Bad Performance Review?

Wait a few days before reacting to a bad performance review, even if you believe the assertions are invalid. Getting defensive and volitile on the spot is generally ineffective and likely to cause more problems. Here is a piece I wrote on the subject about 5 years ago.

Interview Prep and Sports

Get prepared for an interview in the same way you would get ready for the "big game". Crank the music. Visualize victory. Make sure your uniform looks good.

Maister on Rejecting Work

David Maister reminds us of the importance of staying focused in the work we accept (and even turning away work that does not fit with our business strategy.)

Only 30% of GC's Like Their Outside Counsel

Sounds like a great marketing opportunity (or perhaps a wakeup call to anyone with corporate clients.)

Do Latest Salary Hikes =More Billable Hours

Not according to my colleague Carey Bertolet in the New York office of BCG. Sure there will be less tolerance for associates who are underperforming; but this hike is really an incremental raise.

I part ways with Carey wrt the last big raises in 2000. I believe these raises did change billing expectations (at least in departments that had the work.) But those raises were more dramatic (more than 30% in some cases.)

Dealing With Multiple Recruiters

In the world of contingent search, it is not uncommon for different search firms to have the same listing. The last thing you want to do is have two different recruiters submit your name to the same employer. To most of us, the reasons are obvious (companies are not going to appreciate getting the same resume from different search firms.) But being honest with both recruiters is also critical since at least one of them may be representing you to potential employers. Would you want an agent to feel like they are being jerked around?

One little known fact is that you are under no obligation to work with the first search firm that tells you about an opening. You get to decide who will best represent your interests.

You Talk Too Much

Talking too much is the biggest mistake that candidates make in job interviews. Not knowing enough about the company is the next biggest mistake (This according to a survey of executive recruiters.)

Reneging on a Job Offer

In a small legal community, it is ill advised to renege on a job offer that you have already accepted. But if you are going to consider doing this, be careful what you say to the firm you are passing over. Make sure you have a written offer from the second firm.

Avoid this problem by taking more time before accepting an offer in the first place. Most employers will give you an opportunity to think things over.

Ending Relationships on a High Note

How you end relationships is just as important as how you cultivate on-going relationships. Go out on a high note because that is what people will remember (whether you are leaving a job, getting rid of a client, etc.)

Generation X Not Looking for Partnership

More on the subject of associates leaving large law firms in droves.

Great Tips for On-Line Marketing

Larry Bodine offers some great tips for getting the most from your on-line marketing including: update your content frequently, start a blog of your own, organize your website around your client's interests (i.e. rather than around your firm's practice areas.)

Free Podcasts on Management

David Maister now has 5 free podcasts on how to be an effective manager in a law firm.