Lawyers face grillingUS firm LeBoeuf Lamb Greene & MacRae (LLGM) is breaking the mould of professional appraisals in the City by using a totally oral method in which a dedicated partner - with a junior psychologist - meets all lawyers face to face.The firm hopes that the idea - now common in the US - will help to reduce staff turnover by giving lawyers balanced feedback, and ensuring that those leaving the firm do so as 'loyal alumni'.The appraisals are being carried out by partner and LLGM chief operations officer Stephen DiCarmine, who has taken a back seat from legal work to maintain independence from other partners.

Mr DiCarmine will interview five senior lawyers in respect of every associate under review, and a junior psychologist will attend the interviews.

Where there are discrepancies in opinion, further interviews will take place.

Then the associate or partner in question will be reviewed orally by Mr DiCarmine in the presence of the partner they work for.

Mr DiCarmine said: 'The important thing is that we give both positive and negative feedback.

I have been surprised so far at the reaction to the appraisals - English lawyers seem taken aback at being given positive feedback.' He added: 'When people are underperforming, they usually are aware of it.

The point is to be frank and helpful to their careers.

That way people leave on good terms - and become loyal alumni.'Jeremy Fleming