I’m a new associate working for a well-known defense attorney in my state. On one hand, I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn from one of the best, but he also excoriates and belittles me for my mistakes. Any advice on how much it tolerable? I am here to learn and advance my career but he can be pretty nasty. (My mistakes are no worse than you’d expect a 1st year associate to make, in case you’re all wondering if I’m a major screw-up who deserves it) I leave work feeling a foot tall.

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

I'm going to answer making the assumption you have a decently thick skin and this senior lawyer is being a jerk. I think there's a couple things you can do to deal with the situation.

First thing is to make sure that if you do make a mistake you don't repeat it, you learn from it. Repeating mistakes it's a surefire way to get negative commentary.

Second, when you get a task, make sure you're asking questions to ensure you understand how to do it and try to flag problems/issues right away.

Third, and most important, if the criticism or comments are inappropriate, you need to stand up for yourself. I would try to form relationships with some other experienced lawyers that can mentor you so you can get some feedback on how to approach the senior lawyer, but you can't let verbal abuse slide.

like

Related Posts

Any thoughts on how do we deal with an incompetent boss who you dont look up to and have no trust that you would ever get credit for the work you would do for him/her? Given that changing the boss is not an option.

like

I’m dealing with a difficult management situation and don’t know what to do, how would you report someone when nobody really cares what’s going on or is automatically going to side with the other person?

like

I am 31, F and many strangers mistaken me for 18-25 years old, even with a mask on. Is that...... a con? Serious q.

Def hate the ageism about it when interviewing. I dress in athleisure wear most of the time outside. Do I need to dress more adult then? I know I don't NEED or SHOULD and can do whatever I want, but there's something about it that makes me feel uncomfortable/I'm doing something wrong to give them the "wrong" idea that I'm younger than 30s. Like I'm lying or smthg.

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

Worked with an agent on my first deal, great. Second deal now and I’m getting my license myself. I’d like to use her as a backboard for ideas and don’t mind giving her a “finders fee” or something but would like to capture the commissions myself. What would be the normal way to have this convo?

like

Favorite jeans brand for wearing to work in a business casual environment?

like

Curious what firms are doing to keep people socializing during COVID. I miss my coworkers but I'm sick of zoom calls.

like

What's a guilty pleasure you indulge in at work?

like

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

Good places for buying business casual clothing (men's)?

like

A coworker at non-work HH said something antisemtic to me. Do I talk to him about it or should I tell my manager and HR? I'm nervous about retaliation because I've experienced it before when reporting something to HR.

What is RSM's dress code??? I feel so silly, I started during the pandemic and am headed into the office for the first time next week and realized I have no idea 🤦‍♀️

A guy who used to be on my team resigned a few weeks ago for another opportunity. I ran into his new boss socially and told them I was really impressed with how this guy was handling the drug bust and battling his heroine addiction during this career change. It shows real grit. That’s what wishing the best for others looks like.

funnylike

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

What’s the best way to deal with a partner that prefers working solo? For context, this writer I work with conceptualizes by himself, emails the Account team, gives deep input, and makes decisions for us without consulting with me (his “partner”) most of the time. While I appreciate his proactiveness, I feel excluded, limited, and without much room to co-lead the work with him. I don’t know how to bring this up without sounding like I’m b*tching about it.

I’ve just started to put my pronouns in my email signature and it sparked a great discussion with members of our team regarding the importance of making it a regular thing for everyone. :)

like

Have too much on your desk? Maybe one of those briefs is a bit boring?
Send it my way, I'm here to flex my copy muscles for you.

All I ask is you give me feedback when I send it back.

like

Need some advice. During May of 2021 an operations manager and an hourly Hr employee started a relationship while the ops manager was married. We had supervisors give us pictures of those two kissing at workFast forward they are now engaged and getting married. The HR worker does not work here anymore since July 2021. Is it too late to investigate the ops manager for misconduct ? The ops manager has worked here for 15 years and is super valuable, the operation literally can not run without him.

like

I’m new to the firm. My third project my manager was very hands off. He’s wants to have a discussion with me about my performance. He did not give me any support to work with; even when I asked! And my direct manager agrees with him, but it was my third week. What to do? I feel like I’m going to say something crazy. Any advice?

People of Color, how do you deal with an all-white team who doesn't acknowledge your (worthy) accomplishments while pats all incompetent employees?

likefunny

More Posts

Hi All, currently Visa is approved, stamping is yet to be done... But the package is 60k only and I heard from colleagues who are already there, that this is not sufficient... I am working at a package of 12 LPA in India, and I think switching is the best option rather than going to US. Need your opinion please

like

Anyone have experience with the new ADD medication Azstarys? Thoughts, opinions welcome. I’m curious to know how it might work compared to Adderall.

like

Just got promoted to ACD. Will be taking on more leadership roles. Any books, workshops, resources that helped you learn leadership skills?

likeuplifting

What is the common salary of a Java developer in Canada?

like

I have a potential offer to join a mid firm in a city where they’ve only been around for a few years, so there aren’t a lot of employees, maybe 25. I really like city and the people, but curious, would joining at this stage lead to faster promotion to MD/Partner? Or even manager or senior manager? It seems like there has been a lot of growth even with Covid.

like

Looking for New Year’s Eve plans for a couple other than going out to a club... any ideas?

