Is it unreasonable for me to ask older attorneys how they approach assignments before I do them? I'm on week 4 of a new job and I think everybody thinks I'm stupid. It's not that I don't want to do work I just want to understand what they want.

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?

How do you deal with a senior member of the team that doesn’t value your input? I’d love to be more involved but I feel like I’m not given a chance to

How do you deal with clients who act like they know more than you even though they don't?

What are some essential travel items to request for Christmas/Birthday from family? Also, any recommendations on a good, sturdy, cute briefcase for women?

Can you lose your job if you don’t like the animosity from your creative team and speak up about it ? Genuinely worried I might be disrupting the peace by saying something 🥴 the anxiety is terrible! Do I just accept it that they don’t like me or speak up and potentially burn that bridge?

Name the most ridiculous micro-managing by partners that you experience.

I’ll go first: MP told me that on initial emails, I am always to start with “Hello [name],” but after the initial email, I am not to address her by name again in the same thread. Initial greeting can only be “Hello [name] ” because just first name is too brisk and a “Hi [name]” is too informal. Had a 5 minute, in depth conversation as to why she prefers it this way…

There’s no reason you have to put up with a job you hate. I spent many years working in a toxic environment with a boss who gossiped and lead through fear. He wasn’t really much of a leader but basically a foreman. And he could make my existence miserable. I admit that it wasn’t easy to find another job but the bottom line is: trust your guts. If you feel something is wrong it’s because it probably is. Don’t second guess yourself. Look for options and and fight for your mental health.

What do you do when you feel stuck and unappreciated in your company? You love the work but it goes unrecognised no matter how much value you provide and not rewarded fairly.
How do you guys deal with this situation?

I guess I’m officially being off boarded team doesn’t care no one has said anything … I’m a ball of nerves thankfully my old company wants me back — feeling so sad and angry and just incredibly nervous

How do you handle it when a direct report reacts negatively during a performance review?

How bad is it to leave an understaffed team right before fall busy for a job in a new city? Part of me doesn’t care at all b/c it’s a business decision, part feels like I’m totally screwing the team.

I want to recommend to HR an Email Etiquette Workshop for teaching Assistants to Executives how to write to clients, address colleagues above and below their levels, and avoid passiveness. Any reco's?

So my junior lies a lot. About everything. They work hard and are reasonably smart, but they would swear a black pen is red and vice versa. When you catch them out, they keep digging. I like to think I’m very approachable and would never have an issue with someone not knowing something, needing longer on a deadline, asking questions etc. I’m writing this junior’s review and I’m wondering whether (and, if so, how) to bring this up?

What to wear for evening networking events / parties where clients would be present and dress code is business casual ? - for men

What level of watch is acceptable to wear to work? Not sure if office vs client site also impacts

I have seen that Some people are seriously demeaning Publicis Sapient looks like they have a personal grudge. I would suggest to connect with your HR and manager in PS or look for right people on LinkedIn.

Do managers tend to make a scene while you put your papers?

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.

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 🙁🙁

My coworker constantly undermines me and makes me look bad in team meetings. Should I try and address this directly with them or should I go to my manager first?

How do RSUs/equity work? I received an offer that includes $20k equity. I'm not sure if this is good, or low, as I don't really know how the payout is calculated or given. Can anyone advise?

What are your thoughts on the Facebook Libra project?

How long do you spend on monthly reporting for your clients?
My 3-person team spends about 15+ hours a month each writing monthly reports for our clients (99 small retainer clients). We’ve received feedback that they’re too complicated and the clients just want to know - are we on the right track, what action items are there, and what any next steps are in their strategy.
How do you simplify without losing value?

Is DC a competitive office to get into for McKinsey?

Looking for Ramadan specials to watch and bond with my family. Anybody have good suggestions? Thank you in advance

Fam, planning to sign up for AASLT as my AT this summer. Ngl, not in best shape currently. How hard is it? How much prep would you recommend?

Do you cringe when you see your old posts sometimes?

Moving to dc from nyc. Is there a place like sheep meadow in Central Park to picnic, drink, and chill?

In town for a few days, anyone know the “code” to get into the Red Phone Booth speakeasy?

Hey Peeps, I got an offer from Thoughtworks. I heard that you get some stocks too. But the offer letter does not mention it. HR confirmed it though that there would be a separate communication regarding the same. I have 7.5 YOE and joining as Senior consultant QA. How much stocks value can i expect to get?

The nail on my second toe hasn’t been the same since I ran a half marathon a few years ago. It’s gross and totally messed up and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Do I see a podiatrist for toenails or a dermatologist?

Looking for a referral to Kearney in UK or Belgium. Are there any Kearnies ( :D ) in this bowl who would be willing to help?

how much i should expect from BGSW with yoe 6 into embedded, linux domain.

