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Texted my partner and I Friday morning that she was running a fever and asked for the day off.
So I assigned the task to our other Paralegal, who is pregnant. I’ve documented paralegal 2’s shortcomings since she started early this calendar year. (We worked together at another firm previously and I wanted to avoid an appearance that I favor her).
I assigned her a doc prep that literally required her to download two forms from state judicial and apply an appropriate caption. This was all spelled out in an email cause she likes tasks in writing.
6 hours later, nothing. Well, one of two. So I told her: I asked you to do this and that. I only see this. What’s up?
Her response? Must be pregnant brain.
I’m very careful not to mention her pregnancy. Only she brings it up. We are pretty good friends since the last firm. And she’s even told me “our friendship comes first.” Today, I kinda unloaded in her. I was like: six months in, why should I pay half your salary when on review, I’m doing your job for you.
Ekk to me it sounds like you might be overbearing. Maybe I’m too nice but I understand when people make mistakes or forget things, maybe it’s cause I do. Especially if you’re friends. Did she correct it and get you the second thing? If this is consistent then of course you should document, but also make her aware of this so she can work on it. Based on what you are saying I’m not sure I’d consider you a friend as it seems like you’re looking to document her shortcomings more then helping her improve. Just my two cents though, and I’m probably too forgiving In these situations.
No. I eventually did it myself cause it was 3:45 on Friday and I needed to add non-pattern requests.
And I don’t know if I watch too much Grey’s Anatomy but I do the see one, do one, teach one. Well, see one, do one. I always start most tasks asking (if I don’t recall): is this your first time doing X? If it is, I’ll do it myself while she observes. The next time, I have her do it while I watch. Third time, I’m hands off. But obviously available for questions.
I know this isn’t her first time drafting discovery. So it was upsetting that when the task was download two forms and put a court caption on them, 6 hours later, only one was done.
Other examples: I tasked her with a notice of withdrawal. You always put the client’s last known address and phone number in those by local rule. She lists another party’s information.
So I flat out told her: if six months in, you can’t utilize all the resources at your disposal and figure out who we represent in a case, maybe start looking for a non-legal job. In this particular case, our client is Spanish only. Paralegal has communicated with her via email and phone numerous times. Has never spoken to another party in the case. So when I saw another party’s name and info as last known for our client, I was like: what is the issue?
Ya so sloppy. It was probably a copy paste job from the template she took it from. Ok ya I get it now it’s consistent. It’s a tough spot to be in to be friends but also need to hold them accountable. At some point you have to make the decision if your willing to continue to invest or not. Like you said not everyone is cut out for this type of job. I would consider a true improvement plan, outline, document, etc.