I had my annual review today.
Before
The meeting request was sent out yesterday afternoon, which was just as well because it limited the amount of time I would spend worrying about the meeting. When I arrived at work this morning, my written review was sitting on my office chair. I think this was done to give me some time to read the review in privacy and prepare any comments that I might have. The feedback I received regarding the quality of my work was positive without exception. However, I have been "reclassified," which means held back from progressing with my class to the next level because I wasn't assigned enough work during the evaluation period, which ran from January to August.
During
Two partners were scheduled to be present, but one had to skip out because of a rescheduled meeting. The partner who attended reiterated some of the points from my written evaluation and stressed that I shouldn't consider the reclassification as a reflection on the quality of my work, but a reflection on the amount of work that I was given. I was asked for comments on my development plan, which amounts to a paragraph drafted by the partners. My development plan includes two points. First, get staffed on more projects (elsewhere in my evaluation it was noted that I asked for work routinely). Second, integrate myself into the local legal community.
After
The notable consequence of my reclassification is that I won't move to the next level in the firm's lock-step compensation scheme (typically, associates receive a raise each year that they advance) and won't be bonus eligible (obviously). I'm pleased to have received positive feedback on my work. But I'm frustrated. I've asked for work, accepted an overseas assignment so I could get some more hours, and then transferred offices on the promise that I would get more work here. I did everything within my control to obtain work over the last year and did well on the assignments that I was given. In exchange, I have received precious few opportunities to practice law or build my skill set.
7 comments:
i understand the realities (to an extent), but wouldn't it be nice if bonuses had a larger merit component as opposed to the more typical strictly hours-based limitations, particularly in the recent economy? in any event, i hope things start looking up for you. it may not seem like a lot, but you are resume-building with each new assignment.
I'm sorry to hear this. It sounds like you've absolutely done everything possible to get more work and experience. It's a shame they're not putting you to better use.
I think at the end of the day, your review of yourself is what matters. As long as you are personally satisfied with the effort uve put in, its all good. External recognition will come sooner or later, they are just slow to realize what you are worth.
Believe me, at my previous job, I used to bluntly tell my manager that I didn't care about his ratings/raises. I think if one has the intent, they can easily know what areas they need to improve upon rather than have someone do it.
Ugh, that is frustrating. I don't have any advice about picking up more hours at your current firm, but will they support you becoming involved in a committee on your local bar association? That can be a great way to integrate yourself into the local legal community, and could also help you to prospect new firms.
I'm sorry to hear this. It sounds like you've absolutely done everything possible to get more work and experience. It's a shame they're not putting you to better use.
Office Chairs
I can't believe they're not letting you advance with your class! Especially because you're a first year and have gone so far out of your way to get work. I only have my firm to compare this to, but it seems like they're being unreasonable. I hope you find work soon, whether it's at this firm or another job.
in hindsight, i could have stayed put in san diego with the same end-of-year result. that is one of the most frustrating aspects of all this for me.
thanks, all, for the supportive comments. i really appreciate it.
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