Does anyone work at a firm where legal assistants don't do legal assistant things? For example, I have to do my scheduling and calendaring. I have to upload documents to our file management system. This morning, a name partners assistant didn't realize the name partner had a depo and didn't confirm it. This is how this firm as been for decades and it's incredibly frustrating to work this way. It's so hard to not stress over this daily.

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

I’d leave and make that known at an exit interview. Life is hard enough. Don’t need this added stress.

like

Thank you!! Good riddance indeed. Would love to yell that and slam the door when I make my grand finale exit from this place.

like

This is hilarious because it shows how effective the LAs have been in dodging work overtime that now it’s the norm. “Legal assistants don’t do that here” isn’t really a valid excuse. In my experience it has nothing to do with structure and job roles, and everything to do with not wanting to do the work.

like

I agree with that. I hear a lot of "that's not my job". It's a mentality. When I was an LA I did it all and guess what.............I got PROMOTED lol

Same here. I almost missed numerous meetings and deadlines because my assistant wouldn’t calendar properly. I let the partner the assistant and I report to know, and he didn’t do anything. I finally missed a meeting because my assistant didn’t calendar it. I told the partner that I’d start my own meetings/deadlines because I was tired of missing or almost missing things, and he told me that HE DOES IT HIMSELF TOO. What?! Why do we even have an assistant??

like

Same. I don't understand it. I complained that it's starting to force me to work on weekends regularly and the response I got was a shrug.

like

Yes and it’s wildly frustrating. I have no idea what our legal assistants are for. I uploaded everything myself to the management system, I check the dockets/schedule myself. I’m a mid sized firm and I’m just shocked that this is a thing?

like

It's insane. Mine at least do filing and will set a hearing, but I have to coordinate the hearing dates with OC. The ones at my office just input billing for partners as the partners use physical time sheets and put their redlines into a word doc as they handwrite things. That's basically it. They also handle their personal matters.

like

Ours technically do that, I just don't generally trust them to after getting burned on multiple occasions, so I wind up doing a lot of it myself. Extremely frustrating.

like

Sounds like a lot of the “assistants” need to be terminated.

like

They know what they’re doing. Keep the partners happy and coast. Good for them I suppose. 🤣

So what do they do, update the firm birthday calendar? LOL

like

Seems like you need a good managing attorney/clerk’s office. That department is responsible to docketing, calendaring and filing. Tough to live without them especially in big law.

We have multiple safeguards. It goes to docketing, which gets put on all the calendars of those staffing that matter and I am “aware” but usually it is the associate’s assigned assistant “keeping track.”

Related Posts

Referrals for Instacart 🥕 (hiring and growing a lot!)

likehelpful

Hi,

I am looking for a job change and any help or refferals are appreciated. I am a data engineer having 2+ yrs of experience in Azure, MSBI Tech stack, Apache Airflow etc.

Preferred location:- Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune.

Thanks,
Pranshu Rughani

Can anyone refer me please. I am having 5.7 yoe in Azure Devops.

like

Hey all, I accepted the offer from Accenture but needed a change in my base location. The HR said its going to be changed in 7 days and its 2 weeks and no word from them. Any idea when to expect the revised offer letter?

like

Salary thoughts for a credentialing manager at a staffing company? 3 years experience, would oversee around 15 people.

New WiFi router name

like

Can somebody suggest me decent ladies pg near Ascendas, Taramani?

like

Despite making on time payments from last 8 yrs my credit score is still below 750. plan to buy house nd worried my score won't give me best rate. How do i raise my score. Looking desperately 4 advice

like

I have 20+ years of HR systems experience.. specialized in global payroll and absent management. Have done multiple implementation projects. I am very much interested in working for workday. Multiple times I have applied for jobs in workday but never got any response. Not sure what I am doing wrong. I would really appreciate if I get any reference in workday.

Any NYC fish recommend a decently priced place for teeth whitening and/or Invisalign’s?

like

Yale SOM or Darden for MBB?

like

Car rentals - should young driver fee be waived when booked through your firm? I book National through Trips this morning and there’s a pretty big young driver fee

like

Hello Everyone!
I'm working as a project manager with YOE of 8 years and pay of 23 LPA - I have seen people make more, am i underpaid ?

like

How far in advance do you book your plane tickets for international travel? Looking to find that pricing sweet spot for a few trips next year.

like

Any thoughts on McCann Health NY, and Red flags? Do they have a good structured/balanced workflow and team per department for things to be balanced out for each member, and good work-life balance? Anything to consider when applying there?

like

I still see the eyes of my patients as they are intubated and the fear they projected. So many died. My heart hurts for them, their families and all of those who cared for them until the end. Having some serious PTSD from this pandemic.

like

Please spare a prayer for Pakistan and everyone facing the disastrous consequences of climate change there in the form of unimaginable destruction from floods.

like

Hi everyone,

I have applied for this role at Amazon.

