Anonymous Lawyer

Why couldn't you just answer his question?

"Yes, it would be better if you were here," or

"No, this particular case does not require . . . [or] "We have workflows to cover vacations and emergencies for all but critical situations - it is fine for you to take you vacation."
 

He's not making this up. Happened to me when I was an associate. Except my plan was to travel to Delaware.

The Rule is simple: NEVER ASK IF YOU CAN OFFER HELP BEFORE YOUR VACATION.

Again, for the 1, 2 and 3L's, let me be clear: NEVER ASK IF YOU CAN OFFER HELP BEFORE YOUR VACATION.

And, in case I wasn't clear, let me remind all associates: NEVER ASK IF YOU CAN OFFER HELP BEFORE YOUR VACATION.

Any questions?
 

Happened to me, as well. The non-answer (to the very stupid question--can I go on vacation, please?) is a test--do you have the guts to go, despite partner's apparent disapproval. I went. I had great time. Six months after my vacation, the rest of the partnership voted the a-hole out. I'm still here and he is not. Bahahahahah...
 

I agree with 4:08 completely!!

Why bother asking? You won't get "credit" for pretending you are willing to drop your vacation if you really aren't willing. Moreover, there are too many bitter superiors out there who would themselves prefer to be going to Bermuda, and the next best thing is to rain on your parade.

I went on my last vacation (preplanned for 6 months) even though--thanks to an unexpected deadline extension--we were in the middle of writing a summary judgment opposition. My approach was to do absolutely everything I could do to help before I left, and then I was like "good luck with that! I'll check my email next week to see if you need anything."

Protect your time and your vacation. If you offer to work more or work harder, the answer is always going to be "yes"....
 

I have some questions:

-What do you think of associates or parters who leave your firm to go to smaller operations?
-What do you think about associates you come from wealthy families, so as a first year they already have a house, a rolex, and a new 5-series BMW? Besides not make a show of their situations, or even disclosing their means to anyone, should these individuals actively hide their means, i.e., avoid questions about homeownership, wear a Seiko, buy a Corolla to take to work?
 

A Rolex? That's a symbol of what you consider wealthy? I take it you're not wealthy.
 

I hope the client also pays for any other expenses that were incurred. Also, the Associate should get to schedule a new vacation for right after the case is over. Since it will probably be short notice, reservations and such may cost more. The client should also incurr that cost. What a bunch of crap. I'd be on the beach thinking "Ha. I could give a shit about that case."

Don't get me wrong. This is not an attack on you...just my view.
 

You wrote: "A Rolex? That's a symbol of what you consider wealthy? I take it you're not wealthy."

The post to which you are citing stated: "What do you think about associates you come from wealthy families, so as a first year they already have a house, a rolex, and a new 5-series BMW?"

I don't see how the previous post you cited states that a rolex, on its own, is a symbol of wealth. Get back to studying civil procedure at your second tier law school or performing your discovery requests for an insurance defense firm. And yes, a first year associate whose parents have the means to purchase their child an $800,000 house in LA (not just the down payment), a $50,000 car, and a $15,000 watch (not that all Rolex's cost that much), is considered to have come from a wealthy family to most people, even in LA.
 

I am an associate, and I never leave for vacation or anywhere else for that matter until I have satisfied myself that the clients for which I share responsibility are being properly represented in my absence. Why? Not because I feel sorry for the partners (although sometimes I do, they are people too you know), but because that's my obligation to the client. Why do so many associates seem to think they don't have any professional responsibilities? I don't blame you, Anonymous Partner, if you were an asshole, I'll bet it was because Anonymous Associate tried to make himself better about leaving you in the lurch by forcing you to tell him/her it was okay. Unless he's only been there for two months, he should be able to figure out for himself whether his continued presence is important to the success of the project.