Overview
Steptoe Chicago partner Michael Dockterman was quoted in a Law360 article titled “Three Things Associates Should Never Say.” The article, published September 14, discusses several key phrases that associates should never utter to partners.
Mr. Dockterman says he never wants to hear an associate say, “I don’t really want to do that kind of work.” It’s perfectly fine for new attorneys to ask for a partner’s guidance on a matter in which they are unfamiliar, Mr. Dockterman tells Law360, but they should never put the work back on the partner’s desk or ask that she hold their hand each step of the way.
“Saying no in that way could be misinterpreted as being unwilling to shoulder your part and likely suggests that you are not a team player. You are very early in your career, the partner would like the chance to work with you, and you might actually learn something.”
The full article can be read at Law360 (subscription required).
