Ex-Bitter

I’m a Recovering Alcoholic Mormon

by Ex-Bitter on December 7, 2012 in Columns

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Q I’m a fairly new but older associate in a large firm. I’m also a recovering alcoholic Mormon. Recently, a well-positioned partner invited me and my wife to a small holiday dinner party (“intimate and casual” are the words he used). He’s probably not aware I’m in the program but likely knows I’m Mormon and [...]

I Want to Unionize Doc Review

by Ex-Bitter on August 17, 2012 in Columns

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QI’m a new lawyer who has been doing contract document review work for about 18 months. While the assignments can be miserable (usually related to whether I can use my iPod or not), there are some that are more bearable than others. Typically, the more bearable projects are run by shops that treat us like [...]

A Partner Blows Smoke in My Face

by Ex-Bitter on July 20, 2012 in Columns

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Q.I have what you may think of as a trivial issue but one that bothers me quite a bit. A partner in my firm smokes. No big deal. But, he often insists that I accompany him on smoke breaks, for what he calls “shop talk.” So, for the last year or so, about every third [...]

I Need a Raise or I’ll Starve

by Ex-Bitter on July 6, 2012 in Columns

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I want to ask for a raise at my law firm. Should I do it now or wait? And what’s best, a percentage request or a specific dollar amount?

I Had to Put My Dog Down

by Ex-Bitter on June 22, 2012 in Columns

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One partner found it preposterous to take two days off for a dog and said “just do it and then come back to the office.”

I Married a Lawyer

by Ex-Bitter on June 15, 2012 in Columns

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Do I really not understand the pressure my wife, a female associate, is under? And what should I do to get her back?

I’m Awesome But Despised by Colleagues

by Ex-Bitter on June 8, 2012 in Columns

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I know the law and I know my clients. But I am not liked by my law firm colleagues or staff.

I Plan to Quit and Go Down in Flames

by Ex-Bitter on June 1, 2012 in Columns

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Should I quit my law firm job in grand style? If I do, what should I do (or not do) to make a lasting impression?

I’m a Happy Lawyer, Why Aren’t You?

by Ex-Bitter on May 25, 2012 in Columns

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Ex-Bitter answers the age-old question: why are lawyers so unhappy?

I’m at the Bottom at Harvard

by Ex-Bitter on May 11, 2012 in Columns

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I’m at the bottom at Harvard Law and wondering if I should stick it out and see what happens or give up the quest and move on to something else.

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