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Anonymous
06/27/19 at 8:45PM UTC
in
Career

Lawyer vs. Exec Assistant

I started recently at a boutique law firm where out of 19 attorneys and staff, I am in the only woman in the office - with the exception of the Executive Assistant to the partner. Since day 1, she has been rude to me. I've tried to make small talk and be polite, offer to bring her coffee, etc., but she gives me the impression that she thinks there is not room for both of us. She's been with the firm for over 20 years, and I am also the first female attorney they have hired. For example, when she delivers our mail, she walks up to a desk and hands it to the male attorneys, but she barely gets in my office doorway and tosses it in the air and onto my desk. I don't even know what's going on here. We haven't had any negative interactions, except for the way she treats me. Any suggestions on how to approach this?

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Carrie Topolski
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2.34k
Empowering women and beyond!
07/01/19 at 1:31PM UTC
Tell her that you noticed she's a little put off by you and ask her if something is wrong or if you did something to offend her. Maybe she'll realize that she's acting inappropriately and take a step back.
Kimberly Mohr
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392
06/28/19 at 10:16PM UTC
Stop trying to make friends and don’t let on like it bothers you. Be the female attorney with class and don’t let an admin drag you down to her level. If you are very new, she may just be observing you. You may try to work with the Executive she assists so she can see he/she values your skills and abilities - your “smarts”. Once she sees you are respected, it may rub off on her a bit. Good luck.

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