Leadership Reviews & Assessments

The value

A firm’s success depends on partners and senior attorneys who excel at more than closing deals and attracting clients: they must also lead teams effectively and continuously refine their managerial skills. Upward reviews enhance the performance of individual supervisors, provide firm leaders with valuable information and give associates a meaningful voice. 

The process

Through one-on-one interviews with associates and staff, our consultants elicit candid feedback on supervisors’ performance and thematic topics you choose. Each leader receives a developmentally focused report with synthesized feedback and recommendations for growth. Thematic reports give firm leadership insights into the health of the firm’s culture. 

The impact

• Enhanced management capacities and impact for supervisors at all levels
• Increased engagement and retention among associates and staff
• Visibility into challenges and opportunities to improve operations and culture

The value

Top-level leaders crave useful feedback, but often lack effective channels for receiving it. The 360° reviews process empowers leaders by delivering a comprehensive picture of their performance, actionable advice on how to capitalize on strengths and overcome hurdles, and new inspiration for moving the firm into closer alignment with its values and goals.

The process

Our team gathers input about each leader’s effectiveness from junior, lateral and senior colleagues, as well as relevant thematic topics that you choose. We analyze and synthesize the feedback into developmentally focused reports, through which leaders gain a holistic understanding of their impact and opportunities for growth and enhanced results. 

The impact

• Heightened awareness of pathways to positive action for individual leaders
• Insight into systemic and strategic issues affecting cohorts and the firm at large
• Stronger engagement and unity across the firm, improving retention and morale.

The value

In an ever-shifting landscape, successful firms must remain at the leading edge of the big-picture issues that affect the bottom line. Equip your organization for success with a nuanced understanding where your firm shines and how it can improve in the areas most crucial to recruiting, retention, and the long-term success of your people.

The process

In collaboration with your firm’s stakeholders, we develop a customized questionnaire to elicit feedback on the specific issues you wish to address. Our consultants gather feedback through one-on-one interviews, focus groups and/or online surveys, then present expert analysis of key themes and recommendations for actions to achieve your goals.

The impact

• Bespoke initiatives that reflect your firm’s vision, values and culture 
• A nuanced understanding of the pressing issues your firm faces
• Investment and buy-in for driving progress at all levels of seniority

The value

The associate review process is a vital component of success in job performance and retention. Drawing on feedback from supervisors, our strategic framework and tested methodologies empower associates to build on their strengths, incorporate constructive feedback effectively, develop their proficiencies and progress as professionals.

The process

We delve into your firm’s processes and culture to design a framework aligned with your goals and a made-to-order methodology for effectively gathering input from supervisors and delivering developmentally focused feedback to associates. Our team of senior consultants can conduct the associate review process or deliver a completed framework for your use. 

The impact

• An assessment program tailored to your firm’s culture and strategic direction
• Discovery of unrecognized gaps and opportunities for bridging them
• Better performance and professional growth among associates

The value

From setting a baseline for in-depth assessments to opening channels for ongoing feedback, surveys and focus groups bring leadership closer to firm citizens at all levels. By engaging in the process, firm leadership gains an immediate window into perspectives and patterns, while attorneys and staff feel valued and heard, increasing their sense of camaraderie and loyalty. 

The process

After inquiring into your areas of concern, current level of insight and desired outcomes, we design custom questionnaires to elicit fulsome input on your areas of interest. Our consultants gather feedback through online surveys and in-person or virtual focus groups, analyze the findings and deliver insightful reports that support immediate action.  

The impact

• Quick, actionable feedback to measure progress on initiatives and inform decisions
• Direct observation and analysis of team, practice group and office dynamics
• A strong culture of feedback and ongoing engagement with associates and staff