New York Lawyer
January 6, 2005

Q:
At my review, I got some "constructive feedback" that really surprised me. The review included criticisms that I don't think I'm guilty of (like not relating well to clients). I didn't really say much because I was so surprised. How can I handle this, either now or in the future?

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A:

Let's start and finish by acknowledging that the number of people who like to be criticized can fit in a phone booth. It isn't fun. But learning to deal with it, and even profit from it, is a vital part of professional growth.

First, that you got some negative feedback actually is good. In many, many offices, especially law firms, people tend to avoid giving "bad news." Consequently lawyers labor in ignorance, thinking they are doing a good job when in fact their superiors harbor real doubts. So they're doing you a favor by caring enough to point out problems (unless of course there's some political agenda at work against you, which I'll assume there isn't for purposes of this question).

Here are some techniques to use. Since you've already had your review, you can revisit it with some time to think it through. Sift through the comments to see where they might have some validity. If you really can't figure it out, ask for some specifics, saying that you are anxious to develop and learn and want to understand the contours of the problem. Don't say that you dispute the criticism, at least not at first, but instead find out the facts that support the contention.

Once you get more information, you can properly weigh it to determine its validity. Keep an open mind. Check with other people who've worked with you (but only people you trust!), to see if they have noticed the same shortcomings and think you can improve in that respect. If they have - suck it up and figure out how to lift your game. You will not help yourself by denying that a problem exists.

If you truly think the criticism is off the mark, determine whether it's worth quibbling about. If it's a relatively small thing, you may lose more than you gain by bringing it up. If you think you must confront it - and you should if it's a crucial element in decisions about advancement, such as relating well to clients -- make sure to dispute the assertion with facts, not with broad generalizations or conclusions. Refer to clients who are happy with your work, assignments you've completed successfully, other attorneys who admire your work, specific things you've done that directly rebut the comment. Couch your comments as follows: "I've had a chance to think about the things you told me during our review. I respect the review system, however I am concerned that there may be an issue about the points raised for my improvement. I want to make sure that we concentrate our efforts in areas that count, so can we go over this?"

In the future, when you have your actual review, be ready with a response line when given difficult information, such as "can you tell me more about that?" to avoid looking defensive or angry. It's important to the firm that you listen to what they have to say, even if at the time, or thereafter, you totally disagree with their view. So listen up, digest the information, ask for more specifics, and only respond in the review if you feel you can do so coherently. If not, say, "I'd like a chance to think this over a little bit. Can we have another discussion soon to go over this?"

Try these techniques and see if you can turn what looks like a major obstacle into an opportunity to become a better lawyer, and an opportunity to learn how to participate in the review process in a constructive way.

Sincerely,
Holly English