I'm the original poster and frankly kind of surprised by the universal sentiment that I'm dunzo. Yikes. I guess I'm more vulnerable than I realized.

One question, does it make a difference if the written review was mixed, but the oral part of the review was negative? Should I take an solace in the fact that I've been asked to participate in a firm sponsored CLE panel in a few months? What if I'm the only associate in the group? Just wondering if those facts make a difference.

I think the sentiment of these posts reminds me I should feel 100% confident in my decision to leave, and I'm also getting the message I shouldn't wait too long to leave.

Thanks!

I got a good review but when there is no work, there is no work. I think I was the poster this thread was referring too. I did eventually get asked to leave but was already had another offer. I would be picky but be careful not to be unrealistically picky.

But, on the other hand, if you are a very junior associate, you may be able to recover. People at my firm were able to do it. It all depends on the review. If the poor review focused on core skills, such as writing or research skills, you are probably done. If the problems identified are things you can easily correct, such as time management or how you interact with others, you may be able to overcome the issues. I poor review for someone more senior than a 3rd year associate is often a sign you should leave.

Second what 14:05 wrote. They're being generous in giving you time to look for another position. It's hard to put this sort of experience in perspective when you're going through it, but here's an example that might help: one of my colleagues was a 7th(-ish?) year associate when she got a bad review. She'd expected to make partner the following year. Worse, she'd even come in from maternity leave for that performance review. Not a fun time. You don't mention the issues identified in your review, but in my colleague's case, the review was justified. She'd botched a critical project and had stepped on some toes here and there. The reason why she wasn't able to bounce back in terms of lining up another job was she couldn't acknowledge her part in where things went wrong. If you can get past that obstacle - admittedly, a big one - you'll be doing your career a favor.

The bad review was the signal. Particularly if your hours are low. It was also a bad signal at my firm if 90% of your hours came from a single project -- such as one large litigation where you are tasked with discovery related tasks and low level research assignments. When the project is over, so is the associate.

Anonymous wrote:Previous post about Big Law associate being let go, I'm curious, for those who have been let go (or anticipated it) how did you know the writing was on the wall?

I ask because I have been at my firm a year and a half, but my first review went poorly and I am not happy. I am looking for a new job, but in the meantime things are going better, so I feel less urgency. I also don't want to take a job just to take one, but want to hold out for the right opportunity. Still I fear passing up a decent opportunity, for the right one, only to be suddenly let go. I hope I'm not missing the signs that I should get out of there ASAP.

They feel like they already told you that it wasn't going to work out by giving you a bad performance review. Its going better now b/c they assume you are looking for another job and they are giving you a few months to exit stage left before they push you off the boat. Trust us. Once you get a bad review at a firm (even a first review), you are screwed there. Just trying to help you out.

I got let go in the summertime, and when I asked to take a few days off, the partner looked really annoyed (because he planned to fire me).

Your secretary knows.

Are you working so hard you want to cry? Does a partner seem to call you every single time you need a break with more work? If not, you should be looking for another job.

Someone sitting at your desk when you walk in.

Your badge stops working.

Stuff like that.

A bad review is a very bad sign, sorry. Most big law firms tend to be pretty conflict-avoidant during reviews, especially for a relative newbie.

Hours and work. Low hours, not getting the right work. Flag.

Depends on your firm. At my former firm you are counseled to let you know that something is wrong and given some time to correct it. Other firms just bring the axe down whenever its convenient. Ultimately the more important question than actual performance is your hours. Nobody wants to cut a busy associate unless they're already writing off your hours because your performance is that poor.

Are people sending you work, and not just bottom-of-the-barrel work? I'm no expert, but being idle in an otherwise busy practice is a major red flag.

Previous post about Big Law associate being let go, I'm curious, for those who have been let go (or anticipated it) how did you know the writing was on the wall?

I ask because I have been at my firm a year and a half, but my first review went poorly and I am not happy. I am looking for a new job, but in the meantime things are going better, so I feel less urgency. I also don't want to take a job just to take one, but want to hold out for the right opportunity. Still I fear passing up a decent opportunity, for the right one, only to be suddenly let go. I hope I'm not missing the signs that I should get out of there ASAP.