This is the first summer where I’m actively giving assignments to and overseeing summer associates myself. One of them has made a couple of mistakes or missed the mark on a few things that I would like to point out for her. These are all things that I think it’s reasonable for a summer to stumble over or situations where she just probably doesn’t realize she should be taking certain specific steps before sending her work product. I would want someone (cont in comments)

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

Set up an in-person meeting. Give initial praise to blunt the blow and note that you appreciate her hard work. Then walk through it and explain how these are typical issues you see and that you’re noting them as an FYI for when she finally starts as an associate.

like

You should give them holistic feedback — what they did right and how they can improve for the next assignment.

like

Frame it as “this is feedback I give all my juniors as it’s very common to get wrong”

like

Why do people feed this weird complex attorneys have of never being able to take constructive feedback? Just talk to them like a human and tell them what to do better next time. Their entire job is to learn right now.

like

I don’t think she’ll be unable to take it… I’m just also early in this career as well, so I was hoping to benefit from the collective wisdom and experience of the community on tips and advice on how to perform this aspect of my job well. It’s strange to me why people always find a way to be upset about anything.

like

I am seriously wondering what your work environment is like if giving feedback is something you wouldn't normally do. Feedback is necessary and a key part of the experience for all associates. It is not "unsolicited" -- it should be a expected. With all of that said, the best way to give constructive criticism is in person/over the phone so there is no misunderstanding of your tone.

like

It’s not something I wouldn’t normally do. I’m just a junior associate myself, so I’m still gaining experience with giving helpful and constructive feedback and I haven’t had to do much of this with summer associates yet.

like

They're summers so my view is nothing they learn now will really stick. I give feedback on what needs to be updated but I'm not trying to actually train them for next time.

like

I would want someone to point these things out to me if the roles were reversed and they’re all easily fixable issues, so I think there is some value in me giving her some unsolicited feedback. Any advice on the best and most productive way to do this? E.g., better over email vs phone? It’s early in the program so I don’t want to freak her out. I mostly just think that if she can correct a few things, she will look better down the line when working with folks more senior than I am.

like

I typically tell them in advance that I’ll provide feedback, and try to do so in person. With summers (especially), I try to couch between two positive things.

like

in person always for me. summers have terrible poker faces so it's easier to hit the right approximate balance of encouragement/reassurance vs criticism/feedback. and good for you. they will forget every single thing you talk about but it's still worth your time imo.

like

Lol, just give her the corrects just like corrections are given to you. You don't implode when someone teaches you something new; she won't either. Weirdo

likefunny

*corrections

It would be nice of you but prob a waste of time. Save it for when they come back as a first year

like

Related Posts

I get depressed when I’m unproductive on the weekends. I have a hard time winding down. How do you escape this feeling? Is the workload causing this issue of always feeling this way?

like

NYC freelance team who quit an FCB gig early this past Wednesday, please DM me. Especially the writer. I took over for you. 😳

funnylike

Hey all you designers working in start up companies, did they give you a laptop to work on or do you use your own? 👀

like

Any openings for Python and Azure DevOps ?
Experience : 22 months

like

Have you shared any online reading resources for your (2021-22) students to use over the summer? If so, what? I have found that First Book offers a good program.

like

Hi Everyone, Could someone please suggest the best institute for DevOps Online Training course?

Any leads for good contract doc review attorneys/companies? Working on a complex internal investigation that requires analysis far beyond simple responsiveness coding and getting quotes that outsource to India for a fraction of the cost of reviewing in house is actually not what I’m looking for. Saving money is a consideration but primary driver is dedicated/consistent time commitment. Team is stretched too thin to make it through the volume.

like

Anybody applied for an h1b transfer (COE, regular processing) recently and got approved? If so, what was your wait time? Currently waiting for mine but not sure how long to expect.

like

looking for good PBL book recommendations (teacher book club options)

I am planning on travelling to USVI and my h1 extension is pending - since my visa will be expired, will this be an issue or this is considered domestic travel?

like

Stuck on music. Where do you guys look for inspiration for music specs for your tv spots?

