Annual Evaluation Form: Paralegal

Employee Name

Evaluation Period

Evaluator Name

Evaluator Email

1. Legal Knowledge & Technical Skills

Criteria	Needs Improvement	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Knowledge of Family/Elder Law
Knowledge of Local Court Rules & Procedures
Ability to Draft Basic Legal Documents (e.g., certificates, notices)
Ability to Draft Complex Legal Documents (e.g., equitable distribution affidavits, discovery responses)
Ability to Draft Complex or Sensitive Correspondence (e.g., to clients or opposing counsel)
Use of E-Filing Systems (if applicable)
Develops Effective Solutions to Complex Problems

Comments (if applicable):
Comment on relevant performance in this section.

2. Work Quality & Organization

Criteria	Needs Improvement	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Attention to Detail & Accuracy
Timeliness in Completing Tasks
Processes Correspondence Promptly and Appropriately (e.g., uploads to Box, distributes to relevant parties, updates Rocket Matter with applicable deadlines)
Prioritization & Time Management
Keeps Files Organized and Up-to-Date (e.g., uploads to Box promptly and maintains consistency across case files)
Understands and Applies Appropriate Deadlines & Timeframes
Ability to Anticipate Needs
Handles Unexpected or High-Pressure Situations Effectively (e.g., emergency filings, last-minute hearing prep, or client crises)
Effectively Manages Attorney Calendar (e.g., hearings, mediations, client appointments)
Flexibility and Adaptability to Changes

Comments (if applicable):
Comment on relevant performance in this section.

3. Client Interaction & Communication

Criteria	Needs Improvement	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Maintains Professional Communication with Clients
Responds Promptly to Client Needs
Builds and Maintains Positive Client Relationships
Manages Client Expectations Effectively (e.g., availability, court timelines)
Handles Difficult Client Interactions Calmly and Effectively
Notifies Attorney Promptly of Any Client Updates or Developments

Comments (if applicable):
Comment on relevant performance in this section.

4. Initiative, Dependability & Professionalism

Criteria	Needs Improvement	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Completes Tasks Without Needing Detailed Instructions
Independently Prepares Routine Correspondence (e.g., Rule 45 letters, court communications)
Knows When to Escalate Issues or Solve Independently
Demonstrates Good Judgment and Problem-Solving Skills
Maintains Professional Appearance and Conduct
Adherence to Legal Ethics and Firm Policies
Ensures Timely Closure of Completed Files
Efficiently Locates Necessary Information (e.g., subpoena contacts, court personnel, other relevant sources)
Proactively Follows Up on Documents and Deadlines (e.g., subpoenas, service returns, or client follow-ups)

Comments (if applicable):
Comment on relevant performance in this section.

5. Court Readiness & Exposure

Criteria	Needs Improvement	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Demonstrates Knowledge of Court Procedures & Protocols
Prepares Court Materials Accurately & Timely
Communicates with Court Personnel Appropriately
Supports Attorneys Effectively During Court Proceedings

Comments (if applicable):
Comment on relevant performance in this section.

6. Personal Excellence & Ethics

Criteria	Needs Improvement	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Shows Initiative and Self-Motivation
Maintains Confidentiality and Discretion
Demonstrates Integrity and Professional Conduct
Demonstrates Strong Work Ethic and Commitment to Quality
Accepts Feedback and Applies It to Improve Performance

Comments (if applicable):
Comment on relevant performance in this section.

7. Ownership, Accountability & Reliability

Criteria	Needs Improvement	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Follows Through on Assigned Tasks and Responsibilities
Accepts Accountability and Demonstrates Willingness to Improve
Notifies Team in Advance of Planned Time Away
Communicates Unexpected Schedule Changes Promptly (e.g., illness, last-minute conflicts)
Available for Urgent Matters When Needed
Updates Shared Calendar (Rocket Matter) When Out of Office or Working Remotely

Comments (if applicable):
Comment on relevant performance in this section.

8. Continuous Learning & Development

Criteria	Needs Improvement	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Willingly Takes on New Challenges and Seeks Learning Opportunities
Pursues Continuing Education or Relevant Training Regarding Industry Developments
Shares Knowledge with Team Members
Establishes and Works Toward Professional Goals

Comments (if applicable):
Comment on relevant performance in this section.

9. Teamwork & Firm Contribution

Criteria	Needs Improvement	Meets Expectations	Exceeds Expectations
Willingly Assists Colleagues When Needed
Collaborates Effectively with Attorneys and Staff
Maintains a Positive, Team-Oriented Attitude
Participates Actively in Firm Trainings, Meetings, and Events
Represents the Firm Positively to Clients and the Community

Comments (if applicable):
Comment on relevant performance in this section.

10. Overall Performance & Goals

Strengths (if applicable):
Highlight the paralegal's most valuable contributions or standout qualities.

Areas for Improvement (if applicable):
Share any developmental areas or skills to strengthen.

Goals for the Year Ahead (if applicable):
Outline goals, support, or resources that would help the employee succeed.

Suggestions (if applicable):
Any ideas for improving processes, communication, or tools?