True. I think the high handedness of this entire issue is compounded by the fact that there is no open communication and commitment on timelines. There is a deep seated disrespect towards members of the firm that is reflected by such an attitude.

Most teams I know haven’t even started the process of performance review with their associates. We have no clue when that will happen. Only after that will we get bonuses, then promotion and then increments. Almost on a regular basis by the time we get our increments in September and sometimes even later. That’s half the year FY gone, without any visibility how much money you will make. I understand part of the reason for staggering payouts as such is retention. But to do it to this extent- Is that really fair?

Its really sad to see how high and mighty threaten an appropriate and legitimate request. If this is the environment in Saraf, where a genuine voice is suppressed and trampled upon, then Saraf has no right to call itself as a "professionally managed firm". It seems more like oligarchy. So many expectations and promises. Especially the David and Goliath story inspirations. Now it seems David has become Goliath. Oh, how the high and mighty change.

Hi OP here.

Please don’t misunderstand me. This is a genuine grievance. When I said appraisal, I meant appraisal process with the partners where they discuss your performance with you. Filling up the form is on us, Associates. My grievance is exactly this- that whatever needs to be done by us is always done on time. But what needs to be done by the senior management takes its own sweet time.

We all know the March bonus is only a small component of the entire bonus and the majority is paid out later. Officially there is a timeline for this- and my issue is almost never is this timeline met. Whatever may be the reason. I know the firm is doing well and I am not here to drag it down like others. I know money is not an issue. It’s the lackadaisical approach of the senior management. The timelines are not adhered to- period. Let know one tell me otherwise.

I am a reasonable rationale person and not some troll that I will unnecessarily raise issues. I have raised it with my partner as well, and he/ she keeps promising will happen soon. I want to try this for client deliverables and tell my partner “have some patience- it will happen soon”. I understand things may have become better compared to Luthra days- but if we truly want to build a professional and quality firm- it needs to address these things. A lot of my fellow associates are also unhappy with this- and the only reason I am raising it here, is because we don’t get a chance to raise this anywhere else. Give us a proper platform internally to raise and will happily take it there.

I am writing this post out of sheer frustration. Once again the Management of Saraf and Partners have delayed our appraisal and bonuses. While most other firms have paid them out, effectuated increments, these folks haven’t even bothered to start the appraisal process. After that Lord MS and his Management Committee stooges will take their own sweet time to make the pay outs. Is it really ethical on their part to do this without regard to the plight of the associates and other counsels in the Firm who may have EMIs, loans and other financial obligations and commitments! Not everyone lives in their Kapashera farms and Panchsheel ivory towers that these things don’t matter.

Would they have delayed this if it was a client deliverable? More pertinently would they have tolerated this delay if an associate is unable to complete an assignment on time once, forget doing it repeatedly? It’s sickening. For all the chasers they send us to bill on time and come to office on time and deduct half days for delays etc. why can’t the overlords apply the same discipline themselves?!

I don’t want to bitch about the Firm on a public forum- but I am beyond frustrated. Just venting out here. Apologies for the rant.