Ann

“How could you do that?  I thought we agreed that you would ask me, or at least let me see the brief before sending it out.   Remember who is in charge here Dave.  It’s not you.”  Ann stormed out shaking her head.

Dave had just started working for Ann and knew that she was difficult and proprietary but didn’t realize just how much until then.  He had been working on that brief for 2 weeks.  Editing it over and over again and asking for input from several other lawyers in the office.  Plus Ann had read the first couple of drafts so he thought he was good to send it on to the client for approval.  Apparently not.  What a way to start out.

Ann slammed the door to her office and sat down.  “I just don’t think these guys understand that it’s my name on the door and my reputation on the street.”  Just then Alice came marching in, closing the door behind her.  “Is it really necessary for you to shame poor Dave?  He’s really trying.”

Alice was Ann’s partner in the firm.  She and Ann were classmates in law school and had always worked pretty well together.  Part of the reason for that was because Alice never let Ann belittle her or make her feel inadequate.  Alice couldn’t even count the number of times she had seen Ann take someone down for not doing exactly what she thought was right and necessary.  Sometimes, like today, Alice was embarrassed by Ann’s attitude/actions.

“What are you talking about Al?  I specifically told him not to send the brief on the the client without me editing it first.  He’s new remember? Our names are on the door not his.”

“I know that Ann.  It’s not about that.  It’s about having respect for our staff.  And you taking him down like that was not necessary.”

It wasn’t often that Ann let people call her out.  But Alice was her partner and friend and not afraid of speaking up.  Ever.  “Ok fine.  I’ll talk to him later.”  “Good move, now let’s have lunch.”