Also are they doing 5 days WFO?

Can anyone give me a few recommendations for remote job searches I've exhausted LinkedIn and indeed and really need a career change

Networking 🐠, I’m in the process of developing a mobile app and I’m planning to hire an offshore engineer to further expedite timelines. All devs that I talk to don’t have a Mac to develop/test the app locally. Also, I’m a little skeptical about the IP (codebase, app secrets, etc.) falling into wrong hands. What are my options here? I’ve tried looking at the possibility of purchasing a Mac mini, adding a VPN server and enable Remote Desktop for the dev. Has anyone tried this? Any other ideas?

Wondering if $150,000 base + 25% bonus, no RSU, is underpaid for a Director of Operations in a Marketing/Tech firm?

Responsibilities include direct oversight of onboarding, support, implementation/integrations, customer success, production - fulfillment, production-web dev, and content departments. 8 years experience at various management levels, 2 years as DOP.

Fish fam! looking to come up with a name for a company that I'm incorporating to raise a fund. Any good ideas? Trying to convey something strong, stable and impactful, like a mountain

Thoughts on XPSA?

Need a genuine review of scaler msdl course. Is it worth the cost of 3L?

Do any of you have side-jobs or maybe hobbies that you make money from? Alternatively, what do you think sounds like a good one to look into?

How does one find a therapist? Like what are the steps to finding a good therapist and does insurance cover anything? Everyone always encourages therapy, but never gives a run down on how to start.

Not sure if this has been asked before but what are your billable expectations, what year are you, and what size firm are you at?

I have been lurking on fishbowl for a bit and it seems that my billable expectations at my small firm are too high (1850). I don’t hit them but neither does anyone else including senior associates / partners. Anyways, my boss is using that as an excuse to not give me a raise - so any insight you could provide would be helpful!

I need to perform well after months of bad performance for 6 months to not get fired I'm scared but want to do it impossible?

I have created a bowl for those who want to know more about their potential new firm - ask anonymously and hopefully someone within the firm will respond! Or we can help find the right person for you! Bowl name is biglaw offer - see you there!

Happy Be Kind to Lawyers Day!

Okay. Possibly a stupid question BUT Imma ask anyway.

Can someone just explain how you plan out how much to bill so you can make sure it’s not a mad scramble at the end of year? I’m moving from a firm where I was lacking in any kind of mentorship. No one ever just sat down and explained the most efficient way to track/measure your hours to confirm that you are on track.

Is there just a secret excel spreadsheet that all lawyers have and I just missed the memo???

HELP.

Has anyone left law completely and never looked back? I’m looking into a huge pay cut going to be an EMT, but I’d rather be happy than miserable.

Nothing like the named partner who you *know* is actively opposed to associate salary increases (despite living in a market where the COL has significantly risen and outpaced general inflation) telling you about how annoying it is to winterize her 4 mega luxury sailboats she has on her waterfront dock. 🙄

Any recommendations on relocating to Hawaii? I am registered for the Hawaii bar but currently based out of Los Angeles and practicing in California as a licensed attorney.

I hate going home for Thanksgiving because I always feel like I haven't succeeded enough yet and my family has seen me fail a lot

What are the bowl’s thoughts on how to list representative matters as a junior-mid? Is this even something we should be doing? What if it’s not in a jx we practice in, so our name is not on the docket, motions, etc.? TIA

I’ve been negotiating a settlement on behalf of a client. OP is a major corp. we’ve gone back and forth for months, almost a year. Finally came to a final agreement and we’re reviewing for final signature. Then client is reviewing and decides they want something else modified. It’s a point of contention. OP has said no. Should I communicate this to client before pushing back against OP’s rejection of the mod?

When did you know your firm wasn't right for you? I'm not sure if it's just the stress of being a new attorney with a family or if my job isn't the right fit. I work in civil litigation and am consistently below my billables. I can't stay late because my kids need me and I can't work on the weekends because I have to maintain my house and take care of my kids. I'm being constantly told to work harder, stay later, etc but it's not practical. Or am I not approaching this with the right mindset?

What are things to be mindful of when becoming an equity partner?

What to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed but still need to bill and meet deadlines?

Anybody know if and how much I can contribute to my Roth IRA to reduce my 2020 tax liability? I’m trying to pay less taxes but Jesus this pandemic has been great for my law firm and salary.

Anyone else get frustrated when the partner brags about their billable hour amount for the month? Like congrats, you get to bill .2 for each piece of mail. You also get .2 for every letter your secretary types up as a "form letter" you never even look at. As an Associate, I don't get those easy/automatic hours.

I'm in district court right now and the judge is insisting on reading his entire opinion, CITATIONS AND ALL RIGHT NOW, with the litigants just...sitting here. Send fun memes.