Tomorrow (or later today), I am quitting my job.

18 Comments

1. Jennifer WehrendSeptember 2,2024 at 2:37PM UTC

   Tell them just what you told us. You've got nothing to lose by being honest.

2. Kristie WhiteSeptember 2,2024 at 5:04PM UTC

   In my younger years, I had the exact same treatment. It was a lesson to my young self that I was being set up to be fired because my immediate boss didn't like have a young 20 something woman around. How do I know that? She was training the temporary who was hire after me and was much older. She was giving her assignments with clear instructions. She was give me assignments with no instructions or incorrect instructions. The temp told me this. I was on the verge of quitting and took a mental health day to figure things out. They called me and fired me over the phone. I'd be careful if I were you. Intentional mismanagement will get you fired, unintentional mismanagement will get you fired.

3. AnonymousSeptember 2,2024 at 5:06PM UTC

   Apply to a government job or one at a client. Usually more support there. Act like you love the law firm, best to not burn bridges.

4. Ally MorganSeptember 2,2024 at 5:34PM UTC

   I've been in the legal field over 25 years. This is not abnormal. Stick it out.

5. AnonymousSeptember 2,2024 at 8:17PM UTC

   Leave with grace.

6. Moe HawkSeptember 3,2024 at 11:27AM UTC

   Hang a shingle as a Tort Litigator specialized in Insurance Claims. Lots of work there.

7. AnonymousSeptember 3,2024 at 1:00PM UTC

   I'm sorry this is happening to you. Some environments (or certain folks who dominate within them) believe that the sink or swim authoritarian dynamic works for everyone.

   If you're in a position to quit (and not have concerns about finances or insurance), do so. Many folks consider hanging up their shingle in either their specialty or whatever is lucrative. Alternatively, if you are mission focused and want to be in-house counsel for certain companies, that's an idea too.

   Good luck!

8. AnonymousSeptember 3,2024 at 1:55PM UTC

   How did your resignation go?

9. GirlBossanova934974September 4,2024 at 12:59PM UTC

   Very hard to draw any conclusions from what you have written up. Are you a practicing attorney or not? What were the assignments? How were they given out? What cases? Does the principal partner at the law firm yell at everyone else? Why or why not? Are we talking one bad apple or more? Need a lot more info.

10. AnonymousSeptember 4,2024 at 3:30PM UTC

    After the interview when you first onboarded the best thing you could have done was to meet with your direct manager and set expectations around deliverables, in terms of content and timelines etc. When you are given a project and there is not a template for the deliverables it means you are left to your own devices. Generally in law firms because you are working billable hours they are very particular about what gets done. I would advise you try to do a reset before you quit, and see if that conversation sets you in the right path. It might surprise you and lead you to better days without quitting. Do let them know that you will not tolerate anyone yelling at you as that is hostile workplace and that is an offense that they should know is illegal. Be firm and hold your ground. Moving to another company before you solve this means you run away. I would not. You are a smart mature woman and can deal with this but you have to take stronger control and set the rules for what you will and won't take. Come up with a set of questions for each project you are given and use those for the next time to assure you deliver what they expect. You got this sister!

11. Andrea SenatroSeptember 5,2024 at 12:50AM UTC

    Normalizing being yelled at at work in any environment is really not okay. That’s toxic, and while yes, it’s very common in certain fields, it’s still toxic.

12. Deirdre McDonnellSeptember 5,2024 at 12:48PM UTC

    Is it your first job as a lawyer? A six month stint doesn't look good on an attorney resume and it's not easy to find a job when you're over 50.

    I think would see if you can get more mentoring where you are before jumping ship.

13. AnonymousSeptember 5,2024 at 2:08PM UTC

    My background is nearly 30 years of HR and Recruiting for two different Am Law 100 firms. I agree with others who advise you to tough it out for a bit longer. For any job, it usually takes at least six months just to get somewhat acclimated, and I think it takes at least a year to start getting somewhat accustomed to a law firm. Is it possible for you to go to your office in person at least occasionally? It would probably help you a lot if that is possible because it will help you develop relationships and get mentoring. If not, can you schedule regular standing meetings with others in your group or team?

    For the next assignment you get, ask for specific guidance before starting and ask questions to make sure the work product you ultimately provide is what the supervising attorney wants. Ask for go-bys or form documents/

    pleadings.

    It is very unfortunate that you're being yelled at. This is not right. However, as others have said, litigation is a high stress career and people do not always stop to think about how a different approach would work better. And, unfortunately, your age may work against you in way that may not have occurred to you. Despite the fact that you have been completely open about your skill level, attorneys sometimes think someone who is a bit older should be more seasoned and they will act accordingly. Again, this is not right, but I have seen it time and again.

    Lastly, if you haven't already, join your local bar organizations and become active in them. Make contacts with others who are in a similar place in their careers. And, avail yourself of continuing education offered by these and other organizations that can help increase your skills.

    Good luck!

14. AnonymousSeptember 5,2024 at 3:41PM UTC

    This 100%

15. AnonymousSeptember 5,2024 at 4:16PM UTC

    Quitting is not the solution I feel. Have one on one talk with your leadeship or boss ,check with them once again what is expected out of you. Understand, if that was not what you were hired for, you need training or gudance. Some jobs need specialised knowledge or skills. If you quit without giving it a try it is your failure but if you give it a fair try & the situation doesnot improve then look for an alternative. Because what you face in this job , God Forbid can happen in your next assignment also. Quitting within 6months even if you are right will showcase you as an incompetant. Think about it.

16. AnonymousSeptember 5,2024 at 5:20PM UTC

    I have never worked at a law firm but I have heard that it can be quiet intense. State that you understand their frustration and you will make the necessary corrections to meet their expectations, however, you do need to sit down and discuss specifics so you are better equipped to not only correct things for this assignment, but to also keep in mind for future assignments. Because you are new in your role and new to working at a law firm, propose a process (checklist, questionnaire template) that you can use to understand the necessary details, expectations, etc. that sets everyone up for success. It doesn't need to be completed by them - but a tool you will use to collect information - their part of the process is sitting down for 5 minutes to give you that information. Their response to this proposal will be telling if this is the right environment for you to stick it out.

17. AnonymousSeptember 5,2024 at 6:59PM UTC

    I have worked in law as a paralegal and being yelled at is not acceptable and is workplace bullying at its finest. Lawyers should know better. The following should occur:

    Document the Issues: Keep a detailed record of the assignments you've been given, the guidance provided (or lack thereof), and any negative feedback or reprimands. This documentation can be valuable if you need to discuss the issues with your supervisor or HR department.

    Schedule a Meeting: Request a one-on-one meeting with your supervisor. Be prepared to discuss your concerns calmly and professionally. Focus on the specific issues you've encountered and how you feel they could be addressed.

    Seek Clarification: Ask for more specific instructions and guidance on future assignments. This will help ensure that you're meeting expectations and avoid misunderstandings.

    Explore Internal Resources: If your concerns are not addressed satisfactorily, consider reaching out to the HR department or another senior member of the firm. They may be able to provide additional support or mediation.

    Consider Your Options: If the situation continues to be unsatisfactory, you may want to evaluate your options, which could include seeking a new position within the firm or exploring opportunities elsewhere.

18. KathySeptember 8,2024 at 4:49PM UTC

    Start job hunting. Find a better place without the toxic culture. Ask questions about mentoring and guidance in the interview.

    Good luck!