 Being
a single Dad is tough. Talk to this partner and ask for clarification
of what he meant by “cutting it”. During this conversation,
at first, refer to your work rather than address the hours. Then
if necessary, go in early , make sure you are visible to this partner
but still spend time with your children in the evening.
By Dr. Fiona Travis, psychologist, author of Should You Marry a Lawyer? |
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 Ask
for a meeting to clarify the partner’s concern and to demonstrate
your own. Is the perceived problem a lack of billable hours, a
failure to meet deadlines, the quality of the work or simply the
partner’s inability to commiserate when she’s still
there at 9 p.m., and you’re not? Assuming you meet the firm’s
required billable hours, you might remind the partner about that.
If not, can you afford a cut in pay proportional to the billable
hours you can make? If it’s a deadlines or quality problem,
then it’s best to address that head on. If the problem is
finding time to consult with you, perhaps you could plan to check
in with the partner at the end of your day or some other regular
time to allow for the brainstorming that makes the practice of
law so much fun. Finally, there are employers who value life outside
the law. Depending on the results of your meeting, you might start
looking for one. You have two tough jobs; you need to find a way
to do both well.By Amanda, JD, a California bar advisor |
I work long hours, but because I am a single father, I put
in some of those hours from home after I put the kids to bed. The other
day, one of the partners told me I don't spend enough time in the office
and questioned whether I can "cut it." What should I do?