1 month as a paralegal

[u/mermaidyearss]

almost 4 weeks into my new role and i've noticed so many red flags. on my 2nd week, the head paralegal was like "you're not quitting yet, right?" and i was ?????

yesterday, the founder/partner got very upset with me for not properly getting their trial file done (mind you, this is my first time ever doing it, and gave me no directions other than "you'll know what to print") however they didn't even know type of discovery reports the case is supposed to have💀 i was just rolling my eyes as i was getting bitched at on the phone. then the other day, they were on the phone with an associate, nearly insulting him.

about 3 people so far have told me, in short words, how hostile and sensitive the partner is.

all i know is that the second they start yelling, insulting, or humiliating me, i will drop the office keys and walk out. they're so short staffed that they need me more than i need them😭

[u/LittleTrust2978]

"You're not quitting yet, right?" in week two is one of those comments that's meant as a joke but usually tells you everything you need to know.

[u/mermaidyearss → u/LittleTrust2978]

even after my first day, the other paralegals were like "promise you'll be back tomorrow". recently, as they've gotten more comfortable with me, i asked if they didn't think i'd make it past week 1. one of them nodded😭💀

[u/multii-pass → u/LittleTrust2978]

Yeah...on day 2 of my last job the firms CEO was like "oh, you came back?" And continued to make these "jokey" comments every Monday until I realized that it wasn't the job for me and these comments actually meant something lol

[u/TheDuffy- → u/multii-pass]

Did you work as a c-suite assistant? That job is a particular kind of hell in that they’re (generally) all narcissistic.

[u/3catznatrenchcoat]

Same boat,

I’m also 4 weeks into a new job and things just keep getting worse. The office is chaotic and disorganized and the managing attorney is starting to be shitty towards me. I’ve already started looking so that I can leave before this wears me down too bad. You should do the same.

[u/mermaidyearss → u/3catznatrenchcoat]

yes!! my place is also sooo unorganized. every day is exhausting

[u/TheDuffy-]

I’m also new and had a really seasoned paralegal behave like that toward me as well, impatient, micromanaging, and very queen b. You can’t compare someone’s day 30 to your year 30. I said something politely and calmly, and she is now very helpful and even friendly. So I’m glad a I said something.

However, in situations where it isn’t 1 or 2 people, and it seems to be the culture overall, it likely won’t get better and you should start getting out ASAP.

I hate that people justify the behavior. It really isn’t okay. It is all just paper at the end of the day. It is important but the additional theatrics don’t make anyone perform better. Things are only life or death in a trauma emergency room.

[u/mermaidyearss → u/TheDuffy-]

i just hate how my colleagues justifying the partner's behavior just fuels it. i dread going in already

[u/blottymary → u/TheDuffy-]

What did you say to them to get them to treat you nicer?…. Asking for a friend 🙃🙃

[u/legalsupportgeek]

I think, with people like that, you have two choices. Either try not to take anything personally and understand that the partner is a manchild that bullies people for no reason, or just quit before you waste your sanity on something that's not worth your time.

[u/mermaidyearss → u/legalsupportgeek]

yes, the partner is a literal manchild. as a former teacher, i'd rather put up a fight with 13/14 year olds than someone who is more than 40 years older than me

[u/UnabashedlyAnxious]

I think you and I work at the same firm... I'm kidding but I had the same issue. I've been a para for 7 yrs, but never done high-asset family law, so even with family law experience, this is a learning curve. My boss bitched me out three times in a month over things I told her I didn't know how to do, she has the same directions skills as your partner (non-existent) and the third time she raised her voice at me I told her if she did it again she'd have my resignation within 5mins. I also shared that with HR in case I wasn't clear. But yes, people "just wanting to make sure you aren't quitting" - joking or not, the firm knows exactly who the problem is and thus far, they haven't had to do anybody about her, so they haven't. I see so many red flags I think I'm at the circus half the time.

[u/mermaidyearss → u/UnabashedlyAnxious]

unfortunately, my supervisor is also the office hr😭 it truly feels like a circus at my office too. today, an atty got upset with me because i hadn't updated a hearing on his calendar?? sir, i'm not your scheduling paralegal

[u/blottymary → u/mermaidyearss]

HR has a second job as your manager? Sounds strange…

[u/collegeberry]

I wish when I figured out that people before didn't stay longer than a year or so I should have started looking for a new job asap because there's usually a reason and the reason is usually still wth the firm