Bosses are driving me crazy. I am told “it’s your case, you’re lead counsel, you’re a very experienced attorney” but then I am horrendously micromanaged (they want to review every email, got chastised for agreeing to minor changes on a non-substantive joint motion without asking first, etc) - I’m not saying I know everything, but I’ve been practicing 8 years and was very successful at my old firm. I just feel so sad and beat down and anxious

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They are afraid of you because they know you are smart

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It is a toxic partner or firm … not you

likefunny

Agree with the comments above. Never underestimate the ability of an insecure personality to totally tear you down by doing this.

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I wish I had this bowl when I worked under such a partner. I had no idea how bone-crushing it was till I got away from him and experienced “normal” non-toxic management. The practice of law is challenging enough with full discretion to act as you see fit. When a partner needlessly micromanages they make it far worse and unnecessarily so.

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Yup. It’s not you, it’s their own incompetence and they’re threatened.

I worked for one partner like this when I was a senior associate. He wouldn’t let me talk directly with the client and was so clueless and disorganized that he didn’t know what to ask or how to follow up on certain crucial questions but would also lose his mind over minor things that I’d always handled solo before (like agreeing to a 1 week extension that had zero impact on anything else). After his ineptitude drove me absolutely bonkers and had me questioning my own competency, the partner I worked most for stopped by to check on how it was going with this new lateral partner. I shut the door and was BRUTALLY honest - I was done working with him, and they could fire me before I kept my name being associated with his. My partner was not surprised. Apparently the lateral invited his senior associate to come with him and the senior declined, so they figured something was up. They had me work with the new guy because they knew I was competent and wouldn’t let anything slip or get too screwed up before saying something. I was told not to worry, and I was going to be pulled into a “new” case for a more senior partner that was in my niche and I wouldn’t have to work with him again. Years and years later the guy still can’t keep a mid or senior associate for more than a matter or two.

It’s not you.

For the time I was stuck with him, I just documented everything and sent a lot of “if I don’t hear from you by X time, in light of the upcoming deadline I’m doing Y”.

likesmart

It is amazing how terrible partners and managers never get booted or kicked out of practice despite thr toxic energy and trail of associates that they leave behind. Bad news is this person and firm culture likely won't change, good news you can take steps to remove yourself out of this situation by dusting off that resume, setting deadlines in email (if I don't hear from you by x doing y) and covering your butt via documenting everything. Stay positive still do your best and start opening up to the idea that this position may not be permanent. 8 years in law practice is tough and a huge accomplishment you are clearly able to do the job you just need to find the right fit to keep doing what you already know how to do with actual support rather than hostility.

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Sounds like it’s time to dust off that resume!

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