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Defending Your Career: Self Advocacy at Review Time

By Sharon Meit Abrahams
November 01, 2020

The annual review process has begun for associates, partners, of counsel and other timekeepers. This year will be different because of the pandemic so it is more important than ever to build a case for yourself. Even if your firm does not have a formal review process, write a self-evaluation, an annual memorandum or year-end report so it can be taken into consideration at year-end for compensation purposes. Firms have taken a hit due to COVID-19 and some will use this review cycle to pinpoint underperformers and reduce compensation. This is why it's even more important for you to make a case for yourself.

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Understand Your Firm's Process

Unless this is your first year of practice, you should know if your firm has a formal performance review system. Most firms of all sizes have an evaluation process for associates. This is the tool they use to determine if an attorney is on track for partnership. Big Law usually has some mechanism to measure their partners, but many smaller firms may not have a structured process for partners. If you are in another category such as counsel or staff attorney there may be no review process at all no matter the size of the firm so, take matters into your own hands by writing your self-evaluation.

The first step would be to review the process that aligns with your position. Most likely there is written material, a slide presentation or a video that explains the process. For associates, request sample forms so you get an idea of the questions partners will be completing about your performance. For partners, there may be a form or survey to complete, but likely the firm does not have a formal structure to follow. It is possible that if your firm has an evaluation process it may or may not include a self-evaluation piece. However, write one to showcase your value.

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