Hi everyone! First time posting here. I am in a good sales role at my current company but it’s my first solid AE role in the tech industry. I am interested in exploring other opportunities as I know there are a lot out there, but is anyone else worried about the current economic state? I’m worried that if I find a new position for a new company and the economy going to sh** that I am worried about job security. Anyone else feel this way?

like

what gmat score do I need to get to aim for m7? I’m asian, F, 2+ years in accenture strategy, & studied at top public school (think UC Berkeley, UMich) with a 3.4 GPA with engineering degree

likefunny

Is anyone else finding ubereats, DoorDash, etc to be less reliable in recent months? I’ve had several deliveries go missing or arrive hours later than expected.

like

Hi Fishes,

Has anyone heard about SmartSoc. I have an offer from Capgemini and Smartsoc. Which one I should go for.

Smartsoc- 8lpa
Cap- 9lpa + 50k JB
YOE- 3.6

like

Hey Fishes if you found something relatable from the given list of openings feels fee to buzz
location- Bengaluru

Post Photo
like

Which is good to join..Publicis sapient or LTI?

like

Tips on negotiating a raise! I’m no where near the timeframe for one(only been there just over 90 days), just want to be prepared for when that meeting comes up at the one year mark 😅

Used to have a career with a. Union, this was never a concern till now LOL

like

Top 10 books to read about consulting life ?

likefunny

Hey all, new hire here! Going to receive a $250 wfh credit; any recs on what I should get to build out my home office?

like

I completed 4 years in JPMC , every year I got double digit hikes >12%, and bonuses >3 lakh and increasing . last year I got promoted to 602 with bonus >5 lakh, I am getting interesting offers outside should I stay or leave ? Also, I need 11+ likes to unlock my dm . Please like 🙏

like

Anyone here can refer me for a software developer roles? Any help appreciated. Tia

I am curious how other inclusion teachers are being utilized when the school is doing remote learning. I find that I am sitting in the zoom class and have very little opportunity to contribute. I am having discussions with my teachers on ways that I can better support them and the students when remote.

like

Question: In Maryland, a limited liability S Corp shareholder can’t be sued individually but can they individually sue someone else on behalf of the corp? Or does an attorney for the Corp have to be the one to file suit? What abt in small claims court where lawyers aren’t even required?

like

Additional Posts in Criminal Defense Attorneys

What're people using for practice management platforms these days? I'm using Clio.

Does anyone here work at Salt Lake Legal Defender Association?

Welcome to the Criminal Defense Attorneys Bowl. We hope you will ask question, share your stories about things happening in your practices, current events, cutting edge cases, and practice tips.

What is the best way to transition from insurance defense to criminal defense? I’ve been working in ID for about a year and have never been more bored in my life. I want to be challenged and do interesting work, but I’m not sure how to get started with no experience. Currently living in Chicago.

Looking for referrals to great criminal defense attorneys in Lee County Florida. Please comment or message me. Thx

Why aren’t there “large” criminal defense firms as there are with other types of law?

like

Does anyone turn over their Ring Camera footage to police? On the one hand I would like to help my neighbors. On the other hand I don’t want to help police/prosecution. Plus I don’t want to conflict myself out of cases. Just wondered what what y’all thought.

Disclaimer this is just a hypothetical and not a an actual dilemma (yet).

I’m currently in civil litigation but I’ve always loved the criminal defense law world. Does it make sense to go to a PD office to get trial experience to get my foot back in the criminal door?

Hi all. I’m trying to move from corporate biglaw to either private or public criminal defense. Is this transition likely? I’m a second year.

Any advice for becoming a public defender in Southern California

Client gets distracted driving ticket. Pros adds no ops charge but it’s not on the ticket. Issue or not? He hasn’t received a new ticket.

Has anyone successfully moved their practice to a new state? I would like to get out of Texas but criminal defense is so jurisdiction specific, even at the federal level, that I’m worried I would have a hard time building up a practice with no connections.

like

About to file a writ of habeas corpus for client where I.C.E. detainer is not executed and bond was paid. Will judge revoke bond if he hears about I.C.E. detainer. I’m guessing he will after I file this. Thoughts?

Looking for referral of great criminal defense attorney in NYC. Friend got into a dispute with girlfriend. She ended up called the police. Please DM me. Thanks!

I'm seriously tired of all the injustice done by cops. I've now caught several in blatant lies... On video or on record.

Maybe this is a mild vent but it gets really hard to defend cases where constitutional violations are just being overlooked especially in an area that favors cops! Ugh🥺

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