BTW, although it’s probably true that associates make more mistakes than partners do, I do think that in cases where an associate is targeted for a stealth layoff (or any other kind of departure), it may not even be true than actual mistakes have occurred, but they are set up to look that way. Or, if a mistake has been made, it is overblown in its effect on the outcome of a case, by those who are doing the targeting.

I agree that better training of associates would probably be a good thing, but perhaps it is NOT done because partners and law firms care less about the outcome of cases or their clients, than they do determining who is “with us” or “not with us.” IOW, is this new associate going to “play our games” or be a forthright, honest person who is his/her own person. Allowing associate training to languish is an effective strategy for creating enough situations where targeted associates can be on the receiving end of blame.

Best wishes on your fresh start. Many former BigLaw associates have expressed similar sentiments as you — “reclaiming my life,” “discovering the joys of living again,” et cetera. The key is to always believe in yourself and your own worth, which is easier said than done when faced with overwhelming criticism by superiors who may have ulterior motives for their actions.

In any event, while mistakes and errors on the part of associates do occur, as they do in every job, the question comes down to whether the mistake was due to lack of experience or due to lack of competence. From the information that I’ve gathered, it appears that the vast majority comes from the former. And that leads into a separate discussion about firm training policies (or lack thereof). Perhaps a topic worthy of a separate post in the future!

Thanks for contributing to the discussion.

ASA

You sound like the kind of person who will make a good employer in the future. I think a lot of power in this country needs reversing/shifting. IOW, there are a lot of people in positions of leadership that don’t belong there, and a lot of really nice people who are in the lower echelons who actually have the good leadership skills.

I hope you rise to the top someday and are in a position to be a blessing to others who simply want to do honest work for an honest person/company/firm.

Keep grinning!

So, yes, I’m gratefully looking forward to a fresh start, now wiser and more aware of what is important in life. As you noted, it IS a great time to look around and appreciate spirituality and the MAGIC in life once more — something I wasn’t able to do for so long, what with sleep deprivation, crippling anxiety, and emotional claustrophobia. Sure, I’m expected to continue working on some matters until I leave (!), but I have — wow — free time. I’m using the time to heal the toll the last few years have taken on me. My time at this firm will always be the cautionary tale of how NOT to treat people and how NOT to live a good life (in every sense of the expression).

Thank you again. Surely, I will read your response numerous times. And grin.

I guess it’s just like when your girlfriend/boyfriend in high school breaks up with you for a fake excuse, then you find out later from someone else that it was about something else. It’s just hurtful and annoying that they didn’t think they could be honest from the get-go. But I guess law firms have a lot at stake and a lot to lose if they are honest about various departures of employees/staff/associates/partners. I, for one, NEVER believe Human Resources’ WHITEWASH STORY offered to the company whenever someone leaves — I always suspect something else went on.

Just remember, it’s rarely REALLY about performance, so don’t let the Golem Effect take hold in your psyche (thank you AssociateSpeak Author for that info).

Re-frame the experience as having been “freed from noids” and consider yourself lucky and able to have a fresh start (whether elsewhere or in another field or as an entrepeneur, blogger or author, etc.). Whooo Hoooo — you’re FREE! Now boogie down!!

Now’s a good time to touch base with God and let Him heal the emotional wounds and help you with financial and other concerns. He cares about us and has many blessings in store for those who will believe He’s the Good Guy! Shake your booty!!!

ASA