Non-Promotable Tasks and Performance Reviews, Tools for Women Lawyers

Are you the associate who gets birthday cakes for co-workers? Do you arrange the office baby showers? Are you always the note-taker at important meetings? These tasks, usually performed by women even in the most progressive legal settings, often put those who undertake them at a disadvantage in promotions and performance reviews, despite the tasks appearing positive and important in a law office environment. 

Alexandra S. Bernay, a partner at Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP, will discuss important research findings related to "non-promotable" tasks and gender-related issues in performance reviews at legal organizations. This talk provides real-world solutions that can be implemented at any law firm, in-house counsel's office, non-profit, or governmental legal office.

The presentation will provide actionable steps for female practitioners to avoid the "scrivener problem" and ensure they don't become the "office mom." The briefing will discuss strategies women in the legal profession can use to promote themselves and others in a positive way. 

This course is designed for attorneys of all levels. Topics will include:

 • Does the "office mom" role impact the partnership track or how clients/colleagues/senior partners see you?

• Does being relegated to these gender roles affect the ability to network with other attorneys in the firm, acquire new clients, or be seen as an authoritative figure by clients?

• What are some policies law firms should implement to change this problematic behavior? Why is it important for law firms to stop this behavior (i.e., more and more clients are demanding equity within firms).

• How should law firms be effectively evaluating attorneys in performance reviews - is it time to move past the traditional year-end reviews?

1. Identify methods to promote yourself and others in a legal environment - getting yourself a "hype" man or woman

2. Discuss important research studies related to gender's role in performance reviews, including the gender gap in self-promotion

3. Provide real-world solutions to avoid becoming the "scrivener" or "office mom"

4. Learn to recognize promotable and non-promotable tasks