Twice a year, a committee of Latham & Watkins lawyers compiles two lists of partners and senior associates, a “best list” and a “worst list.” Those who make the former enjoy firmwide acclaim via memos and e-mail–not a small thing for a firm of almost 1,000 lawyers–and may get a boost at bonus time.

Those falling on the latter can expect, at the very least, a talking to. If they don’t shape up, they face financial penalties as well.