AAML Fellowship - General Culture Survey

This confidential survey, which should take no more than 5 minutes, examines how AAML members experience firm culture, including expectations, communication, technology, client service, and flexibility. Responses will be analyzed only in aggregate and may be used for research and publication. No individual or firm will be identified.

1.Consent: I consent to participate in this survey under the terms described above.

Yes

No

Section A. Respondent Context

3.Years in practice

0–7

8–15

16+

5.Primary work arrangement over the past 6 months

Primarily in-office

Hybrid

Mostly remote

Varies significantly

6.Do you have primary caregiving responsibilities (child, elder, or dependent)?

Yes

No

Prefer not to say

Section B. Culture and Expectation Clarity (1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)

7.My firm clearly communicates performance expectations for my role.

8.I understand what is required for advancement at my firm (e.g., partnership, leadership, compensation).

9.Unwritten rules matter more than written policies at my firm.

11.In the past year, I have hesitated to ask for clarification due to concern about perception or evaluation.

Frequently

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Frequently

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Section C. Communication, Feedback, and Psychological Safety (1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)

12.Formal performance feedback is provided often enough at my firm.

13.Informal, day-to-day feedback is specific enough to be useful.

14.I feel comfortable raising concerns or disagreement with firm leadership.

15.Fear of reputational or career consequences discourages people from raising concerns at my firm.

Section D. AI and Technology (1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)

16.My firm has clearly communicated expectations regarding the use of AI tools.

17.I am concerned that AI will reduce meaningful training opportunities for junior lawyers.

18.I believe AI adoption will change what is valued for advancement (e.g., speed vs. judgment, strategy, client management).

Section E. Client Service (1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)

19.Client demands frequently override internal policies or stated firm values.

20.My firm supports setting reasonable boundaries with clients.

Section F. Flexibility and Quality of Life (1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)

21.Using flexible work arrangements has negatively affected evaluation, assignments, or advancement at my firm.

Section G. Technology, Communications and Marketing

22.Technology adoption within the firm: How would you describe the adoption of new technologies in your firm (for example: electronic files, secure document sharing, practice management tools)?

23.Technology differences among attorneys: To what extent do differences in comfort with technology among attorneys affect firm operations or client service?

24.Client communication methods: Please indicate what percentage of client communication occurs through each of the following methods 1) Telephone 2) email 3) text messaging and 4) Secure client portal or file sharing platform? (Please use open-text box to respond. Responses should total approximately 100%.)

25.Firm policies regarding texting with clients: Does your firm have a policy regarding texting with clients?

Yes – texting is permitted and commonly used

Yes – texting is permitted but limited

Yes – texting is discouraged

No formal policy

Texting is generally prohibited

26.Sources of new client matters: Approximately what percentage of new client matters originate from the following sources: 1) Professional referrals (attorneys or other professionals) 2) Existing client referrals 3) In-person networking or events 4) Online presence (website, search, legal directories)? (Please use open-text box to respond. Percentages should total approximately 100%.)

27.Q6. Please share any observations about how technology affects your firm’s culture, attorney collaboration, client service, or client development.