Does anyone feel like the expectation for them is perfection? How do you handle this? I’m a second year (class of 21), and approaching 1 year at this my current firm. I have one partner in particular who has a lot of complaints about my work to my supervising partner and that I’m not meeting her “expectations”. She is someone who doesn’t loop me into the details of the deal and expects me to read her mind on what the next steps are and how I can move things forward. In talking to my supervising

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Sounds like the wrong firm, or wrong group at a minimum.

like

It is bias at play. That doesn’t make it okay, but now that you know, do your best and move on. Just be sure to push back (tactfully) in writing when she says something that isn’t true or exaggerates the situation. E.g for the doc with 2 typos, respond and say you went back and reviewed and you saw that there were two typos, state what those typos are, and say you’ve either fixed or will fixed in the next turn. Keep a paper trail so it’s not just your word against a Partner’s if something serious comes out of it.

like

You will probably never meet her expectations (whatever that means). Accept that she probably sucks and don't let it phase you.

like

Definitely possible she might be out to get you. Next time you work with said person, however, if you aren’t already confirming the assignment with an email right after the meeting, I would get in the habit of doing that. Specify what info she gave you and what the next steps as you understand them to be. And if anything isn’t clear, raise it immediately. It puts the onus on her Once complete if she says oh you didn’t do XYZ later on, you reply or forward that email chain and can indicate nicely that she confirmed that was in scope but that you’re happy to do it. It creates a paper trail.

like

+1 to this. As a senior in-house manager, I still do this, even with people (legal or business) who are not difficult, since it helps avoid misalignment.

like

ask and keep asking. Do it via email. When she complains of your incompetence you have instigated a huge paper trail. If it is really bad BCC a private email account “xfirmsketchy@gmail.com”

like

A1, please don’t give out wrong and potentially career ending advice. As attorneys of color, we already have it hard enough. We need to be more mindful of the advice we give each other.

You should never copy a private email or forward any client-related work to a private email. IT will see it and you can be terminated immediately. That also doesn’t include potential ethics violations or bar issues.

like

Partner he mentioned I had some typos on a draft document I sent him recently. I went back to review and I had exactly two. I guess he was trying to get me to see her point and accept his feedback or something. This is the only complaint he has had about me. Long story short, I don’t think I can hit the bar of perfection in this job. How does everyone else deal with it?

like

Typos used to be an issue for me. If possible, I sleep on it before submitting

like

Some people are terrible teachers and terrible at explaining things. Don’t let their issues affect you. Ask some people you trust about this partner and see what their intel is on their personality and if it’s you (unlikely as a first year) or them.

like

Everyone else in my group says “she’s so great” but they’re all white folks talking about a white woman so I take it with a grain of salt

like

Related Posts

How do you present at work? Do you present “androgynous” or go with something more cis-passing?

like

My boss has video on every single meeting. Status? On. IR? On. Not presenting and just there to chill? On. Even when no one else has it on and knowing it’ll just be his face taking up the whole screen. I’m starting to think he just likes to think we all love staring at him.

funnylikehelpful

My male boss recommended the book “The Confidence Code” which is a self help book for women. It was recommended to all the females that work under him. I feel like that's a little inappropriate?

likefunny

I have several job offers I am considering. My dilemma is when I put my resignation in for my current employer should I tell them why I’m leaving? (Toxic environment passive aggressive behavior from superiors
And staff that habitually didn’t do their job thoroughly and I was prohibited from writing them up?) thoughts?

like

Are such polos allowed( look good) at Office ?

