This Gawker post passes along the following farewell email (or is it a flamethrower?) from a departing associate at Los Angeles-based Paul, Hastings, Janofsky, and Walker, LLP:
Subject: FW: Goodbye…
As many of you are aware, today is my last day at the firm. It is time for me to move on and I want you to know that I have accepted a position as “Trophy Husband”. This decision was quite easy and took little consideration. However, I am confident this new role represents a welcome change in my life and a step up from my current situation. While I have a high degree of personal respect for PHJW as a law firm, and I have made wonderful friendships during my time here, I am no longer comfortable working for a group largely populated by gossips, backstabbers and Napoleonic personalities. In fact, I dare say that I would rather be dressed up like a pinata and beaten than remain with this group any longer. I wish you continued success in your goals to turn vibrant, productive, dedicated associates into an aimless, shambling group of dry, lifeless husks.
May the smoke from any bridges I burn today be seen far and wide.
Respectfully submitted,
[SIGNED]
ps. Achilles absent, was Achilles still. (Homer)
Hat tip to Brian Leiter for the link to this hilarious post.
Yes, but I’m curious Tom as to your opinion of the substantive criticism of the post. Just an ungrateful, self-absorbed associate? Or a subtle reviewer of modern BigLaw life? Or both?
TP, the associate’s email is hilarious, but I wouldn’t hire him as a lawyer. What did he think he was getting into when he went to work for a big firm? A garden party? Politics is the way of the world in life and business, and it doesn’t make much sense to me to complain about it. Now, if the associate had been a statesman among the backstabbers, and then been fired for being virtuous, I would have a different view.
Good point. I think you are right.