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Longest dry spell? Single people only!
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Who got in on Larva Lads? 👀
As an ADC applying this summer for 2022 start, I haven’t gotten a chance to connect with any L.E.K. Consulting members and I really want to get to know the company better before moving on with my application. Any L.E.K. Consulting fish out there willing to spare a few minutes to chat about their work, the company, the culture etc? Thanks!
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What sort of work is she assigning to you/what did she mischaracterize?
Keep everything courteous, but start re-establishing roles through framing.
When she assigns you something that isn’t yours, respond with a neutral redirect like, “Understood — are you looking for my input on this, or just keeping me copied?” It signals awareness without open pushback.
If she misstates facts, correct the record once, factually and without commentary — “Just to clarify, that originated with X, and I’ve since handled Y.” The key is precision, not tone.
Keep all replies concise, accurate, and professional. If it continues, schedule a short alignment meeting under the guise of “clarifying workflow.” It’s a diplomatic way to assert boundaries while keeping it process-oriented, not personal. I'd continue to treat the partner’s silence as information, since they're often watching to see who self-corrects the dynamic with composure as in my experience, partners tend to respect people who handle that kind of friction quietly and decisively.
And to be frank, remember that at the end of the day, your name and license are on the work product — not hers. If her behavior or overreach starts to create actual risk or interfere with your ability to meet your obligations, you have every right to escalate it. Do it professionally and factually, but don’t hesitate. Protecting your own standing isn’t being “difficult”; it’s part of your duty to the firm/your clients.
I would strongly reconsider working somewhere where the paralegal is assigning you work.
This situation begs the question as to why the partner has permitted her to remain in this position for so long.
When I’ve seen similar dynamics play out, it’s often tinged with sexism, because female associates are targeted — particularly the ones who threaten the lifer assistant, paralegal, or other staff person.
Rising Star
I’m confused on how there could possibly be a power play between a paralegal and a senior associate. It’s one thing if you’re a junior with no experience working with a 20+ year paralegal, but there’s no way she survived this long in this profession by not taking orders from attorneys.
If she mischaracterizes something, correct her. If she tries to hand her work off to you, tell her it was assigned to her. There’s no struggle here, she works for you. Be polite but firm. If you call it a power play, even just in your own mind, you give her more power than she actually has. You are the boss. Behave like it.