Law firms have long relied on traditional models of leadership development—mentorship, client management, and billable-hour performance as the primary indicators of success. While these approaches reward legal expertise and business development, they often leave a glaring gap: how leaders are perceived and experienced by their teams.
According to a 2023 report by the NALP Foundation, over 40% of associates who leave their firms cite poor leadership and lack of feedback as key reasons. Similarly, the Thomson Reuters Institute's Legal Talent Report revealed that 64% of early-career lawyers desire more transparent and responsive leadership—yet only 28% feel comfortable giving feedback to their superiors.
This disconnection points to a missing piece in leadership development: upward reviews—a structured way for associates to provide feedback to partners and managers on their leadership effectiveness.
“We ask associates to perform at the highest levels, but we rarely ask what kind of leadership they need to succeed. That’s the blind spot upward reviews can fix.”
— Managing Partner, Am Law 100 firm
Unlike traditional downward reviews, upward reviews invite junior team members to assess how well their leaders are supporting their growth, managing workloads, treating them with respect, and creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. These reviews aren’t about challenging authority—they’re about enhancing it with accountability, self-awareness, and feedback loops.
At Survey Research Associates (SRA), we've worked with dozens of top-tier law firms to implement upward reviews. And the results speak volumes: partners become more intentional leaders, associate morale improves, and firm culture begins to reflect the values stated on paper.
Upward reviews are not a threat to the traditional hierarchy—they’re a bridge to more effective leadership. And for firms that want to thrive in an evolving legal landscape, that bridge is no longer optional.
What Are Upward Reviews?
Upward reviews are structured feedback mechanisms where junior attorneys, typically associates, provide confidential insights about their supervising partners and managers. Rather than undermining hierarchy, upward reviews enhance transparency, build trust, and accelerate leadership maturity.
Key Elements of Effective Upward Reviews:
- Anonymous & Confidential Feedback
- Focused on Behaviors, Not Personalities
- Tied to Core Leadership Competencies
- Used for Development, Not Punishment
Why Upward Reviews Matter in Law Firms
The legal industry is hierarchical by design. But this structure can unintentionally stifle open communication and obscure leadership blind spots. Upward reviews offer a channel for:
- Real-time coaching for partners on people management
- Better alignment between firm values and actual behavior
- Stronger associate engagement and retention
- Early identification of leadership issues before they become cultural liabilities
1. Improving Leadership Skills
Law firm partners are expected to lead teams, manage workloads, mentor juniors, and promote inclusivity—all while maintaining billable hours. But most partners receive little feedback on how they’re doing in these areas. Upward reviews provide the data to improve leadership behavior in a focused, practical way.
2. Shaping Firm Culture
Associates are at the frontlines of firm culture. They experience firsthand how leadership values translate into practice. When their feedback is incorporated, culture shifts from being aspirational to actionable.
3. Empowering Associates Without Risk
Associates often fear repercussions from speaking up. With confidential upward reviews, they are empowered to raise concerns and highlight strengths in a safe, constructive environment.
The Impact of Upward Reviews: What the Data Shows
At Survey Research Associates (SRA), we’ve conducted thousands of upward reviews across Am Law 200 firms. Here’s what we’ve found:
- 82% of associates believe their partner’s leadership improves when they know feedback is coming from below.
- Firms that use upward reviews consistently report higher associate retention and greater engagement.
- Partner self-awareness increases by 30% when upward reviews are used alongside traditional evaluations.
One law firm saw a 25% drop in associate attrition after implementing structured upward reviews—with no changes to compensation or workload. The only variable? Leadership behavior improved.
How to Implement Upward Reviews Effectively
Upward reviews can only deliver value when implemented with care and clarity. Here’s a proven framework:
Step 1: Define What You’re Measuring
Focus on areas like:
- Managing workloads
- Giving feedback
- Respecting others
- Promoting inclusivity
- Supporting professional growth
Step 2: Assure Confidentiality
Ensure all responses are anonymous and communicated in aggregate.
Step 3: Educate All Stakeholders
Help associates understand how their feedback will be used. Coach partners on how to receive and respond to it.
Step 4: Share Actionable Insights
Avoid vague summaries. Use themes, quotes, and behavioral examples. Deliver feedback through one-on-one coaching or written reports.
Step 5: Follow Up
Leadership development is a process. Set goals, track progress, and conduct pulse surveys to monitor change.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Law Firm Leadership
Leadership in law firms is evolving. The next generation of legal talent demands transparency, respect, and inclusion. If firms want to attract and retain top talent, they must rethink how they develop leaders.
Upward reviews don’t just make leaders better—they make law firms stronger.
At SRA, we specialize in upward review programs tailored to the legal profession. Our approach ensures high participation, meaningful insights, and clear pathways for growth.
Ready to Build a Stronger Leadership Culture?
At Survey Research Associates (SRA), we’ve helped dozens of top law firms implement upward review programs that drive real change—improving leadership effectiveness, boosting associate satisfaction, and strengthening firm culture from within.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to level up your existing feedback process, our team will work with you to design a confidential, research-backed upward review system tailored to your firm’s goals.
.png){kind=small}