Post Photo
like

Going to MDRT for the first time next month. Any advice on how to pack? What is the dress code like? It’s in Miami.

like

I posted this somewhere else before I remembered that I am in this bowl :) so, I changed jobs 6-7 months ago and I am realizing it is not a good fit. Leadership seem to not want to hear the truth so people tell them what they want to hear and if you don’t middle management gets pissed at you. I am seriously thinking about looking somewhere else. My question is how do you answer the “why are you looking to leave” question without bad mouthing your current company?

like

Can I give notice by email? Or is it truly preferred to call the partners directly? What if they don’t pick up?

like

My colleagues are bullying me for being gay. I thought that was against the law. Should I talk to a lawyer?

like

Does anyone else have “email social anxiety”? Not with writing emails that have to do with content/work I did, but when I’m “just checking in” and doing vaguely unsaid social things I’ve never understood well.
I feel super awkward and read too into things, it takes me 30+ min for a simple friendly email to a manager or above and I get worked up about it.

like

Ally here. What do I say to someone who refuses to stop confusing gender identity and sexual orientation? The usual examples don't help.

Did first set of redlines for a partner. Have ten years experience doing what this partner does but I am new to working with him. Said I did about a 7 out of 10 on that job. Not sure how to feel about that. What say you all? :) Keep in mind I asked for a 1 to 10 because I cannot talk to him about it for a week or so.

funny

Please do not show to client before Partner review!

Post Photo
likefunny

Random question, my boss wants me to become a notary so I can handle notarizing all of the official documents myself. Has anyone else been asked to do this for their employer? Is it ethical?

like

PARTNERS: two questions —1. If you see an associate has really low hours for the month, do you imagine them chillen on a beach somewhere or do you consider they probably spent most of their days sitting in front of the computer being “available”? 2. If you send an associate a random e-mail on a weekend like “Can you pull X and send to Y”, would you get annoyed if they responded saying they weren’t by a comp or would you consider it reasonable that they wouldn’t be by a comp on a weekend?

like

What are some issues or conflicts you face at work because of your queer identity?

like
like

Firm: "Bring your authentic self to work!" Me: " I drink and say 'fuck' a lot."

like

How do you handle a passive aggressive boss? Mine seems friendly but screws me over when it comes to giving guidance during difficulties in projects and project resources, he says mean things :(
I am new to the firm and very confused. Please guide me on how to deal with such toxic people.

like

Females, how much of your personal life do you disclose to the men in your team? I.e. Lovers, relationships, ONS etc

like

More Posts

What do you say when people ask “so what do you do?”

like

Any book recommendations on change management?

like

Starting to think about making the switch from agency to brand side. Any tips from strategists who have already made the jump? And is there a level at which it makes the most sense (i.e. should I wait until I make Director and then make the switch, or does it not really matter)?

like

Interviewed with MS 2 weeks back for a Sr. PM role and followed up with recruiter today... they say that the team just finished with interviews last week and needs time to make a decision. Is this normal? Does a verbal offer take this long? Or is it just cos they are working on a formal offer?

likehelpful

How much TCS will offer for candidate with 3.3 YOE and technology MSSQL and SSIS with package in old organisation around 7lk

Phone screenings scheduled with KPMG. Anything in particular to prepare for?

likehelpful

Anyone who asks for points as compensation for anything less than grievous bodily injury is scum! Even then they are probably the type to cry a lot!

Recent Christmas gift from life coach.

Post Photo
likeuplifting

Hi fishes,

I am eagerly looking for an opportunity in accounts department. I am willing to join within a week. I have over 8.8 years of experience.

I have experience in accounts payable, vendor management, monthly closings, GST n TDS. I have worked on tally and Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

Please let me know if you have an opportunity for me.

Thanks in advance

like

Advice for interviewing at Spotify? It’s for a contract role and there is only one round of interviewing.

like

Hi All,

Please give me ur answer!!

Does PWC AC banglore offers permanent wfh?

Will that be mentioned in offer letter?

I have HR discussion tomorrow.