Anybody hiring recruiting coordinators? I’ve been out of a job for 2 months and I’m really needing to get back to work! Please dm I’ll send over my resume!

like

Anyone working in ABN Amro account in kyndryl. Please ping me wanted some info

like

What are the most important skills employees should develop if they want to land a C-level position?

like

I'm an analyst who prefers managing data systems and data operations than doing the actual analysis work. Is there a market for this? Ad ops?

likehelpful

Looking to transition from B4 Financial Services (NY) to Big Law and am hoping to connect with someone who has done that before (or is looking to do the same) to discuss their experience. Please leave a comment or DM me if you’d like to chat!

like

I'm on a work visa in the US. Employer naturally has a higher leverage over me and my peers make 10-15% more money than I do despite having relatively lower performance ratings. Any tips on how to negotiate?

like

Hi, what would be the process on the firm side if H1B visa stamp interview at the home country consulate is denied.? Thanks

Do you think unconscious bias has played a role into the amount of hours/projects you get from partners?

like

Additional Posts in Big Law

Recently passed the Massachusetts bar exam and I’m looking for some junior roles in Boston now. I graduated law school last year so I am very early into my legal career. Does anyone have recruiter recommendations or know someone that I could reach out to to help guide me through this process?

like

What should you prepare for a transactional lateral conflicts check? Do you have to have prepare a deal sheet for every deal you worked in?

like

Has anyone in big law been successful in changing offices, either domestically or internationally? How did you approach the subject with your firm? I think I need a change of scenery for my own sanity, but not ready to leave my firm.

like

I know this isn’t a “biglaw” firm because it doesn’t pay market, but did anyone else see the insane bonus numbers at 2400 hours for Loeb & Loeb? Is that real? $305k bonus for an 8th year?

like

First year: How do you get back up off the mat after you’ve had a pretty bad day—clients, Partners, etc upset with you even though you did your best given the extreme speed required? I realize tomorrow is a new day, but feeling really shitty.

like

Is there any reason to come into the office if my entire work is outside of my local office and the office is generally empty? The only partner in my office works remotely. I’m a midlevel with high hours and a great in-office setup. I end up coming in about once per week.

like

Reasons to use Lexis over Westlaw?

like

Work has recently picked up, and I now have 3 live deals with regular morning meetings. As a junior associate, what should I do when I see semi-urgent emails when I am on a meeting for another matter taking notes?

like

What’s the earliest one can get a decent offer in house? Say you’re a first year. Asking for a friend…

like

I’ve got a lateral interview for an AM 100 firm tomorrow. I’m currently at a tiny plaintiff employment litigation firm. The lateral would be to defense employment litigation. Advice on how to answer the question of “why are you switching from plaintiff to defense”?

like

I don't know who needs to hear this, but I have a few former classmates and colleagues sweating over lateral interviews. Take a deep breath and relax.

First, doing these interviews does not define you as a person.

Second, take it one day at a time; if they are moving forward, they see something in you.

Third, remember that the people interviewing you are human beings. Connect with them, be personable.

like

Has anyone billed less than 1000 hrs as a first year?

like

Does anyone have experience working in China (preferably mainland)? For background, I currently work in an energy practice at a firm without a China office.

like

Got COVID from attending firm conference, wish I could get some billable hour credits…

like

I got an offer from firm 1 before the memorial holiday and have been stalling because I am waiting for an offer from firm 2..
I was working with a partner from firm 2 who got me an interview with the managing partner.. I got a verbal offer last week.. the staff told me they are processing the paperwork.
Should I still wait for firm 2? I feel like I can’t stall anymore.. I feel like I really should give firm 1 a response this week 😮‍💨 but I don’t want to lose both offers

likehelpful

If you do such a bad job that your firm asks you to leave within the first year, do you have to pay back the 80k signing bonus as agreed? 🧐

funny

I know this is the millionth time it’s been asked but how fracking long does a background check and conflicts take!???

likefunny

Why are the Vault practice area rankings so inconsistent with Chambers?

like

Is it okay that I’ve been a slow junior as we’re hours away from closing? I’m trying to be proactive and available to cross things off the list but I’m SLOW: takes me long enough that they do it themselves (even though this wasn’t an issue earlier in the deal) and even on quick tasks or emails, they respond to it before I can click send. There’s also so much about closing that I don’t understand and I feel like I’m bothering the higher-ups on the team whenever I ask. *end anxiety post*

like

Associates who are still working from home: we are talking about communicating and connecting with associates. I would appreciate input from people who feel their firms are handling these issues really well. (Cont. in comments)

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