Does anyone feel like they’re at risk of malpractice or losing their license due to things your boss is making you do? My boss is upsetting a lot of local judges and is frivolously filing suits. I’m unsure of how to handle this. (Looking for a different job every single day, but not much is out there due to Covid)

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Get away from this person as soon as you can. The longer you’re there the harder it will be to undo the damage the association is causing to your reputation.

likesmarthelpfulfunny

Seconded. Get Out Now - it is not worth it

Alternatively DO NOT do what your boss wants and worst case scenario you get canned in interim, but you can explain why and use it as a positive that you aren’t another sleaze ball contaminating the profession

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The truth is the best option. “This person asked me to do something unethical and I could not do it and remain there in good conscience so I left.”

Also, is what your boss is doing really unethical and frivolous? Or do you just think it is? I know lots of states have ethics hotlines. You may consider calling one of them for some guidance. If your boss just has a crappy reputation, I think the truth is still the best answer and chances are any place will know that.

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Crappy reputation and has been issued sanctions due to the amount of mistakes he’s making. And is still doing it despite the sanctions and making the other attorneys do it too. I don’t want to go into too much detail out of fear of someone recognizing this person/not staying anonymous. But it’s pretty bad.

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I had a friend who worked with someone supremely sketchy. He ended up leaving, and it took 5-6 months or so before he got another job. Luckily, the gap was easier to explain because his old boss ended up getting arrested. It made him look more ethical for leaving, honestly.

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Wow...... definitely explained him leaving. I’m also worried about the gap on my resume. Praying something comes up soon so I’m not forced to do that

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Associate-do we work for the same firm? Sadly, I am not looking because my resume cant take another jump from a firm so soon. But I have made it clear I am not going to cross lines.

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Associate 3- i was also worried about that and I’m in a very similar situation with the flight risk, but like all the comments above- we need to protect our law license. We worked hard for them. Also, I feel like the right firm will allow you to explain the two situations and most would understand it. I get it though, cause I’ve felt the same way.

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Definitely don’t risk your professional reputation, it is your most important asset. But fwiw, I believe the Model Rules of Professional Conduct provide a pretty broad defense if you’re acting on the instructions of a partner—no comfort for your reputation, but protection for your license at least! See Rule 5.2(b).

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But document, document, document!

Did I mention you should document everything? No? Ok well document, document, document.

Send confirmatory emails.....

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Thank you everyone for the advice and encouragement to leave! Y’all have definitely convinced me to get out ASAP, so I’m going to work on an exit plan this weekend. I have a phone call set up for this weekend with another attorney to talk about the situation and what to do. Thanks everyone 🙏🏼

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Attorney 1- I want to, however, I’m a little nervous to because I wouldn’t be surprised if my boss was on this app checking for employee commentary. I’m in the Mid-South though, so if anyone is connected to that area I’m totally open to any potential jobs.

Get out. I was in your shoes. I had instant credibility when I left, particularly from his clients, a couple of whom followed me just because they liked my style better. I know it is really slow out there, but take your time and find a place that is a good fit. You don't want to just take the first job you get no matter what because you could be out there looking again in 6 months. Good luck to you.

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Thank you! I’m looking into volunteering or doing pro bono stuff to tie my resume over so that I don’t jump into another bad situation!

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Feelings like that ought to prompt a conversation with the partner about the concerns. I’ve mentored people who worked for individuals like this before and consistently said that we are each responsible for our own ethics and that if someone tells us to do something that we believe violates the rules of professional conduct, we have to speak up and tell them we are not going to do it. If this individual gives you instructions that compromise your professional reputation in the community, explaining that you are trying to have a good reputation with judges etc. to benefit the law firm and the instructions you receive are hurting both your firm’s reputation and your reputation. It may make the individual thing twice or be more cautious particularly if you make your statements in writing citing the reason why you have a concern about how the case is being handled or the ethics of the situation. Perhaps it will lead to this individual doing more case strategy with you so that the strategy will be strategy you can both be comfortable with.

In the end, it is you who confront any ethical considerations that arise as a result of following such instructions and your reputation that will suffer. You are worth protecting.

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Get away ASAP. I was in same situation right after law school. Went out on my own and never looked back. Guy was in prison 5 years later.

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I have a “boss” who filed motions I don’t agree with. I’ve learned that he’s just trying to do his best for his clients but he and I have a different approach.

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Get out. I had a situation with an unscrupulous attorney right after law school. It was scary as a “baby” lawyer to leave and he knew I was leaving on ethical grounds. So he decided to make it scarier and assured me that he’d see to it that I never worked again as an attorney. That, of course, was BS but it was frightening to hear when you have little experience. Needless to say, I had no problem finding employment. Last I checked the Bar has relieved him of his license and there were some very juicy articles I read about how he ripped off several creditors. You don’t want to be affiliated with anyone of the likes. Your reputation will go down with his if you stick it out with him. It’s clear from your post that your gut is telling you something is wrong.

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Financial issues are, of course, a valid concern. However, those issues are a bit short sighted seeing that the potential toll on your reputation and bar license could have long term affects from your association with the firm and the partner.

If judges are truly hot on your tail I would leave tomorrow and dissociate yourself.

In the interim, if you cannot find a legal job, get a non-legal job and be done with this hellscape.

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Ultimately you are responsible for whatever you file, notwithstanding your boss’ actions. Don’t do anything unethical, raise the issue internally and if that doesn’t produce results you may have to find a position where you are more comfortable.

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No you are not. Almost every state protects associates because they know the power dynamics. Stop just saying stuff.

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I agree with the check the ethics hotline for advice as to your options.

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Sometimes my boss does something without thinking that is on or over the line. I do my best to help them walk it back. If they ask me to do the same, I will until I feel it involves me crossing a line, at which point I tell them that I’ll file it if they put their name on it. That tends to make it go away.

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I agree with many of the other posters - Get out! But there is also another thing you need to know - you have an ethical duty to report this person (and yes, you can do it anonymously in most states). So if they are truly violating ethics rules, get in touch with the state bar. And if you are uncomfortable doing so, or not sure if they are actually violating ethics rules or they are just an asshole, there are attorneys who specialize solely in attorney ethics - call one of them and get their take on the situation.

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My first boss ended up in federal prison- get out of there

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An associate will not be held responsible for a partner's malpractice. Just tell the truth once u get caught

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Depends on the state.

Whether you will get in trouble or not, I would never put my name on, sign anything, or take any position in court that I couldn’t stand behind. Also, I don’t believe the partner excuse would save you in CA. You would lose your license. The option is to quit which you are looking at doing. In the meantime just tell him you will not participate in the shenanigans.

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I have similar feelings, I'm currently dealing with a case that boss has severely f'd, client has been strung along for almost 6 years before I picked up the case. Now after 6 years I need to tell the client that there was 0 evidence to support his claim from day dot.

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A5-have you spoken or emailed your boss about this? And have you followed up so this does not go on another year?

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