Year-End Reflection
As a second-year associate in New York, I recently had my year-end review. The partner was quite positive and indicated that my performance has surpassed expectations for my class year. I logged 2,300 billable hours and, so far, haven’t faced any serious reprimands or made any major, irreparable mistakes. This feedback aligns with what I anticipated.
However, I can’t help but feel a bit paranoid about the culture in Big Law. If my performance was lacking, wouldn’t the partner address that with me? I mean, they wouldn’t sugarcoat my review, right?
The recent discussions around DEI initiatives have left me questioning how much trust I can place in what’s said in these evaluations. Is a Big Law partner’s praise genuinely meaningful? Maybe this is just a sign that I’ve “arrived.” 😂
One Response
Congratulations on your positive review! It sounds like you’ve had a strong year, especially with billing 2,300 hours. It’s understandable to feel a bit paranoid given the high-pressure environment of Big Law, but generally speaking, partners are transparent about performance assessments, particularly when they are positive.
While there are certainly complexities in how feedback is given, especially concerning DEI initiatives, most partners aim to provide an accurate picture of your performance. If there were significant concerns, they would likely address them directly.
That said, it’s always valuable to seek ongoing feedback to ensure you’re on track and to clarify any uncertainties you may have about your performance. It can help mitigate that paranoia and provide a clearer understanding of how you’re perceived. Remember, law firms don’t just invest in their associates; they want to retain talent and help them grow. You’ve presumably “arrived” in the sense that you’re doing well, so take this moment to celebrate your achievements, keep the lines of communication open, and continue to seek ways to enhance your contributions. Keep up the great work!