HR homework

Attribute

Unacceptable

Fair

Average

Good

Excellent

Interactions with clients

Rude, cold, disrespectful, poor representation in general, gives poor legal advice, frequent errors in most everything

Lots of unreturned phone calls, rare referrals, unhappy clients, poor service

Occasionally might “forget” about a client, but for the most part is pretty good with clients, occasionally may make a mistake, but gets several referrals monthly. 

Returns most phone calls, good listener, occasionally makes errors, good amount of referrals.

Respectful, friendly, dedicated, prompt return of phone calls, understanding and compassionate to needs of clients, rarely makes errors, frequent referrals.

Preparing motions and orders in a timely fashion

Frequent errors in preparation, forgets to file on time, doesn’t give required copies to opposing parties

Some errors, occasionally forgets to file a motion on time, occasionally has a delivery issue

Occasional errors in preparation, rarely forgets to file a motion

Rare errors, timely, good preparation, rare problem with delivery

Timely, effective preparation, no errors, delivers every time.

This person probably has a very organized secretary who handles most filings.

Knowledge of the law

Little to none. Client may wonder if this person actually went to law school, as the client’s grandmother who watches Law and Order re-runs all day has more knowledge of the law.

Some, but not much. Researches almost every case, or just tries to wing it.

Pretty good grasp of the law. Frequently refers to books or other attorneys for advice on cases.

Good. Occasionally needs to research for a case, but knows the ins and outs of the law pretty well.

Rarely needs to look anything up, experience in most cases, relies on continuing education to stay sharp. This is probably someone who has been in practice for a long time.

Mediation

Completely one-sided, unfair assessments, rude, inattentive, loses control,

disrespectful, hasty decisions. Someone like this might have gone through a nasty divorce and always sides with the cheating husband.

Somewhat one-sided, little thought into decisions, acts annoyed at some clients that can’t agree.

Neutral in most cases, cool and collected, puts some thought into decisions.

Fair, respectful, thinks about decisions.

Fair to both parties, mediates with compassion and treats clients with dignity and respects both opinions, mulls over decisions carefully and thoroughly .

Attitude in court

Ill-prepared, nervous, nearly always loses. This is the guy who spills his water, objects to everything and is shaking like a leaf and sweating the whole time.

Uncomfortable in court, but tries to hide it, hates to be in court, always tries to settle, even at the disadvantage of clients, rarely wins.

Fairly comfortable in court, but would rather settle out of court. Wins about 40 % of the time.

Good courtroom demeanor, a few judges like this person, wins frequently.

At ease, confident, extremely prepared, good with witnesses, knows how to speak to the various area judges, knows when to plead out, almost always wins.