Big Law Life

#27: Don’t Ignore the Importance of Your Self-Evaluation in Big Law

Jul 3, 2024

Explore the challenges and importance of self-evaluations in the Big Law industry. Learn how to leverage self-evaluations, keep a detailed tracker, seek feedback, and prepare for in-person evaluation meetings. Discover practical strategies for crafting a compelling narrative showcasing your accomplishments and strengths.

16:24

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Quick takeaways

Craft a compelling self-evaluation by highlighting achievements and strengths beyond task lists.

Maintain a detailed year-long tracker to document accomplishments and feedback for a comprehensive evaluation preparation.

Deep dives

Importance of Annual Self-Evaluation in Big Law Firms

Completing an annual self-evaluation is crucial in big law firms, regardless of your position. While the process may seem tedious, it plays a significant role in the performance review cycle within law firms. Self-evaluations provide a platform to highlight your achievements, strengths, and to tell your story beyond just listing tasks. By emphasizing the unique aspects of your work and milestones achieved, you can make your evaluation stand out and be more impactful.

The Significance of Self-Evaluation in Big Law Firms

2min

Maximizing the Value of Self-Evaluation in Big Law Firms

14min

In today’s episode, I share personal experiences and practical strategies to help lawyers prepare for the often-dreaded self-evaluation process. I discuss the importance of using self-evaluations as an opportunity to highlight your accomplishments and craft a compelling narrative that showcases your strengths. I also discuss the value of keeping a detailed tracker throughout the year, seeking feedback on drafts, and preparing effectively for in-person evaluation meetings.

My goal is to reduce the fear and overwhelm surrounding this process by teaching you how to take a proactive, strategic approach to organizing and preparing for your self-evaluation throughout the year.

At a glance:

00:33 - The challenge of self-evaluations
02:06 - Importance of self-evaluations
02:32 - Leveraging self-evaluations
03:34 - Advice on specific examples and context
05:00 - Keeping a tracker
06:45 - Documenting feedback
08:10 - Setting and tracking goals
08:56 - Getting feedback on drafts
10:24 - Detailing specifics
13:13 - Reflecting on accomplishments
14:38 - Preparing for future moves

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Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? - here are ways to reach out to her:

www.lauraterrell.com

laura@lauraterrell.com

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Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast