Finish projects before starting vacations or other trips that take you away from the office. Impressions are made early and associates are often judged by their worst work, rather than by their best. Packaging is important. The partner's secretary can be a treasure trove of advice on this subject. Social skills are important.
Associate evaluations are subjective and are often influenced by factors unrelated to performance.
Respect the client's ability to pay by not over-researching tangential issues. Distinguish the salient from the peripheral. Don't reinvent the wheel. Learn how to account for your time and record all time promptly. Partners are often too busy to explain to associates the larger context of individual research and writing projects.