I'm not quite sure what they're teaching law students these days. I mean, it's not that long ago that I was in law school. But I certainly knew how to cite a case by the end of my first semester. I knew that you did not rely upon Lexis or Westlaw to identify the proper method of citation.
Memos. Memos mean discuss the law, apply the facts and come to a conclusion. Don't be wishy washy. Take a position and advocate the hell out of it. Right or wrong - just argue it well. This assignment becomes particularly easy when the assignment is given to you along with the qualifier "we know there's no clear cut answer."
Let me teach you the following words. Repeat after me: Probably. Likely. Inclined to hold. These are the words you use to couch your answer in terms of estimation and guess work, rather than legal certainty. They should be part of your vocabulary. If not, learn them. NOW
I hate being the bad guy. I'm actually really nice. Too nice sometimes. Don't you see the halo? You should be blinded by it glistening in the sun....
Ask yourself this: Would you rather have ME tell you your work sucks or the partner you're actually doing the work for?
I tried to be nice about it. But the memo sucked. Not one of the cites was right. It didn't come to a conclusion. And when I called our law clerk on it, she told me she knew all the cites were wrong. Um... THEN WHY DID YOU GIVE THEM TO ME WRONG!!!! When I tell you that your memo needs to actually analyze the law and draw a conclusion, don't tell me that you don't WANT to. And don't run around the office telling people what a big, bad meanie I am.
If you can learn these little lessons, we'll get along just fine.
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16 comments:
HAHAH! Clearly it was your fault for pointing out that the memo sucked.
I feel your pain. I frequently have to point out that this thing they're writing - it's NOT ABOUT THEM! The USG does not care what YOU said or what YOU thought. They're interested in the comments and issues of the host government you tard!
Seriously! This is not rocket science here people.
I am good at taking a position and arguing it even if I am wrong! (Have I ever been wrong?) LOL!
I'm generally nice too, but I was a big meanie in the office. Sometimes that's the job.
Nice won't make you a partner.
Happy randon Tuesday.
...I didn't get the memo...but I do have a swingline stapler...
Ugh. I hate people that don't want to do their job, and then blame their laziness/incompetence/stupidity on YOU.
They don't teach 'Big Bad Meanie' class in law school?
It'd be nice to think she'll learn a valuable lesson and come away richer for it. Probably she'll just snark about you to her friends though.
I can see the halo, but deep down, I have a feeling you enjoy being the office meanie! Ha! Isn't it just so freakin' irritating when people don't know how to do their job... and worse yet, don't really give a shit!?
I just love you!! Black halo and all. Seriously... if you don't teach people how to be... who the hell will? Apparently not their parents or professors! No, everyone is so worried about being PC these days that nothing gets done. Ms. Salti and I had this boss from hell long ago but you know what she did well? She taught young girls how to be professional and give incredible customer service. But I swear to god I wanted to cry multiple times after leaving work. I look back now and love her. As will this air head someday when she thinks of you. But yes, for now you've just made her go home and cry... it's ok. You're a better person for it;-)
I'm all about teaching people life lessons. More power to ya!
Wait, don't tell me. This law clerk is under 25, and expect an iPod as a signing bonus? While I worked for the Big 4, I had to deal with so many first years who thought they were above the work it was ridiculous. I can't remember how many times I had to say, "yes, what I asked you to do was IMPORTANT, or I wouldn't have asked you to do it. Get off Facebook and get it done!!!"
Kids these days. (I shall now go off to take some Mylanta and nap)
Okay, I'm just curious....how can you turn in an assignment and when your supervisor tells you it's wrong, you say I know?
If you knew it was wrong, how's about coming to me beforehand and asking for help!
What you mean people are supposed to do their job correctly? I didnt get the memo on that, must have got lost in the shuffle
Um... all that makes sense but it took a long time to process!
Ditto what Green Jello said.
Keep on keepin' on!
your cruel!
Michel: You're right. My fault entirely!
Otin: I thought I was wrong once. But I was mistaken.
K: True. But I don't like being mean.
VE: Umm...yeah...there's a problem with your TPS reports.
GreenJello: YEAH! I knew you'd see it my way :)
Keely: Nope. I skipped the "big bad meenie" course. I thought "mega bitch" would be a more effective use of my course hours.
Ms S: *sigh* you found me out! but let's keep that between the two of us.
Auri: BLACK halo? It's tarnished...maybe a little bent...but not black!
Optimistic: You have no idea how many hours I spent trying to make that memo decent...And I can't bill the damn client for it. Sucks.
Mama: I think I love you.
Resplendent: My question exactly!
shortmama: yup. do it. do it well. the first time.
gigi: yeah. sometimes i get on a tear... i'm not always easy to follow when i do.
candice: hey stranger.
mr c: moi? HALO. i am sweetness and innocence personified!
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