Partners judge associates according to long-term potential

July 17, 1998

Many associates probably think that the best way to impress partners at their firms is to rack up the billable hours or land that "big client." While these moves couldn't hurt a career, they're not the top qualities partners are looking for in an associate, according to a survey in the summer issue of The Associate. The magazine surveyed 50 partners nationwide, nearly all of whom say they are more interested in complete lawyers who give the firm and its clients their money's worth over time.

"That translates into three major areas on which partners focus -- good lawyering skills and attitude, the ability to foster good professional relationships, and the contributions an associate will make to the firm's growth over the long term," says Jack Crittenden, publisher of The Associate.

Ninety-six percent of those surveyed say that dependability -- having a positive attitude and doing top-notch technical work -- is either "very important" or "important." The ability to manage relationships inside and outside the firm is another trait partners look for in evaluating an associate.

And while it is difficult to measure how an associate will contribute to a firm's success in the future, 92 percent of respondents believe an important indicator and critical attribute is the ability to foster positive professional relationships.

"This survey demonstrates what we've suspected all along," says Crittenden. "Associates are judged by a long-term perspective, not just how many hours they've billed."

The Associate is published quarterly by National Jurist Publishing. The magazine is geared toward private practice lawyers in their first seven years on the job.