Partner trying to get me fired

[Anonymous]

Looking to hear from a BTDT lawyer. A partner seems to either have a personal issue with me or is trying to advance the career of her pet associate (also in my class) by bad-talking me to the department chairs. I have worked almost 300 hours above my billing target, received praise from judges and been invited to speak at conferences but somehow she has managed to spread the message that I'm difficult to work with or I do not understand my work. It feels like something out of the Twilight Zone to receive all this external validation and yet be undermined within my own practice group. I'm trying to decide whether to get out of here or to stick it out and prove her wrong. Does anyone have any wisdom to shed?

[Anonymous]

I read that as "advance the career of her pet asshole" for some reason. Odd. Anyway.

Get out. This is not 2004 when jobs were plentiful. Karma will get her eventually. Get out now before your self-esteem affects your performance and before her rumors start traveling outside the firm.

[Anonymous]

I was in a similar situation and finally made the decision to leave. The day to day toxic environment is not worth it. I'm much happier with new position, I don't dread work, I'm valued, and more productive without the drama. That kind of toxicity wears on your confidence, which will end up being self fulfilling.

I agree with PP: get out.

[Anonymous]

What year are you? This sounds miserable, and with all this external validation, getting a new job might actually be easier.

[Anonymous]

OP I was in this position. I was a lateral brought in from the a prestigious government agency with a lot of subject matter expertise as a senior associate (I was going to be put up for partner that year basically). A junior partner just had it out for me and spent my entire brief period making my life a living hell. Predictably stressful as I was expecting (they hired me knowing this) and the breadwinner.

I had a baby, took the maximum leave available and landed another job. I when I returned from maternity leave, the partner had a meeting with another partner to basically go over how terrible I was an basically give me notice.

I ended up laughing so hard I peed myself a bit. I announced my resignation, pointed out I was leaving to go in house at a company that wasn't a firm client (and hence not beholden to anyone's origination rights), stood up, and walked out in the sunshine.

Been here ten years. I manage a legal budget of ~20 million a year.

And I still won't hire anyone associated with that firm (or that horrid woman who was hell bent on ruining my life).

[Anonymous]

On the plus side, if she has been around the firm for a while, the others probably know that she plays favorites and the one she squawks about the most is probably her favorite's main competition. I would listen to what the other more experienced people say about looking for another job elsewhere where you can shine and be recognized.

[Anonymous]

Oh, OP. I'm the in house poster. That bitch worked her way up in the firm. She's some sort of senior manager type (no clients but does a lot of firm management crap basically). So, shit rises. Particularly in the legal industry.

But you can too.

[Anonymous]

Seen this happen time and time again. Leave. I agree that karma will get her.

[Anonymous]

This happens all the time. Unless you are the close pet of a higher ranked partner who is willing to fight for you, jump now. Even if you are, it will hurt. I had a junior partner who tried to get at me to hurt my more powerful boss. It was hard to deal with. She hurt me noticibly during one review process and my boss made up for it the next year with a triple bonus. She left (aka was fired the pretty way) the next year. I stayed another couple, and they were still great to me, but that experience ruined me on firms for good. I have now been happily ji government for several years, and I hope to never be in that position again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On the plus side, if she has been around the firm for a while, the others probably know that she plays favorites and the one she squawks about the most is probably her favorite's main competition. I would listen to what the other more experienced people say about looking for another job elsewhere where you can shine and be recognized.

All that matters is whether that partner controls a substantial book of business. Is she does, you're toast. If she doesn't, try to forge a relationship with other partners.

Only exception would be if she is harassing you in an actionable way, but her criticisms of your work don't count. Partners usually have favored or pet associates.

[Anonymous]

OP, I would storm into HR today, and state that the bitch lawyer sexually harassed you, over and over again. You rejected her, and thus her current behavior to you, and her speaking negatively of you to colleagues. Turn the tables on her. Remember, you are both lawyers (sigh)Meanwhile, hunt for a new job like a bandit.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP that you need to have an ally of your own. Do you have someone who will go to bat for you in the partnership, beyond what just anyone would say in your favor? A partner you work with particularly closely perhaps? If not, you need to find a new job, because you will be passed over in favor of this other associate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I would storm into HR today, and state that the bitch lawyer sexually harassed you, over and over again. You rejected her, and thus her current behavior to you, and her speaking negatively of you to colleagues. Turn the tables on her. Remember, you are both lawyers (sigh)Meanwhile, hunt for a new job like a bandit.

This is absolutely the worst advice. False accusations of sexual harassment help NOBODY. Do not do this, and PP, get a clue.

[Anonymous]

OP, start job hunting. Find a headhunter. You've got time so make the most of it.

[Anonymous]

Biglaw is sick and full of mentally ill backstabbing psycopaths.