Reply to Love the Partner, HATE the Associate

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[quote=Anonymous]I'd suggest you first try to have a candid conversation with the associate.  Invite him outside the office for a cup of coffee.  Explain to him how to maximize your working relationship, and how a solid relationship will be best for BOTH of you.  Tell him how you work best, and ask him how he works best.  Make it an adult conversation, not a childish gripe session.  Make sure it's a two-way street, and not just you complaining to him, because I'm betting he's just as irked by you!

Maybe opening the lines of communication like that will help improve the relationship.  However, if it doesn't work, then when you go talk to the partner, you can tell her how you tried to work the situation out by yourself.  She will appreciate that you've tried to solve it yourself, rather than simply expecting her to meditate the squabble.

Above all, keep all your complaints and discussions professional.  Don't complain about the associate's general attitude or his condescending smirk, because that's too subjective for anyone to fix.  You want to be focused on the work product you're both able to deliver to the partner and the client, because that's what will really get the partner's attention.

Although it's good if everyone on the team likes each other, liking each other is not ultimately critical to getting the job done.  Being an adult means learning to work effectively with people you don't always like, but still getting the job done.

Good luck!

BTW, I'm a BigLaw partner who has managed several teams with associates and paralegals, and dealt with similar conflicts many times over the years.  Maybe other people might approach the situation differently, but what I'm describing above is exactly what I'd want one of my paralegals to do in a situation like this.  If you first try talking to the associate, and he's not receptive, and then you come to me to explain the situation, I'll know you've done all you can do.  My next step will be to invite the associate out for a cup of coffee, so I can explain to him how he needs to behave in a professional environment.[/quote]

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