Evaluation time is near for most law firms now.  The classic formal mechanism for evaluation includes collection and delivery of feedback on how well each lawyer is performing and might improve.  Many firms also incorporate self-evaluation, in which the lawyer is asked to fill out a form that asks for self-evaluation in certain areas and sets plans for the future.  If taken seriously, these programs can be very useful in helping to guide lawyers' professional development. 

But formal evaluation processes present several key challenges.  The method of communicating the feedback and suggestions often undercuts the effectiveness and benefit that an evaluation is supposed to convey.  Self-evaluation eliminates that problem, but most lawyers are hesitant to reveal their deep concerns about their performance and their professional satisfaction "on the record" or to set specific goals, for fear of negative repercussions.  

Lawyers who are most successful and satisfied tend to conduct a private self-evaluation.  Consistent high performance requires reflection on what's gone well and what hasn't and analysis of what steps and goals will further enhance your results. 

What questions must you consider in your self-evaluation?  These are the ones I recommend:

1.  How satisfied are you with your practice setting?  Are you aware of any reason why a different practice setting (larger or smaller firm, sole practice, in-house, government, or public service) might be preferable for you? 

2.  How well are you perceived in your firm?  Do you need to make an effort to raise your visibility?

3.  Are you taking advantage of what your firm offers in terms of training, professional networking opportunities, social/cultural opportunities, etc?  Are you cross-selling to your clients, and are other lawyers cross-selling your services to their clients? 

4.  How well are you working with support staff?  Are any changes necessary?  Are you communicating clearly with the staff?  Are these any tasks you can effectively delegate?  Any procedures you could institute to make things run more smoothly?

5.  How are you doing in terms of skills development?  Is there any kind of training you need?  If so, what's your plan for getting that training?

6.  Are you satisfied with the quality and quantity of assignments you're receiving?  Is your level of responsibility increasing appropriately?  If the answer to either question is anything other than an unqualified yes, what have you done to rectify the situation?  If you're not receiving an adequate quantity of work, is that because business is down generally, or is there a chance that it's a reflection on your work or on how you're perceived within the firm?  What do you need to do differently? 

7.  Are you satisfied with your client contact?  What can you do to provide better service to your clients?  Do you have a client development plan, and are you working it on a regular basis?

8.  How is your relationship with the lawyers who supervise your work and your peers?  What can you do to make it stronger?  How do they perceive you?  What changes would you like to make?

9.  What are your career goals for the next three years, both in terms of substantive/skills development and in terms of your position with the firm?  What's your strategy for reaching these goals?

10.  Are you satisfied with your work/life integration?  Are any changes desirable or necessary?

And a bonus question: What one thing could you do this week (or month or year) to create a significant improvement in your practice?  Perhaps it's addressing disorganization or wasting time.  Maybe you need to get some additional knowledge about business development skills.  Or possibly you need to block out some personal time so you can reduce your stress level.  Once you've identified that one change you could make, decide to do it and calendar your first step.

Take a realistic look at where you stand professionally now, reflect thoughtfully on where you want to be professionally in at least the next one to three years, and think strategically about what adjustments you need to make so you can reach those goals.  You may find it particularly valuable to perform this kind of self-evaluation with the assistance of a mentor or a coach, either of whom can help with each of these three steps.