I work in a small firm and the partner is about 11 years out from being barred. The partner is frequently gone/out of state or country. The partner becomes nonresponsive or low value response (for example you ask a question that is not yes or no response and get a response of yes or no). Recently, I asked multiple times for more projects and am getting barely anything. This affects my billables and I am stressing. Continued in comments.

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

Many years ago, I was a contract employee with an agency. My specialty? I got sent in to either rehab the attorney or set the attorney up to be shown the door. I pretty much ran the desk with the exceptions of giving legal advice, appearing and setting fees. No can do there. I’ve seen this scenario more times than I care to admit. You’re the fall guy. The other partners are aware of what is going on and they turn a blind eye to it. You, in their eyes, are expendable. You are the buffer between bad things and not having to pay out on behalf of the partner.

In your defense, your notebook is invaluable. Keep recording and tracking. It will come in handy when the investigation commences, and there will be one. Find another job OR start taking on pro bono gigs. You will have excellent references from happy clients.

Finally, you are your own client. How would you advise your client when it is apparent there is going to be a race to the door? I have seen associates get nervous when I showed up. They knew. And I’m going to tell you what I told them: One of two things is going to happen. Both are inevitable. Just make sure you are not the example by which someone else uses as an excuse.

Good luck and sincere wishes that this experience is your happy ending and the partner’s worst nightmare.

like

Correct. Memo To File.

like

Sounds like you should look for a new job. Your boss is going to blame you for the low billables no matter what you can prove to them. Partners like to act like just because they give you a target that must mean there’s enough work to hit it. They don’t like to admit they did something wrong.

like

I have started keeping track of when I am asking for projects and how much of my target time I am missing (I try for a target of 32 billables a week) and plan to bring this up if I fall short at the end of the year. Is this reasonable? Edited to add: when I say target time that I am missing, I mean as a direct result of not being provided work.

Sad and this will continue to effect you. Time for you to get out and have a more responsive team

Can you ask another partner for work?

Okay, so maybe more background and an answer to the question about asking for more work. Yes, I can ask for more work and I have been asking. He will give me small assignments. Asked me to do a bunch of intake calls the other day. We are usually pretty busy and get cases referred to us a lot. I guess he isn’t the partner, because it’s only him. He is the owner. There are two associates and a contract employee (and a paralegal). Everyone is feeling like they don’t have anything to do right now and this happens. We had two associates leave in the last 1.5 years because it was so frustrating for him to be gone so much. I don’t think he’s “showing me the door.” I think he will be understanding when I say “here are 2 texts and 3 emails asking for work on xyz week and here’s how many hours in the workday I achieved nothing as a result”. I’m just wondering if my method of providing evidence of the disparity is sufficient. I expect to be about 15-20 hours behind for this last week and next week if this keeps up.

Define “owner”. Sounds like he is not an attorney. Is he the supervising attorney? This sounds a little fishy.

@paralegal 1 no, I get the bulk of the work.

Related Posts

My ASM is lazy and is incapable of doing the easiest basic tasks with recruitment. She receives all my end of day updates, is cc’d on all emails, makes me fill out 5 repetitive excel/smart sheet, and joins all my meetings but she still wants to call having me 5x daily about updates. I’m always the one to go to if other recruiters fail to meet client deadlines and cleaning up recruiters mistakes. How do I even handle this to begin with?

Just started a new job a couple of weeks ago and also today found out my wife's pregnant. When is an appropriate time to tell my new boss? Company policy asks for 3 months notice but it's a growing startup. What does everyone think is appropriate?

like

If you have a love bracelet, do you wear it to work?

like

The relationship with my copy partner isn’t working as I expected. This person waters down every single idea we have. Have you experienced that before? If so, how would you manage the situation?

like

Ex consultant, currently in industry. BCG HR contacted me for a role, process was a lil messy and unprofessional. Still waiting for the “exploratory chat” she was supposed to set up with the MDP since 2 weeks ago. Texted on whatsapp but no response. Normal?

like

Gotta love when a client doesn’t catch their own mistakes until the final round and then asks why you fucked it up....

like

My colleague is going on maternity leave for 4 months and I was asked to cover some of her projects which are step up in responsibility than what I’m currently operating at. Some peers have suggested I ask for a raise to accommodate this but I’m not sure I agree as I’m only covering her while she’s out? What are others thoughts about this?

like

My coworker always takes a super long lunch. How does he have the time to get anything done?

like

Am I particularly uptight, or is writing meant to be done alone, without a partner talking to you? With past partners, we chat through script notes and then I go off to execute. Current partner likes to sit and chat as I write. To me, writing is crafting a conversation. So I can’t talk to you and simultaneously talk to this audience. Of course I can just say “I’m gonna go write.” But since we’re both CD level, I’m like…is this his first rodeo? Maybe other writers are different though.

likehelpful

How do I leave my role as someone on the talent team. I am on a small recruitment team of only a few people, who connect daily. I am also responsible for sending out updates tracking new hires and upcoming leavers (aka I would be on this list if i decide to leave). If I am looking to leave my company, considering all of these things, how do I do it in the least awkward, most professional way possible? I want to put in at least a two week notice, but will continuing my work after that be weird?

like

I often feel that if you have a Associate product manager profile name in your linkedin, people show less acceptance of linkedin request as compared to a Product Manager name.

You get associate-level respect. Associate matlab intern samajh rakha hai...

like

Heard from me:

“Oh, junior person, you have edits to the monthly activity report 3 days after your deadline to review the report, and after I sent it to the client? How lovely for you."

likefunny

Could someone please suggest how to handle this situation?
My manager (Technology Director) sees me as an emerging thread to his position and stopped sharing details / trying to avoid including me in visible projects etc.,
FYI - His manager is the division head and Managing Director.
Why I think my manager tries to move me out?
- I am 18 YOE with a technically strong background
- Upper mgmt is starting to identify me as the backup for all systems. My manager tries to move me out since then

like

A toxic co-worker tried to throw me under the bus to cover their mistake in a call with leadership 😢😢. I showed the proof of conversation the next moment without hesitation to everyone. Suddenly their tone changes and tries to divert the topic 😒😒. I am distraught 🙁🙁

likeupliftingfunny

Seeking advice on how to react when a colleague asks how much you make. I don’t want to disclose what I make given the person asking definitely makes less and it will cause drama

I’m a firm believer that a manager should develop a positive relationship with employees, but I don’t want that to be an invitation to disrespect my authority. How do you know where to draw the line to make this distinction clear?

like

What is something you want in a partner but is so absolutely ridiculous and can't put it in your profile?

E.g., they must be into manga/anime, but not to the point they drag me to a con to cosplay

like

How long is it sustainable to talk to someone without meeting in person due to covid? I find myself getting bored because the meeting in person is what determines whether we actually vibe.

like

About to start back in consulting and my IVF cycle is kicking off as well. How would you recommend broaching the topic with the lead office partner?

like

My fellow ADHD professionals,
Have you told your employer about your ADHD diagnosis? If you have then how have it benefited you? If you haven’t then why do you think it was the right move not to tell? I’m contemplating if I should tell my employer or not.

like

More Posts

Anyone recently filed a I539 application and how long it took to approve?

like

Anyone know of any great articles or advice for building a multi-sided platform at the beginning of that platform’s life? I’m building a video platform for education (user-generated chunks, kind of like YouTube or TikTok but specific to education vertical) and I’m thinking about early strategy for content acquisition, would love to hear what other entrepreneurs have done. Both strategic and tactical resources appreciated!
#startup #marketplace #UGC #education #learning #strategy

like

I have a experience of 3 yrs as a Quality Analyst and 1.5 yrs as a Business Analyst. Also I am about to complete a PG program in Data Science and Business Analytics and now I'm seeking opportunities as a Data Analyst. CTC in my previous job was 5.3lakhs.
How much CTC should I expect in my switch as a Data Analyst or rather according to the market standards what should an ideal CTC be for a person with my experience.

like

S&P Global Dear Fishes,
Can someone please help me out by referring my profile for the below mentioned job ID?
I would highly appreciate your support.
Job ID: R21515
Role: Operations Analyst

Thanks in advance!
S&P Global

Received an offer for equity research and IB, both in toronto. ER paying $120k base and my understanding is that bonus can be around 25-30%. IB is paying $105k base but likely higher bonus? Which one would u choose if you think you would be good at both

like

Interested in the job market in Charlotte. What are you guys doing (role), company, and how much do you currently make?

I have a very strong networking background and want to break into cloud space. I don’t know much about database and applications. What should be my learning strategy? e.g do AZ103, AWS solution architect, AWS networking certs? Please guide me.

like

What is the *prime* amount of money to bring you happiness?

like

Anyone here working as a Business Analyst / Product Owner in an H1B visa? What is the package are you at currently?

like

Hi Fishies. Looking for a good real people/comedy directors who can work with lower budgets . Would love any recommendations. Thanks.

like

Hi London fishes. Looking to apply to Oliver Wyman in the next few weeks as I look to build consulting career after a decade in the British Army. Any Oliver Wyman fishes willing to chat for potential referral? 1st yr post MBA for context. Thanks

like

Anyone looking for referral for below profiles at Capgemini, directly message me here and I can help you with it. Thanks.

Post Photo
likehelpful

how does anyone actually bill 8.5 hours a day?? Even on my most productive days I can only hit 6, 6.5.

like

Are y’all finding your white male bosses to be incompetent as hell or is just me? And they will milk you for all your brilliance and try to squeeze every ounce of labor out of you.

like

Hi.. i was offered A2 level, 19LPA for 4.8 yoe & cloud devops tech stack.
If i have a counter offer 25lpa with better role, will EPAM be open to negotiate? I feel the role & ctc are not on par.

like

What amount can i ask for 4+ years of experience in devops profile in EPAM Anywhere?

like

What’s the starting salary for an accountant?

What’s the salary increase and VC% for Big4 Risk Advisory folks this year? Pls include:
Company
Service line
Location
Previous to current level
Previous Base Salary
Salary increase%
VC %

like

We will be administering the Algebra 1 End of Course Assessment next week.. what are some ideas for recognizing those who perform well as well as those who've had significant increase from previous scores?

like

Additional Posts in Litigation & Arbitration

It may seem obvious, but in my experience partners value trial experience over anything else, so get it however you can. For example, my firm will favor a former prosecutor who has seen the courtroom a lot but has no civil litigation experience (not even a depo) over a seasoned associate who has only second chaired cases with a partner but hasn’t tried a case. Even trying a case and losing gives you credibility at my firm because you still did it.

like

I’ve been working at a rather prestigious midsized firm in a big city for almost a year and a half now. I have been having a lot of trouble picking up work from senior partners. We are required to bill at least 150 hours per month to meet our requirement. My months are typically only 110-130 hours. It seems like the senior partners already have their “go to” associate for things. Does anyone have any suggestions on how i can increase my workload? I reach out for work pretty much weekly.

like

I feel like this is the busiest billable December I’ve had. Anyone else absolutely swamped with work this month?

like

Recently lateraled as a public defender in HCOL area to ID in LCOL area for $$$. I’ve been at the job a little over a month. My concerns are that I’m getting very little guidance or mentorship, and I’m worried about not hitting billable hours (2000 requirement but I am just over 80 for the first month). I am only in charge of a ~5 cases atm and struggle with figuring out the next steps, etc. I’ve met all my deadlines that have come up. Thoughts or advice?

like

How am I expected to bill 1900 hours when I only have 8 cases and when I ask for work no one responds. I even asked the partner in person for work and he said he was slow and didn’t have anything for me.This month I’ve only billed 80 hrs. Its making me anxious because I don’t want to get fired for low hours but also I’m a first year so will they have some mercy on me? Lol

like

2022 HOURS CHECK IN

For those of us whose firms start their FY on 12/1, how did you do on your hours this past year?

likehelpful

Looking for a NJ firm, with a great L&E practice. I have a lot of practical experience in litigation but hard to find a place right now.

like

I am an associate at an AM200 firm and was (IMO) very clear prior to accepting this role that I value work-life balance and wanted to try to keep work at night on the weekends to a minimal, but since February, it seems like it’s always something that requires my time as needed disregarding “business hours” or my personal schedule. Thoughts on whether to bring this up or continue to be a team player until I burn out and pay off my student loans?

likefunny

We calendar court deadlines and internal deadlines. Why do associates disregard internal deadlines?

like

I have my first solo hearing in front of opposing counsel and the Judge, were asking for a fee multiplier on a contingency case. This is in Florida BTW. Any tips or advice for my first hearing will be greatly appreciated.

like

What are some good professional goals to set in your first five years of practice? For context, commercial lit associate at boutique firm, so lots of opportunity for hands on experience. Just want some ideas of what I should be thinking about and aiming for. Thanks!

like

In house insurance defense comp. What’s the highest paid and lowest paid companies? Which companies give bonuses? Please provide yoe and salary.

like

Best big law firms for white collar defense?

like

I have a deadline to respond to a Motion for SMJ in 1 1/2 weeks. I just found out that my grandparents who I haven’t seen since the start of the pandemic will visit this week. I want to spend as much time as possible with them but it will be hard with my response due. I really don’t want to tell the Court that I am seeking an extension for personal reason, what would be a good reason to provide? I clearly don’t want to misstate anything but is there some general, vague language that can be used?

like

Have an opportunity to finally get out of insurance defense. But not really sold on the firm. Could finally get out of ID, but then could also end up at another place I really don't like. Def want my next firm to be long term as I've jumped around.

like

Is there such place as non toxic ID firm? Or does any of ID attys like what they do? I moved from general practice to an ID firm six months ago. Biggest mistake of my life. I am trying hard not to just quit and walk away as I’m battling head cold but still have to bill bill bill and get criticized for not billing right and etc and cases being piled up - while everyone is looking forward to the long weekend. I seriously question my judgement. Need word of wisdom just to get through this hellhole

like

Hello, second year commercial litigation associate here looking for a recruiter. Preferably Suffolk County or eastern Nassau County. Any recommendations?

like

Should Dropbox be used as the main file system for a busy Litigation office? Help me prove that it shouldn’t and suggest a software that your firm uses.

like

Just came back today to the office from a 3 day bereavement leave. Performance reviews were apparently done Tuesday. Senior partner who does the reviews left out of town Wednesday. Concerning?

like

Hi All,

Anyone have a recommendation for a good headhunter? I am currently a 2nd year associate (many years paralegaling before that) at a mid-sized firm in NY and am looking for a change.

Also, any cons of working with a headhunter?

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