I'm drowning in work and I do not know how to tell the partners in my office that I cannot accept any more new cases without looking weak. Actually, I don't know how to tell them that I cannot handle what I have. I have asked one partner if he can take at least one of the bigger cases, but he refuses. I'm afraid something is going to fall through the cracks that cannot be fixed. Any advice (other than to quit, because that is not an option for me right now for reasons I cannot explain)?

Put it in writing that you are overwhelmed. If things do slip then you can prove the partners knew. It’s their job to manage cases and case loads.

Putting up boundaries re: workload does not make one weak. Why do you think it makes you look weak?

Continuing to take new matters without speaking up is weak. I think you should just tell them you have too much, you can’t take any more, and you’d also appreciate some help triaging what you already have.

Hi Boss,

I was hoping we could set up some time this week to discuss my case load. I currently have X number of cases, and this month I have to do [list out the specific task list items]. I am concerned that I am at maximum capacity and want to discuss how to best navigate this. Please let me know if you’re free to talk later today.

It’s important to be ASSERTIVE and let them know that the workload has reached it’s maximum for you.

I love the other poster’s advice to document everything and send update emails for CYA (cover your ass) purposes.

When you approach them about the workload keep it positive by showing the work you CAN do and have a SOLUTION to tackle the work you can’t…

✅ Delegate to paralegal
✅ Ask them to take on some of the load
✅ Outside legal help (Axios, etc)

The crucial thing is to NOT appear as if you’re whining or complaining. Instead you’re stating the facts (the reality) and offering solutions (the remedy).

Half of a manager’s job is fixing problems. When you come with the solution they simply have to make the DECISION as to how to proceed.

The secret is HOW you present it😉

I agree that how you frame the conversation is important. I personally would approach your partner with an attitude of seeking guidance in prioritizing the tasks and matters assigned to you, and during the conversation you lay it all out so the partner knows how large the load is, and that’s it’s realistically too much for one person.
To me, that’s different than showing up with the attitude that “you guys assigned too much work to me”

A bizarre psychological thing is to let them see you are working. It is too time consuming too do all the time but if I need someone to be in a good mood (to discuss the overflowing to do list of the team, write off sign off, etc.), I send emails where they are copied through the day from morning to night including some that are proactive and/or client development.

As I said, not healthy or sustainable but sometimes helpful.

Okay, that is an insane limiting belief to think it's weak to ask for help.

That said, framing, is key.

The ask should come in the form of stating you have conflicting priorities, and because of that, you need their guidance on how to prioritize the conflicts so nothing falls through the cracks (e.g., this is all for their benefit). If they are any sort of reasonable human being who doesn't want their matter to fail for whatever reason, they'll usually ask you to lay it out for them. Be prepared to show how you will miss deadlines based on what you need to do and deliver. They, if they're any good at project management, will either tell you which matters to de prioritize (some partners like to give fake deadlines to look impressive to clients, but not at the expense off things that actually have to happen by a date certain) or, if they are all important, reassign some matters to someone else.

You don't end up looking weak, but rather like someone who prevented what could have been a bad look or outcome and had enough foresight and judgment to catch it and highlight it. Regardless, it gets you what you need.

Just remember to always frame any ask (for this or anything else) in a manner that gets to the heart of the target's desire or avoids the target's fear. No partner wants their work falling through the cracks. Every partner wants their work done well, delivered on time, and looking good to a client. If you're asking them for help to accomplish both, most partners will help you rectify the situation. But if you're coming to them with what sounds like just a complaint (no matter how justified it may be), you're likely to get no or a negative response.


To be clear, I'm not saying it's necessarily right for partners/managers/leaders/etc. to act that way. I'm saying it's human psychology in corporate environments. And it's a way to get what you need.