Somewhere along the way, I started documenting everything. Follow-up emails, recap notes, screenshots... just in case. It started after one too many “I don’t remember that” moments, but now it feels like a second job. I hate that I’m operating in constant defensive mode instead of just doing the work. It’s exhausting, and honestly a little demoralizing, to assume I’ll need receipts at all times. At what point does self-protection cross the line into paranoia?

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If you work in law and aren’t documenting everything, you’re naïve. Paranoia is just experience talking.

likesmart

If you’re talking about memorializing substantive stuff about your cases then I think that’s normal and good practice so you don’t miss anything. If you’re doing that to cover your ass bc you feel like people don’t trust you then I would take that as a sign that you’re not in the right place

likesmart

It seems working on your résumé would be a lot easier

likefunny

I keep a running "memo to file" for each matter, but more so that I feel organized rather than out of any paranoia.

likesmart

Correct answer.

like

If you’re spending more than a few moments a day doing it.

Unfortunately defensive practice is a necessary evil. Every lawyer should keep a record in dealing with opposing counsel on issues that may end up in front of a judge, or in documenting critical legal advice that a client either doesn’t follow or may later deny receiving. Employers and employees also often begin maintaining records when their relationship gets sideways.

But routinely devoting significant time to documenting things is a sign of deep dysfunction. I’m not saying the problem is a you thing but what you describe is not normal or healthy.

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Same. Just wait until you get older and genuinely can't remember anything. I have to find my notes in order to answer questions anymore.

like

Are you talking about with clients or partners? If clients, sounds reasonable and generally appropriate. If partners, work on your resume and GTFO.

likehelpful

Wait what are you documenting? I’ve been doing this job coming on 10 years and I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve felt the need to send an email to document a conversation or specific advice.

like

This is normal. 👆

like

Is this a trust issue vis-a-vis internal personnel at your firm or documentation of interactions with outsiders? If the latter, that could be a pervasive feature of the job, but if it’s the former, it suggests you aren’t in the right place. I wouldn’t want to do that at all, and certainly not for more than one review cycle if I knew I had compelling reasons for it.

like

You are way past that line. Do you bill for all the CYA time as well?

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