Summer Associates 2014: Thoughts, Anxieties, Experiences... Forum

[fl0w]

Extremely rare that there are no revisions. And when there are none it's more often a product of the partner/associate allowing you to go with your own style on the filing because if they were filing it under their name they'd tweak it.

No free market? Just make sure that when you find a partner that you like you make an effort to let them know you enjoy working with them and build that relationship. Ask them what kind of other stuff they do and see if you've got an interest. Partners love talking about that stuff.

[brotherdarkness]

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[Anonymous User]

The main thing I've learned so far is the importance of working with partners you like, and click with so you can keep working with them again. I didn't realize the business model is basically like being a subcontractor for the partners, or in most cases a sub-subcontractor. You aren't working for a firm xx. You're working for people. Judging firms isn't really accurate, because every partner is different. There are merely some norms across each firm.

Of all the posts in this thread, this is clearly one of the most mature and well thought out. I'm glad you arrived at this conclusion, and it should really be stickied at the top.

I've seen this echoed many times on TLS. However, I wonder if knowing that fact can change anything. Particularly, if you work at a firm where you are assigned work/rotated (opposite of free market), is there anything you can do to choose to work with partners you like?

This was me. Unfortunately, I only recently realized this, and pretty much bombed my first assignment. Hope I don't get no offered. For some reason, every stage's advice is basically a bumper sticker like "1L is super hard", "Don't be socially awkward", etc. instead of "Just apply law to fact", and "This is what an associate actually does."

[Nammertat]

Had my midsummer review today. All good and everyone I've worked with wants to see me return as an associate. I'm beyond happy.

My review was all positive, but not overly substantive... "everyone is happy with your work," "you seem to be learning a lot," "are you getting the kinds of projects you want?" Wondering if this is just checking the box, or if I should be at all concerned that there wasn't any real feedback.

[brotherdarkness]

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[fl0w]

Warning signs would not even be disguised as constructive criticism. They would be phrased like "X associate/partner said that you need to pay closer attention to deadlines. Tell me about that."

[Anonymous User]

What if there was one review that had the tell me about that in it? Is turning it into a learning experience enough to assuage fear/concern?

[fl0w]

What if there was one review that had the tell me about that in it? Is turning it into a learning experience enough to assuage fear/concern?

Just be frank and address what happened. Relay your understanding of the situation.
I imagine you have spoken to the partner/associate about this? If not, do so and understand how you can sort it out going forward.

[Anonymous User]

What if there was one review that had the tell me about that in it? Is turning it into a learning experience enough to assuage fear/concern?

Just be frank and address what happened. Relay your understanding of the situation.
I imagine you have spoken to the partner/associate about this? If not, do so and understand how you can sort it out going forward.

I know how to fix the situation (this was pre-knowing how the model worked) - asking about level of concern. Basically, is it a norm to have 1 bad review?

[fl0w]

What if there was one review that had the tell me about that in it? Is turning it into a learning experience enough to assuage fear/concern?

Just be frank and address what happened. Relay your understanding of the situation.
I imagine you have spoken to the partner/associate about this? If not, do so and understand how you can sort it out going forward.

I know how to fix the situation (this was pre-knowing how the model worked) - asking about level of concern. Basically, is it a norm to have 1 bad review?

I'd say "not uncommon" which I know is a total lawyerism. But one thing like this does not auto-sink you if that is what you are asking.

[Anonymous User]

for those who had their mid-summer reviews, did it go as you had expected? i haven't received too much feedback regarding my work (good or bad) and so, not really sure what to expect. people have been telling me that if i were doing a poor job, someone would have mentioned something to me by now...

[ph14]

FWIW, I split my summer and neither of my midsummer reviews provided much substantive feedback at all. They pretty much just read the supervising attorneys' comments and said keep up the good work and other positive comments. I got offers at both places. I wouldn't worry if you got minimal substantive feedback, it's probably a good sign.

[brotherdarkness]

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[Anonymous User]

Those at my firm have received feedback ranging from keep it up you've exceeded out expectations to work on checking grammar on all work product including informal emails.

But stressed to everyone that it's still their offer to lose and they're excited to welcome is to the firm in the future. Meeting was with hiring partners.

