End-of-summer review--bad sign? Forum

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Thu Jul 25, 2019 6:21 pm

Had an end-of-summer review with partner in my group today. After telling that I have many positive reviews as expected, he brought up three issues: in short, 1) convey your enthusiasm, 2) improve attention to detail, and 3) be more tactful when asking extensions (I didn't blow up any deadlines, fwiw). It sounded more like constructive feedback and he really seemed to kinda teach me like a professor (which I appreciate), but I wasn't told typical we-want-you-to-stay words...I think I reacted well, thanking feedback and saying what I will do more in my 3L year to improve them. This is a major market big law with 97-100% offer rate. Was told in all summer email that offers will be out next week or so. Should I be worried?

notinbiglaw · Post by **notinbiglaw** » Thu Jul 25, 2019 6:24 pm

No, don’t be worried.

Npret · Post by **Npret** » Thu Jul 25, 2019 6:35 pm

Anonymous User wrote:Had a end-of-summer review with partner in my group today. After telling that I have many positive reviews as expected, he brought up three issues: in short, 1) convey your enthusiasm, 2) improve attention to detail, and 3) be more tactful when asking extensions (I didn't blow up any deadlines, fwiw). It sounded more like constructive feedback and he really seemed to kinda teach me like a professor (which I appreciate), but I wasn't told typical we-want-you-to-stay words...I think I reacted well, thanking feedback and saying what I will do more in my 3L year to improve them. This is a major market big law with 97-100% offer rate. Was told in all summer email that offers will be out next week or so. Should I be worried?

No point in worrying but I would’ve prepared for the possibility of a no offer. All 3 of those things sound like attitude problem that the firm may not want to address.
On the other hand, it’s a high offer rate firm, so you’re probably fine.

2013 · Post by **2013** » Thu Jul 25, 2019 6:36 pm

That’s a pretty good review. There were no glaring deficiencies, so he just gave you some issues that most junior attorneys need to work on.

Npret · Post by **Npret** » Thu Jul 25, 2019 6:39 pm

2013 wrote:That’s a pretty good review. There were no glaring deficiencies, so he just gave you some issues that most junior attorneys need to work on.

I stand corrected. I didn’t like them telling a summer that they weren’t enthusiastic or tactful. That sounds like two big negatives to me- but I’m probably overthinking it.

esther0123 · Post by **esther0123** » Thu Jul 25, 2019 6:59 pm

Anonymous User wrote:Had a end-of-summer review with partner in my group today. After telling that I have many positive reviews as expected, he brought up three issues: in short, 1) convey your enthusiasm, 2) improve attention to detail, and 3) be more tactful when asking extensions (I didn't blow up any deadlines, fwiw). It sounded more like constructive feedback and he really seemed to kinda teach me like a professor (which I appreciate), but I wasn't told typical we-want-you-to-stay words...I think I reacted well, thanking feedback and saying what I will do more in my 3L year to improve them. This is a major market big law with 97-100% offer rate. Was told in all summer email that offers will be out next week or so. Should I be worried?

Since this is a high offer firm I wouldn’t worry about being no offered. If these feedbacks reoccur as associates then yes, maybe problematic because especially 1 and 3 are on the bigger side of the issues (attention to detail is a routine problem that can easily be remedied).

2013 · Post by **2013** » Thu Jul 25, 2019 7:25 pm

I think people are being over-critical. There were no comments regarding work quality, which I think is the ultimate negative review.

Obviously if this were a first year getting a review, different story

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Fri Jul 26, 2019 1:23 am

Npret wrote: I stand corrected. I didn’t like them telling a summer that they weren’t enthusiastic or tactful. That sounds like two big negatives to me- but I’m probably overthinking it.

Just the other day I told a law clerk that he looked like his dog died. Now I'm hoping that he's not one of these over-thinkers who feels like he's going to get fired lol

OP, that feedback didn't sound like anything to worry about. You'll find the real world, not everything comes loaded with praise, or even soft language. Older partners tend to get to the point with things. There's no time to beat around the bush. If you're not getting yelled at, it's a good sign.

Pro tip: If your attitude might be an issue, consider bringing doughnuts or snacks into the break room tomorrow. That sort of thing has a tendency to project a person in a positive light

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