Hogan Lovells is piloting a new model of reviewing associates, dropping formal annual reviews in favour of a programme of continuous feedback.
The new system, called Pathways, will assess performance in quick sessions with partners, as opposed to lengthy annual reviews.
The move will see the firm also drop annual appraisal grades, which Hogan Lovells UK and Africa managing partner Susan Bright said were ‘distracting’. Instead, associates will have quarterly briefs where they will have to seek out three pieces of feedback on different matters, as well as a less formal, yearly conversation.
Bright added: ‘We are trying to embed a culture of continuous feedback and we want it to be more consistent around the world. This forward-looking process chimes with the expectations of younger people coming into the profession, they want to know how to do things even better next time.’
One Hogan Lovells partner said: ‘Senior associates seem to like it; we asked them beforehand and they said they liked the principle. I’ve spoken to people on the pilot and they feel it’s a good, progressive way to look at development.’
Hogan Lovells global head of diversity, inclusion and wellbeing Alison Unsted said: ‘We put a lot of effort on development programmes. It is about the broader aspects of being a lawyer and is a real plus in our firm.’
The Pathways assessment programme comes as firms look for new ways to engage junior lawyers and support their development. Firms have also moved to develop ways of managing lawyers’ mental wellbeing.
matthew.field@legalease.co.uk