December 4, 2020

How to improve performance reviews in law firms?

Karthick Sundar

Performance reviews in law firms have proven to boost their overall performance and lead to a more enjoyable work environment. It is pretty commonly accepted and practiced by just about every law firm. Generally, reviews and development should take place simultaneously to track visible growth.

However, now, time-bound reviews and yearly audits are proving otherwise.

By the time firms conduct such reviews, an associate's performance may have changed over time and gotten better or worse. In such a case, a year-end review could give a false impression. They don't provide you with a wholesome image of the said associate.

Young lawyers today are having trouble with the way things are running. Owing to their busy schedules, employers (mostly partners) cannot take out time to actively review personal, long-term development goals of people working under them, even if they wish to. Additionally, these reviews are relatively time-consuming and have proven to induce a great deal of stress that could damage employee productivity.

Shifting from having annual performance reviews to receiving feedback when it is relevant can improve employee morale and performance in leaps and bounds by developing and enhancing their skills to succeed at the firm. Shorter, more frequently conducted performance management sessions can lead to professional development. Timely feedback with regular check-ins can monitor progress.

Traditional face-to-face review methods can prove to be quite cumbersome and stressful. Through SRA's digital platform, evaluations and feedback are received quickly without everyone needing to be physically present in a room. Conducting digital reviews would also provide accurate data and negate the need to be on time for frequent physical meetings.

Digital platforms also use OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and the feedback process, thus providing useful insight into everyone's involvement in the firm and their contribution to its goals.

Using positive reinforcement by mentioning people on review posts can boost employee productivity, making them feel recognized and valued.
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