Using Your Performance Review to Set Goals for 2025: A Paralegal’s Guide

Performance reviews can be more than just a formal evaluation of past accomplishments; they are a valuable tool for professional growth and goal setting. For paralegals, leveraging this annual ritual effectively can lead to enhanced contributions to your law firm, increased efficiency, and improved job skills.

Step 1: Analyze Your Performance Review

Begin by thoroughly analyzing the feedback in your performance review. Identify patterns in both your strengths and areas for improvement. Pay close attention to any recurring themes, as they often point to areas of focus that can make the most significant impact on your career.

Ask key questions during the evaluation process:

• What are my strongest contributions? Highlight your significant accomplishments for the year and ask your manager whether they align with the firm's objectives. Keep notes throughout the year of compliments on work product, kind words from clients, and accomplishments.
• If your accomplishments do not align with the firm’s goals, find out why. Is it that the firm doesn’t have clear goals or objectives or because you aren’t getting clear instructions in how to work towards the firm’s objectives?
• Where can I improve? Take note of constructive criticism and identify opportunities for growth.

Following the performance review, review the feedback to see how it aligns with your long-term goals and professional interests.

Set goals for yourself using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). For example, if your review highlighted a need to improve legal writing, set a goal to complete a professional development course on drafting legal documents, find a course and register during the first quarter of the year.

Step 2: Align Goals with Law Firm Objectives

Your professional growth should align with your firm's strategic priorities. Demonstrating that your goals support the firm's mission not only increases your value but also secures greater buy-in from supervisors.

Understand your firm’s needs:

• Review the firm’s practice areas, client base, and strategic goals.
• Discuss with supervisors how you can contribute to these objectives.
• Identify any gaps in the firm’s operations where you can add value, such as technology adoption or process improvement.
• Work with your supervisor to set goals that align with departmental needs. For example, if your firm is expanding its real estate practice, aim to deepen your expertise in real estate law through training or certifications.

If your firm doesn’t have goals or objectives, encourage them to consider setting them. If the idea is not well received, you can still work towards becoming a more valued employee or continuing to develop your job skills if you decide to make a job change in the future.

Best Practices for Bringing Value to Your Law Firm

Paralegals play a crucial role in enhancing a firm’s efficiency and client satisfaction. Here are some ways to maximize your contributions:

• Be proactive in identifying tasks and taking initiative.
• Anticipate the needs of attorneys and clients and prepare accordingly.
• Stay updated on legal trends by regularly reading legal publications and attending CLE programs.
• Stay informed about changes in laws, regulations, and legal technology that affect your practice area.
• Become proficient in your firm’s case management and billing software.
• Explore tools for document automation, e-discovery, and trial presentation to improve efficiency.
• Maintain a professional and empathetic approach in client interactions.
• Ensure timely and clear communication to enhance client trust and satisfaction.

Increasing Efficiency in Your Role

Efficiency is a cornerstone of a successful paralegal career. By optimizing your workflows, you can save time and reduce stress while delivering high-quality work.

Organize Your Workspace:

• Keep both physical and digital files well-organized.
• Use clear labeling and consistent naming conventions for documents.

Prioritize Tasks:

• Use task management tools or software to keep track of deadlines and priorities.
• Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and tackle them systematically.

Leverage Technology:

• Automate repetitive tasks, such as document formatting or data entry.
• Use templates for frequently drafted documents to ensure consistency and save time.

Communicate Effectively:

• Clarify instructions and expectations with attorneys to avoid multiple edits.
• Provide regular updates on your progress to maintain transparency.

Step 3: Improve Job Skills for Long-Term Growth

Continuous learning is essential to stay competitive and advance in the paralegal profession. Here are some ways to improve your skills in 2025:

• Enroll in Continuing Legal Education courses related to your practice area.
• Attend seminars or webinars hosted by legal associations.
• Consider certifications such as the North Carolina State Bar’s Paralegal Certification or NALA’s Paralegal Certification to demonstrate expertise.
• Explore specialty certifications in areas like e-discovery or legal technology.

Another way to show improvement is in developing your soft skills such as improved written or oral communication skills or enhancing time management and adaptability to handle a dynamic workload.

Seek mentorship from a more senior paralegal within your firm or through a professional network. Discuss career aspirations and seek advice on skill development and career progression. It’s nice to have a peer who is encouraging you to succeed by example and good advice and counsel.

Measuring Progress and Adjusting Goals

Setting goals is only the first step; tracking progress and making adjustments are equally important as you use your annual review to make progress in your career.

Regularly review your goals, ideally with your firm administrator or supervising attorney. Ask for quarterly check-ins to evaluate your progress and to seek feedback. Adjust your goals if circumstances change or new opportunities arise.

Regularly ask for feedback from attorneys and colleagues to gauge your performance. Use this feedback to refine your goals and make incremental improvements.

Celebrate your milestones by acknowledging your achievements. Reward yourself for achieving key milestones. Use these successes to build confidence and momentum.

Performance reviews are not just a retrospective exercise; they are a springboard for future growth. By setting SMART goals, aligning your objectives with firm priorities, and focusing on efficiency and skill development, you can position yourself as an indispensable member of your legal team. With a proactive and strategic approach to your professional development, 2025 can be your most successful year yet.