You’ve graduated your law school Summa Cum Laude, passed the bar, and have landed a job as an associate in the firm of your choice.  You’re in your fourth year and life is good.  That is, of course, until you discover that your firm has decided to join the trend in moving from the traditional lockstep system, where all associates in a class are promoted at the same time, to a levels system, in which advancement and compensation are determined by your performance – that is, your efficiency and effectiveness.

A levels system, therefore, affords an excellent opportunity to distinguish yourself  as an attorney with excellent time management skills.

Here are three easy ways how:

  1. When given an assignment, take the time to determine the full scope of the task at hand.  That may mean asking pointed questions at your preliminary meeting.  Many associates make the mistake of avoiding this step, believing it could make them seem not up to the task at hand.   That kind of thinking, though, can hurt you later on.   Be sure when asking questions to also inquire about timeline expectations and to confirm deliverables and deadlines.
  2. When replying to an email from a partner or higher-up about an assigned task, take the time to answer well, rather than quickly.  If you are being asked about your progress on a credit agreement, for example, don’t simply reply that you are, “On it”.   A smart thorough response on what you have done so far and what you hope to accomplish by a certain date will highlight your organizational skill to the recipient.
  3. Once you’ve finished with the assigned task, be sure to ask for comprehensive feedback.  It’s often best to do this by scheduling a short meeting with the partner or higher-up.  Then make sure you implement improvements in the next assignment.