What are typical mistakes for a first year associate to make? Forum

[Anonymous User]

This is directed at mid level/senior associates at big law firms. Which mistakes are normal for a first year vs. red flags for future performance issues?

[redsox550]

Defined Terms - everything from inputting form with defined terms that arn't defined in current agreement to defining a term and not using it.
Spelling: suprising amount of spelling mistakes
Formatting: you must print it before u email it to check formatting
Not bringing notepad to meeting/lawyers office
Poor responsiveness

off the top of my head

[Manteca]

I literally was given an entire dep prep to do this week with no instruction whatsoever, with no knowledge of the case, proceeded to do the best job I could, and was told it was shit. How screwed am I?

[jd20132013]

not really but just don't do the same mistakes again

[Anonymous User]

I literally was given an entire dep prep to do this week with no instruction whatsoever, with no knowledge of the case, proceeded to do the best job I could, and was told it was shit. How screwed am I?

Fellow first year here. I've experienced similar and my understanding is that it's no big deal. I work with a few different seniors and some have great management skills when others just don't want to take the time to speak to you and it sucks.