imagine if the roles were reversed! For example me meeting Sofia Vergara 🤪🤪🤪😂

Post Photo
funnylike

Looking for a job -
• 10 YOE as HR Generalist and Admin • Location : Hennepin, MN • Preferred: Telecommute work

like

Seen a couple discussion with respect to “call center” recently - what is this gig?

like

In MBB / T2 market in SEA what would be the net take home ( in USD post tax w/o adjusting to cost of living) relatively to each other . My sense is that if we take Singapore of index of 100% of net income for the level than:
1) Indonesia 70%
2) Malaysia 80%
3) Thailand 75%
4) Philippines 65%

like

Anyone come back from work and have a few glasses of wine or smoke some relaxing stuff regularly? Not binging, but you realize it’s become a habit? Not negatively affecting you though so is it bad?

like

What’s the deal with the delta 8 gummies? How are they legal!?

like

I would like to be a SWAT agent but it seems like such an exhausting job. Can anyone with experience chime in?

like

Need a letter of recommendation from someone outside my network.

Anyone in the world of willing to help me out?

like

Interesting post, given recent conversations here…

Post Photo
like

XLM - great opportunity to buy now. Get in and thank me later!

like

Does your firm require/prefer associates to have MBAs?

like

Can H1B employer be changed when person is in india. ?

Filed for H1B extension cap-exempt. Extension got approved. Not stamped yet. Now I am moving to jpmorgan. JPMC ready to send USA after one year if H1B can be utilised. Wanted to know if H1B employer can be changed in india (unstamped visa). ?

like

I almost impulse dumped my CVS shares for Walgreens (which would have been a BOGO trade with the price differential) after a terrible few months at a CVS in my new neighborhood. Then saw the below so I will kick rocks and hold. That’s all.

Post Photo
funny

Additional Posts in Law

Is is just me or it seems that all M&A and contracts in general will be dead by the end of the month? However unclear MAE clauses seem to be, this seems to be one? Cont’d...

like

My dad's friend over the holidays: "are you one of those 'save-the-world' lawyers?" Me thinking about this now: "ahahaha"

likefunny

In House Counsel: how many years did you work in litigation before going in house?

like

Lol non lawyer just said “i mean imagine if lawyers didn’t get drug tested, it just would never happen.”

funnylike

Does anyone else hate weekends? Like let’s pretend we don’t have work to do so we can please our family & kids but meanwhile our anxiety is brewing inside? I’m never more relieved than to sit on my computer on Monday morning.

likefunny

Here to restate the understated truth of our profession..

Post Photo
likesmartuplifting

Best dating app for busy lawyers?

likesmarthelpful

Best gifts for older parents who genuinely have everything and won't tell me what they want??? I'm stuck. Please help! Any gifts your parents have absolutely loved?

like

Trial in 1 month! Best things to snack on during lunch break?

like

Any lateral successfully negotiate a starting bonus? Or prepaid relocation expenses (instead of reimbursement)? Tips?

like

Dumb question : what is the difference between a blackline and a redline? I’ve always used redline. Also, anyone know how to do this “blackline” in Workshare compare?

like

Should your raise be equal to or more inflation?

like

Anyone leave big law to go to a mid/smaller firm solely for a better quality of life, take the pay cut, then realize jokes on you? If so, what did you do once you realized?

like

Any loopholes to prevent Westlaw from logging out every 5 minutes? That’s not enough time to get all my tears out before going back to my 20 Westlaw tabs

like

Any CT associates willing to share their firm’s salary scale?

like

What unexpected specialities have you all picked up along the way as a junior? Somehow I became the go-to guy on tax assessment appeals because the other guy went in-house.

like

Do you ever marvel how some people take themselves so seriously? "Look at me doing my critical work for my major client, we are solving their serious problems very seriously"

likefunny

I'm currently making +250k as a 5th yr IP/TM atty at AMLaw 100. Considering going in house. Haven't looked at anything yet. Anybody have an idea what to expect re salary range (cash) for a corporate IP counsel role (w/ 5 yrs law firm experience) at Amazon?

like

I have to fill out a background check form for a position and it asks if I've ever been discharged from a job. Does getting "the talk" --i.e. being told your future isn't at the firm as a senior associate--count as being discharged? Any thoughts are much appreciated!

like

I put in my notice last week at my current firm. MP was shaking with anger when I told him. Toxic partners, commonplace sexism, and widespread bullying. I was only there 6 months. Walking out of that office, I felt 50lbs lighter. I just want to remind you all that you’re better than some people will try to make you feel, and no one can look out for your interests better than you!

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal