I’m a mid-level and I work with one partner quite often (and even more frequently in the last 6 mos). I used to think he was great - he takes time to mentor and train and is generally nice, but lately I’ve started getting annoyed b/c he just expects me to work on weekends/late nights when not necessarily warranted (just b/c he does), and the more I work with him I’ve realized how disingenuous their thank you’s are. I know minor complaint in comparison but starting to really grate on me…..

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

Having a boss whose fake nice when by their actions they arnt treating you well can feel weird and manipulative

like

I don’t quite think it’s fake, I just feel like he isnt as appreciative as other partners would be because he expects it because that’s what he does and always has done. I’m guilty of this too sometimes, but I always try to take a step back and remind myself that I shouldnt expect that much from people below me

like

How does he expect you to work weekends and nights? He say so? Or he just sending you stuff and you feel pressured? Bc if the latter, that’s on you.

like

OP, honestly, it’s a tough spot. If you don’t set boundaries, you’ll burn out. Do you let the partner know you can have X done by Y? If there is no respect for that, then there is no respect. And the future there depends on how much of a loyal dog you are. Some people find it worth it. Others don’t. I’d first try to resolve your internal pressures first and try and level set expectations. Take it one step at a time, see what happens.

Do you think partner will actively support your promotion at the firm? If not, you need to start pushing back and work with better fits. I used to go above and beyond for a partner until they started taking advantage of it. When they reviewed me, the review made no mention of it. I professionally distanced myself from this partner and work with partners that actually have my back. If this partner is going to bat for you in reviews, I would stick it out but push back on timing.

like

This is key. If you want partnership and they will push for it, suck it up. If you’re not sure, have an honest conversation with them.

like

You raised the bar for yourself by working late nights and weekends I’m guessing and that’s why he takes it for granted now. It’s a pro and a con, honestly, I’ve definitely gotten work at times because I’m a night owl and sometimes the only one awake to handle something/talk through something. (I personally make up for it with late starts in the AM).

But if you don’t want to be that person anymore, that is OK too. You’ll have to deal with some mild annoyance from this partner but I wouldn’t overthink it. If you want to set boundaries, set boundaries. Clearly he’s someone who works late nights and weekends. I hear your annoyance he expects late night/weekend work as a matter of course in the first place but he’s a biglaw partner doing this himself so clearly he made the decision at some point he’s ok with it (and in his mind that’s what an all-star future partner would do). It doesn’t sound like he’s going to burn you for not doing so as well, sounds like he just does the work himself and seems annoyed at you, so it’s not a terrible situation in biglaw terms.

Unfortunately you don’t get to have it both ways - you can’t both set boundaries and be the golden child associate. Doesn’t mean you can’t still be a great and successful associate but generally boundary setting is going to take you off the “favorite” list in biglaw. Learn to be OK with that.

like

Related Posts

Any entertainment lawyers out there? What’s your day-to-day like? Do you like the work? I’m a tax attorney (7yrs) in LA looking for a change and thinking of switching practice areas. I want to make sure this isn’t a grass is greener situation...

like

Does Infosys have any special package for agile certified professionals?Infosys

Which one are you?

Post Photo
likefunnysmart

Any good DC area recruiters?

Mikes Pastry or Modern Pastry? And why?

like

Best restaurant other than Noma (many competing suggestions welcome) in Copenhagen? Bonus for recommendation for lunch in Stevns.

like

Is a month and a half good enough time as notice to let my gardener know I will no longer be needing their services?

I want to be humane about this but also getting tired of paying for a monthly visit instead of the weekly setup we agreed to a few years back. Not sure I want to pay any longer than that for little service.

like

What is one piece of advice you would give someone considering a career in marketing?

like

Personal trainer (preferably female) recommendations for strength training / weight lifting near Capitol Hill?

like

Hi All, Does the lender consider unvested stock amount from RSU during closing?

Why don’t they make cars with Corinthian Leather anymore?

like
like

What has been difficult for you in the endeavor to complete half your deen?

like

Hello, has anyone tried the Under Armour box subscription? What are your thought on it? I’m thinking of signing up

Does Slalom Consulting have any entry level business analyst roles? LinkedIn lists them as mid-senior for some reason.

like

Does anyone know of a good Resume Writer? I think mine needs some revision

like

Any suggestions on a good car detailer?

like

For those who have kids in school, how do you manage to leave office earlier to pick kids, especislly during busy season. My LO joins school soon and figuring this out. TIA

like

How much would a technical solution specialist- google cloud - in big data analytics at GOOGLE Canada make ?
Someone with 5 years of experience in big data analysis.

like

How to transition from pharma to working in tech / med tech? What skills should I try to pick up?

like

Additional Posts in Big Law

Had someone lateral into our firm as a fifth year (soon to be sixth). They were kind of a retool and went from small law to the firm I’m at. They are still learning a lot of basic stuff, and I think it’s weird that the firm hired someone at that level as a retool. They sometimes ask me for help with stuff, but I’m just getting annoyed at this point. Can I just say “no” since they’re about to be a mid/senior associate who should know all of this?

like

Close your eyes and imagine studying hard and doing everything right your whole life just so you could spend your adulthood counting 0.1s and worrying about being fired like a clown.

Now open your eyes. It is you. You are clown.

likefunnysmart

I know that it likely “depends” and varies from firm to firm but does anyone have any insight on (or experience with) whether firms rely on “total billable hours” or “total billable hours credit” to determine whether hours have been met/bonus applies?

like

Any recommended places for suits for summer associates? Any places that should be off limits? Thanks.

like

Does leaving your firm 2 months before your clerkship starts in order to travel raise red flags? This is assuming you want to come back to the same firm post clerkship.

like

There’s always a Delaware entity in every financing deal so there’s always a need for a Delaware opinion. Why don’t more big firms open tiny offices there and just keep that stuff in-house rather than refer it one the shops there? No offense to RLF, Dorsey, Morris Nichols, etc.

like

Anybody here know starting salary for a second year attorney at Ogletree Deakins and/or Fisher Phillips in their LA or SF offices?

like

Any thoughts on Orrick LA culture?

like

London: possible to negotiate no/a reduced probation period while lateralling?

like

As a junior associate, how do you find the healthy balance to take initiative in matters as opposed to wasting billable time on something the client won’t pay for or the partner might not actually want?

like

Got an email from the California Bar today about withdrawing due to COVID. I got sick for a week with the non-COVID flu and have been considering withdrawing and taking the July exam instead, so I guess I’m not alone. Is anybody on here who either withdrew or is considering withdrawing from the Feb bar because of illness?

like

Anyone know anything about Frankfurt Kurnit Trademark and Branding Group??? Considering a lowball offer but would like to know about office vibes...thanks in advance!!!

like

Corp/securities associate and lateraled to a 40-50 attorney firm earlier this year. I’m a non traditional candidate and considered a 3rd or 4th year and make $200k base. Waiting on raise/bonus info but can’t help but wonder if I could be making $100k more at a larger firm and working similar hours. I put a premium on the people I work with and have gotten a good rhythm here as well as built up a good rep so far. For reference I have billed avg. 180-200 hrs a month. Any insights?

likesmart

Hate research assignments with no answers 😭😭

like

Has anyone ever been pushed out after billing over 2400 hours?

like

If biglaw makes so much money, why dont most partners retire at like 50?

like

Who billed the most today?

like

The managing partner of my office likes to make jokes about Covid now that it is “over” (either in small group convos or speeches to the office). My dad died from Covid, and I honestly feel like it’s so insensitive for him to make these comments when he knows that I lost my dad to it. Our office isn’t that big, and I don’t think many people forget being told that someone they know lost someone from Covid. It has made me consider leaving because of it, but the economy isn’t great.

like

When it’s slow, do mid levels and seniors start hoarding the work? Feel like all our juniors are looking for work, and the upper levels say they’re slow but looking at office pace someone is lying.

like

No hate please. How do you handle the conversation with partners about depression becoming a problem and/or intervening with your performance at work? I have days where I operate at 300% and others where I struggle to even brush my teeth in the morning. And yes, I am on medication.

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

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

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