I'm part of the most arrogant profession in the world. Litigators are the most obnoxious of our breed. I'm not sure at what point we all lose our civility or our ability to just talk to people instead of constantly posturing and sniping at each other.
In stark contrast, my dad has repeatedly told me "I'm no better than anyone else just because I went to law school...Maybe I would have been a carpenter if I were any good with my hands." I try to remember this every day as I feel the need to lash out at the idiot on the other end of the phone.
The largest part of my job is to make other people look good. Although I write the briefs, they go out under the partner's signature. It has to be a damn good brief so they look good arguing my words, my winning points.
I not only need to be on top of my own work, but the theirs as well. Anticipate their needs, their tasks, their fires so that they never actually become emergencies.
In stark contrast, my dad has repeatedly told me "I'm no better than anyone else just because I went to law school...Maybe I would have been a carpenter if I were any good with my hands." I try to remember this every day as I feel the need to lash out at the idiot on the other end of the phone.
The largest part of my job is to make other people look good. Although I write the briefs, they go out under the partner's signature. It has to be a damn good brief so they look good arguing my words, my winning points.
I not only need to be on top of my own work, but the theirs as well. Anticipate their needs, their tasks, their fires so that they never actually become emergencies.
And so I feel badly for other associates - even ones who are my adversaries - when I see them drowning or thrown into a file and just have no clue what's going on. I've been there. It wasn't that long ago. Because of this, I try to throw them a bone when I can... I have particular empathy for the law clerks, fresh out of law school, completely overwhelmed trying to learn the law, the court system, the motion calendar and try to keep up with the never ending stream of stuff overflowing across their desk. I go out of my way to help those guys. Half the time I end up giving them the answer when I've called to ask the question.
But some days I just want to scream HELP ME HELP YOU! (Very Jerry Maguire, I know)
When I call to tell you that you've scheduled motions in the same case for 9 am and 2 pm on the same day, return my freaking phone call. I'm trying to prevent you from getting yelled at tomorrow by your judge, in open court, on the record when he realizes what you've done. When I remind you that for a YEAR you haven't responded to my discovery demands and I'm about to send a nasty letter to your partner so we can finally move the case forward, get me the docs that have been sitting on your chair for 6 months. I know you're going to get yelled at for neglecting the file. I really want to save you the beating.
And when I call to say "you want to resolve this issue...now" you may want to listen. I do have your best interests at heart. I have no objection to burying you in paper for the next two years. But when you can resolve things for minimal money or with minimal effort - do us both a favor... help me help you
And when I call to say "you want to resolve this issue...now" you may want to listen. I do have your best interests at heart. I have no objection to burying you in paper for the next two years. But when you can resolve things for minimal money or with minimal effort - do us both a favor... help me help you
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