[shock259]

FWIW, I got a lot of praise at my midsummer and final review. The HR person/hiring partner basically just read all of the attorney comments to me. They included a few "constructive" things but it was overwhelmingly positive. Got an offer. One person from my office didn't get an offer, and he was told during the midterm and final review that his work was not up to par and he needed to make substantial improvements.

So if they say you are doing good, you are probably doing good. Don't overthink it.

[Nammertat]

Had my midsummer review today. All good and everyone I've worked with wants to see me return as an associate. I'm beyond happy.

My review was all positive, but not overly substantive... "everyone is happy with your work," "you seem to be learning a lot," "are you getting the kinds of projects you want?" Wondering if this is just checking the box, or if I should be at all concerned that there wasn't any real feedback.

Mine was similar. No substance, just positive comments and asking if I had questions/comments/complaints. As far as I'm concerned, so long as there were no warning signs disguised as constructive criticism, I'm having a few celebratory drinks tonight.

I think I'm just so used to having something to stress over that I search it out! I'm thinking at a 100% firm, non-substantive news has got to be good news.

[Anonymous User]

So I had a really positive midway review but haven't been given a new assignment since finishing my last one Friday. I've told the hiring partner who is also responsible for distributing work assignments and he said that he has me in mind when something comes up.

Despite what he said, should I be concerned about the lack of work? Is there anything I should be doing other than communicate that I'm available?

I should note that the firm is not slow. All of the associates and other summers are busy.

[Anonymous User]

So I had a really positive midway review but haven't been given a new assignment since finishing my last one Friday. I've told the hiring partner who is also responsible for distributing work assignments and he said that he has me in mind when something comes up.

Despite what he said, should I be concerned about the lack of work? Is there anything I should be doing other than communicate that I'm available?

I should note that the firm is not slow. All of the associates and other summers are busy.

I'm at a small firm and having a similar experience. However, the office is just slow right now. So I'm hoping its not the worst.

[09042014]

So I had a really positive midway review but haven't been given a new assignment since finishing my last one Friday. I've told the hiring partner who is also responsible for distributing work assignments and he said that he has me in mind when something comes up.

Despite what he said, should I be concerned about the lack of work? Is there anything I should be doing other than communicate that I'm available?

I should note that the firm is not slow. All of the associates and other summers are busy.

Making up assignments for summers takes work. Just chill out

[chem]

So I had a really positive midway review but haven't been given a new assignment since finishing my last one Friday. I've told the hiring partner who is also responsible for distributing work assignments and he said that he has me in mind when something comes up.

Despite what he said, should I be concerned about the lack of work? Is there anything I should be doing other than communicate that I'm available?

I should note that the firm is not slow. All of the associates and other summers are busy.

Enjoy it while you can

[Anonymous User]

no mid-summer review here... although i will take it as a positive sign that my boss is offering to help me polish my resume for my upcoming 3L job search and for distribution to attorneys with whom he has a close rapport

[09042014]

no mid-summer review here... although i will take it as a positive sign that my boss is offering to help me polish my resume for my upcoming 3L job search and for distribution to attorneys with whom he has a close rapport

doesn't sound like something you'd do for someone getting an offer.

[Anonymous User]

no mid-summer review here... although i will take it as a positive sign that my boss is offering to help me polish my resume for my upcoming 3L job search and for distribution to attorneys with whom he has a close rapport

doesn't sound like something you'd do for someone getting an offer.

yeah, i took the job knowing it would not end with an offer (in-house).

[Anonymous User]

I'm completely flat out right now with assignments that are due next week (some given to me today, some longer term) and I'm thinking that I won't be able to produce my absolutely best work. Unfortunately, I think the attorneys that gave me the work believe there deadlines were overly generous to begin with. I'm already planning on working pretty must all the time that isn't events. Should I ask for extensions early or just hope and pray I can get them acceptable work product?

Also, the recruiting department has encouraged us to go to them if we get swamped but that feels a little like tattling. Thoughts?

[09042014]

I'm completely flat out right now with assignments that are due next week (some given to me today, some longer term) and I'm thinking that I won't be able to produce my absolutely best work. Unfortunately, I think the attorneys that gave me the work believe there deadlines were overly generous to begin with. I'm already planning on working pretty must all the time that isn't events. Should I ask for extensions early or just hope and pray I can get them acceptable work product?

Also, the recruiting department has encouraged us to go to them if we get swamped but that feels a little like tattling. Thoughts?

Even working all weekend you can't get it all done?