Is there anyone who works for this role? I would like to connect.

Thank you.

Post Photo
like

Hi, is there any openings for entry level UX role or an internship in Ui Ux. I can join immediately to learn. I have 1.3 year of experience as a Software Developer

like

It this finally the time GME gets back to a "normal" value? I really can't believe it's held up for this high this long.
(Note, I have avoided GME, so don't have any dog in this fight)

like

Additional Posts in Litigation & Arbitration

Any FHA attorneys in south Florida? I believe i was denied an apartment because of my service animal.

like

The worst part about the slower days is seeing the stuff in the future that’s going to become an avalanche of heavier days 😬

like

What kind of pro bono have you found the most rewarding? And how do you manage to find time to give back while maintaining a full case load?

like

I work at a small firm with not that many workable templates so I usually have to do everything from scratch like drafting motions, pleadings, and researching all potential counts every time. Do bigger firms have better and more templates that allow you to have to do less research?

like

How do I get pro hac’d into a bankruptcy case in another state

like

Florida: After a car accident can the driver injured in the other vehicle sue the husband (wife was driving the at fault vehicle) for negligent entrustment? Wife & husband both on the car’s title. I understand they have dangerous instrumentality, but how can you say the car was “entrusted” to someone who has rightful legal title to it?

like

Any thoughts on Kirkland & Ellis SF office culture? Specifically general lit?

likefunny

I am conducting settlement negotiations by phone with opposing counsel (Plaintiff) tomorrow, for the first time. OC so far has been cordial and reasonable. I do employment law, if that makes a difference. Other than making it clear that their claims are weak and should settle for our offer (and also we don't have a trial date yet so it could be at least a year before we could even get to trial), what other tips do you all have?

like

Has anyone done the LLM program in international arbitration from Stockholm university? Or have any insights about it? Career prospects?
Thank you !

like

I am having my first NJT as a licensed attorney on Monday 😏 Opposing party is pro se, so it eases the nerves quite a bit. But still, I’m nervous. Suggestions, pointers, advice, dos/donts, etc.? All welcomed and greatly appreciated !

like

Accepted a post-grad job with the firm I summered at. Really like working for my boss but not in love with the content. Recommendations as to how to approach getting experience with other groups? It is a full-service law firm. Thanks!

like

I’m a current biglaw associate thinking of lateraling to Quinn Emanuel. Looking for a more dynamic and trial-focused litigation practice, but I’m a little put off by how poorly Quinn seems to invest in support (tech, paralegals, etc) and generally seems to nickel and dime its associates. Curious how these issues feel for Quinn associates on a day to day basis.

like

Is 180 billable hours per month a high “target” (to use the firm’s vernacular) or expectation?Although it may not be unreasonably high, I believe it is a high number and would at least appreciate someone at my firm acknowledging that. Perhaps I’m wrong and I’m sure you’ll tell me if so.

like

I just found out that an associate (same experience level) who billed fewer hours than me and had less collections got a 10k raise while I only got a 2.5K raise. She is in a different office, and her supervising partner is incredibly nice and understanding. My supervising partner is a total dick to everyone (not just me) and I got shafted. He obviously didn’t speak up for me at review. I feel like this is totally unfair and like I got overlooked. What do I do?

like

Those in L&E at small to mid size firms, how is your WLB?

likesmart

Can anyone provide insight on market rate for “of counsel” (practicing 10 years) at a mid-size ID firm in Philadelphia?

like

I often hear lawyers threatening to “call the judge” during a deposition, generally when there is a dispute among counsel over a question that has been asked. Has anyone ever actually done this? What exactly is the judge supposed to do, resolve the dispute over the phone?

likefunny

I am 2 years out and have a secretary for the first time. How do I use her? I’m use to doing everything myself at my prior firms.

like

Can I get attorney’s fees if I’m representing myself?
What if I represent myself AND my spouse (both as plaintiffs)?

like

Best typo you’ve seen in a motion?

like

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