Large law firms have been seeking feedback about how they give feedback. And what they're finding is that associates want to know whether they're doing well, far more than once per year.

As young lawyers clamor for praise or constructive criticism, a number of firms are moving toward real-time performance reviews. British firm Allen & Overy turned heads on both sides of the Atlantic earlier this month when it unveiled an ongoing pilot program abandoning annual appraisals in favor of “consistent feedback and dialogue” about lawyer performance.

Large Pennsylvania-based firms may not be ditching the yearly review, but they're eager to start a constant conversation about performance that includes seeking associates' input on appraisal strategies.