Now that it’s mid-summer, it’s time to seek feedback on your work (if you haven’t already). Some organizations and firms will have a structured program that includes mid-summer and end of summer reviews. Others won’t. Either way, you are learning and it is appropriate to ask for input on your work, but it is important to go about it well. Follow these tips this summer to get actionable input on your work.
1.) Seek out feedback from the assigning attorney.
If your assigning attorney is receptive to the idea, consider scheduling periodic meetings to develop a relationship with him/her, discuss the status of your projects, and seek feedback on your work.
2.) Handle criticism well.
If you do receive criticism, own up to your mistakes, be grateful for the constructive criticism, resolve to improve, and then actually improve. Do not get defensive. Ask questions about the feedback in a way that shows your interest in improving your work product going forward. Be up front, say: “I want to make sure I can fix this problem.” Or, “I can see where I made a mistake. I’d like to have a chance to work with you again so that you can see my improvement.” It is ok to ask, “How can I prevent this in the future?” Make use of your mentors or other young attorneys for advice as to how to address any criticisms and improve your work product.
3.) No news doesn’t mean no action.
You may find that once you turn in an assignment, you never hear another word about it. Upon receiving your project, attorneys will often just take over the work, fix any mistakes you have made, and complete the project themselves. If your organization uses a shared document management system, you should look back to see the finished product and self-evaluate whether you did a good job or missed the mark.
4.) Be known for being proactive.
Strive to establish a reputation as someone who acknowledges mistakes and enthusiastically works to address them. Feel free to contact the Career Center if you have any questions regarding how to seek or respond to feedback.