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[newb2bheri]

It's really hard for me to tell how I'm doing as a newbie in a big, well-known firm.  I get feedback on my work and get corrections... sometimes extensive, sometimes less so.  Ocassionally, I've been told that I've done an especially "good job" but most of the time I get little to no feedback.

Is that normal?  Should I assume that, if I'm not getting negative feedback I'm doing ok?  Or do people just let you flail for a while and then toss you out on your ass?  I've heard that the latter happens... but it's hard for me to believe.  That seems like a terrible way to run a business.

[bleedingpen]

Or do people just let you flail for a while and then toss you out on your ass?  I've heard that the latter happens... but it's hard for me to believe.  That seems like a terrible way to run a business.

I bet that you have heard that from those attorneys that got tossed on their ass and have a clear motive to tell you that they were tossed without warning.  Consider the source. 

[patentsusa]

It's really hard for me to tell how I'm doing as a newbie in a big, well-known firm.  I get feedback on my work and get corrections... sometimes extensive, sometimes less so.  Ocassionally, I've been told that I've done an especially "good job" but most of the time I get little to no feedback.

Is that normal?  Should I assume that, if I'm not getting negative feedback I'm doing ok?  Or do people just let you flail for a while and then toss you out on your ass?  I've heard that the latter happens... but it's hard for me to believe.  That seems like a terrible way to run a business.

Attorneys are pressed for time and are not necessarily skilled in best education techniques.  I wouldn't worry until review time.  The most important things are billing numbers and getting clients.  The latter isn't important at the beginning but will be when it becomes time to consider you for partnership.  If you can get some in now, it will benefit you dramatically.  After those two, being non-controversial, getting along with others, and staying off the radar of difficult partners are all important.  Usually there will be a subset of all the attorneys who give you work.  These will be the ones who will provide the most input during your reviews.  Try to volunteer to help out attorneys who do not routinely give you work, if you have time, so they will have a favorable impression.