As a first-year associate, soliciting feedback from a partner or senior associate is important for your growth and development as an attorney. During law school, your knowledge and performance were constantly evaluated through examinations and cold calls. If you are anything like me, you probably spent your first few months as a practicing attorney wondering how you performed and whether you could improve your performance.
New attorneys may avoid asking for feedback for several reasons, including fear of criticism, perfectionism, or time constraints. Legal work is often high-stakes, and associates may worry that feedback could highlight mistakes or shortcomings, potentially impacting their reputation. Another common pitfall of young associates is that many attorneys strive for perfectionism and may feel that requesting feedback could indicate uncertainty or a lack of confidence in their abilities. Associates often do not seek feedback due to time constraints—attorneys often work under tight deadlines and may prioritize billable work over seeking feedback.
After talking to several mid-level associates, I realized that asking for feedback is a vital part of professional development. Whatever your reason for not seeking meaningful feedback, you should take a step back and remind yourself of the value of feedback to your growth as an effective attorney.
It is important to be clear and brief when asking for feedback on a project or assignment. Partners and senior associates are extremely busy. They must balance client relationships, heavy caseloads, professional development, and personal obligations. You are more likely to receive a timely response when your request is short and to the point. To ask for feedback clearly and briefly, you can try something like: “Could you please provide feedback on [specific task or assignment]? I would appreciate any suggestions for improvement.” This request is direct and to the point, making what you are asking for clear and inviting a constructive response.
Prioritize specificity when asking for feedback. Focus on specific aspects of your performance or work you want input on. To frame this request, you should clarify the context by mentioning the task, project, or behavior on which you are seeking feedback. Then, you should identify key areas by highlighting particular aspects you want feedback about, such as communication, organization, or problem-solving. You may also ask for examples or suggestions, which will help you understand the feedback in a practical way. An example of a specific request for feedback is to ask, “Could you provide feedback on my memo? Specifically, I am looking for input on the clarity of my analysis section and how effectively I communicated the answer.” This makes it easier for the person to provide targeted and actionable feedback.
Be acceptant of constructive criticism. To be flexible when asking for feedback, you should approach the request with an open mind and willingness to receive feedback in various forms. To frame your request with acceptance, you should be open to different types of feedback by letting the person know you are open to both positive and constructive feedback. You should also avoid being overly specific. Instead of narrowing the scope too much, you should invite feedback on any aspect of your work or performance.
Finally, you should express appreciation for all feedback by showing that you value their perspective, no matter what kind of feedback they offer. For example, you may say, “I would really appreciate any feedback you have on my recent project. I am open to suggestions on anything from content to delivery or anything else you think could improve my work.” This approach signals that you are receptive to a broad range of feedback and encourages a more comprehensive response.
Whether you are a first-year associate or a first-year partner, these tips will continue to be relevant throughout your time as an attorney. Soliciting feedback is a skill that will shape your entire career if you learn how to do so professionally and respectfully. When soliciting feedback, you should always be clear, concise, specific, and accepting. Clarity and brevity convey your respect for the partner’s time. Specificity makes your request more straightforward and, therefore, easier to fulfill. Finally, accepting both positive and constructive criticism conveys your willingness to prioritize learning over your ego.