I have an offer from EY GDS bangalore, I am looking for WFH. Which one should I prefer?? Please provide your inputs😊Pwc AC @EY

like

Anyone knows the company Entigrity in Ahemdabad? Pls let me know how the company is

like

Looking for recommendations for an on-demand t-shirt print shop. I’m interested in printing various designs and artwork :)

Anyone work at biogen? What’s been your experience working there?

like

Other than MAANG, which companies are good for the data scientists in India (both product and service)? Good in terms of project complexity, rigor of analytical approach, scale of problems, implementation opportunities, usage of latest tech stack, innovation, mlops best practices etc.

like

New to due diligence and not sure the timeline of projects. Tips to stay organized of the project and timeline, and how to update those leading the deal? Just keep track of new info and provide as necessary?

like

What are the top litigation practices in LA?

likehelpful

If you've worked at multiple FAANG companies, what's your secret?

like

Tax SM’s at RSM - what is your salary for a medium-high COL for 2-3 years of tenure?

like

Additional Posts in Attorneys of Color

Starting at a new firm, What can I do to leave a good first impression?

like

How do I professionally decline a second interview? I know for sure I don’t want to work at the firm.

like

Anyone feel like your job sees you as "one of the good ones?" It hasn't explicitly been said, but I'm one of the only Black attorneys at the firm and I think my white colleagues and partners see me as an example of how Black folks "should be" cause I mind my business. Basically I feel like a token, and I don't know how to shift that idea while staying professional.

like

Might be a silly question but I will throw it out there. Anyone have any tips on best practices to preserve a silk press overnight? Currently have silk pillowcases but wrapping always ends up a fail.

likehelpful

Did anyone from your past tell you you wouldnt make it as a lawyer? Did you ever rub it in their face later that you in fact did?? 😂

like

I saw that Orrick had an Attorney's of Color retreat in New York. Does anyone work there who can speak on how it was? If not, is there a retreat/coalition/group for Attorney's of Color at your firm?

like

Any one here based out in the Middle East? If so, what's your experience. Would you recommend it. I am 32F - African Descent planning to relocate to the UAE.

like

My work quality is slipping due to brain fog and mental health issues and I don’t know how to address it with my firm or who to go to. I was considered one of the best associates in our practice group, but now it can take me 3-4x the time to write an average brief. I can’t seem to think and organize my thoughts any more. This is incredibly scary bc obvi, that’s what this job is all about. I’m in IP litigation at a V50 firm and a mom. Do I raise it with partners and how?

like

Roo to my bruhs. Happy founders day

Post Photo
like

Not legal-related but: thoughts on A Jazzman’s Blues? I loved it. Been a while since a movie has stayed on my mind long after it ended, like this one has. Shocking Tyler Perry wrote it. “Paper Airplanes” is a hauntingly beautiful song.

like

Hey all, I’m starting a new job soon (in 2 weeks to be exact), but I haven’t been contacted by the firm. Should I be concerned?

like

Thinking of pivoting from insurance defense to something more meaningful and (dare I say it) with more work life balance. Currently in my 7th year of practice and am just tired of ID. Anyone make the transition? Any advice?

like

Ketanji did not come to play! Came out of the gate ready to fight and turn these racist arguments on their heads. The way she was dropping 14th Amendment bombs on that man made me so happy. And this is only her first day. I just hope they protect her well.

likeuplifting

What was your experience with the LSAT? Do you think it's gatekeeping, preventing students who can't afford it (often people of color) from entering the field? OR is it helping future attorney's of color by giving them a chance to go to a top school regardless of grades? I've seen questions about the LSAT all day and just want to know how people feel.

likesmart

I really feel like I should be excused from this "diversity and inclusiveness" training stuff lmao. It's about implicit bias and I'm sorry it's just not believable coming from an old white man's mouth when there are maybe 4 non-white associates. We're having these meetings 3 times this week. 🤦🏽‍♀️

like

Does anyone know what the dress code is for the upcoming CAALA Trial Skills seminar? Do people usually wear suits or is it business casual? Thank you!

like

I feel like I'm going through really bad imposter syndrome, How do you manage it ?

like

I’m a woman of color and my legal assistant is a white man…this feels…good?

likefunnyuplifting

Have you ever joined a firm purely based on how many POC would be in your practice area?

likefunny

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal