In this month’s Careers Clinic, we’re handing over to Tinashe Muvaki, Associate Consultant at Realm and specialist in recruiting personal injury, clinical negligence and catastrophic injury lawyers across the North West.
Tinashe is answering a question from a lawyer who came away from their appraisal with positive feedback, but no real clarity about what comes next.
Q: I recently had my annual appraisal and, overall, it was really positive. My manager said they’re pleased with my performance and that I’m a valued member of the team.
The problem is that I left the meeting no clearer about what my long-term future looks like. I’d like to progress over the next few years, but I don’t know what I’m working towards or what I need to do to get there. What should I do?
A: Firstly, don’t assume this means your firm doesn’t value you.
One of the biggest frustrations I hear from lawyers isn’t necessarily a lack of progression, it’s a lack of clarity. Many firms have good intentions, but busy partners and team leaders don’t always have the time to map out an individual’s long-term career plan during an appraisal.
That said, it’s your career. If you don’t have a clear picture of where you’re heading, it’s worth taking the initiative.
Here’s where I’d start.
Ask for Specifics, Not General Reassurance
Being told you’re “doing well” is encouraging, but it isn’t a career plan.
Arrange a follow-up conversation and ask questions like:
- What would progression look like for me over the next two or three years?
- What skills or experience do I need to develop?
- What milestones would demonstrate I’m ready for promotion?
- Is there an expected timeframe?
The more specific the conversation, the more useful it will be.
Find Out Whether the Opportunity Actually Exists
Sometimes the issue isn’t your performance.
Some firms simply have limited opportunities because:
- senior people aren’t planning to retire or step back
- the team isn’t growing
- the structure is quite flat
It’s worth understanding whether there’s genuinely room for you to progress, or whether you’re waiting for an opportunity that may not arise for several years.
Look Beyond Job Titles
Progression isn’t always about becoming a Senior Associate or Partner.
Ask whether you could start developing experience in areas such as:
- supervising junior lawyers
- business development
- managing key client relationships
- mentoring trainees
- contributing to team strategy
These experiences make you a stronger lawyer and will put you in a much better position when promotion opportunities do arise, whether at your current firm or elsewhere.
Agree an Action Plan
A good appraisal shouldn’t just review the past; it should shape the future.
Before your next conversation ends, agree:
- what you’ll work towards
- what support the firm will provide
- when you’ll review your progress
That way, you’re both working towards the same goal rather than hoping progression will happen naturally.
Know When It’s Time to Look Elsewhere
If you’ve asked the questions, sought clarity and still can’t get a clear answer, it’s worth asking yourself another question:
Is the firm unable to offer progression, or simply unwilling to have the conversation?
If you consistently receive excellent feedback but never seem to move any closer to the next step, it may be worth exploring firms that have clearer career pathways and are actively investing in developing future leaders.
Exploring the market doesn’t mean you’ve decided to leave. It simply helps you understand what’s possible and whether your current firm is helping you reach your potential.
Where to Go From Here
Positive feedback is important, but clarity is just as valuable.
You should leave your appraisal knowing not only that you’re performing well, but also what success looks like over the next few years and how you’re going to get there.
If that didn’t happen this time, don’t be afraid to keep the conversation going. Your career is too important to leave to chance.
If you’d like to talk through what progression looks like in today’s personal injury market, or compare what other firms are offering, I’d be happy to help.
📩 tinashe.muvaki@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 606
You can also browse our latest roles or take our Career Clarity Quiz to help you map out your next career move.
