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My group has been slow and my hours have really suffered. I am not the slowest, but definitely not in best place. The hours were a main topic of my review, though besides that the reviews were good. Was also told that they might look into getting me work from another practice area. Would prefer to stay at current firm if everything else is equal, but also do not want to be blindsided if this is their way of telling me to start looking. So, TLS, what do you think?

I'm in a very similar position (except haven't got the review yet). I'm going to start polishing my resume.

It sounds like they're being upfront with you - your hours are slow, it's a problem, and they're going to work with you on that.

But just because they're going to work with you doesn't meant it will work out. I'd polish your resume, just in case. Always good to be ready with a backup plan.

My old firm used to give this line to people as a "soft talk" before giving the "hard talk" sometime later down the road. Absolutely start looking around. This talk may be used against you when it comes time to give you a deadline.

I don't get how hours being down is the associate's fault. Doesn't it just mean the firm isn't bringing in enough work?

This doesn't change the fact as to whether OP should polish resume, but at a more fundamental level I don't understand how this is a "problem" the firm is willing to "work" with OP about.

Br3v wrote:I don't get how hours being down is the associate's fault. Doesn't it just mean the firm isn't bringing in enough work?

This doesn't change the fact as to whether OP should polish resume, but at a more fundamental level I don't understand how this is a "problem" the firm is willing to "work" with OP about.

could also mean that people don't want to work with you which should be a huge red flag. if the hours are down but the practice group is busy, you are in trouble and should gtfo

Because everyone else is being super negative, I'll put a positive spin on what you said: You got overall positive reviews, your hours are low because your group is slow, and they're willing to help you get work from another group that isn't slow to remedy this. It's possible they're trying to retain you so you don't leave exactly like you're considering now.

It depends a little on the group. If it's general lit or corporate slow cycles are normal. If it's a really specialized cyclical thing like mortgage lit maybe worry. But you should keep a current resume anyhow.

are you at Covington DC

if so yes

jbagelboy wrote:are you at Covington DC

if so yes

Seconded.