A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to New York
(Or: Pillsbury associates, brace yourselves.)
Law firm partners need to watch more Gossip Girl. If they did, they’d learn the perils of talking about private matters in public places. In the age of BlackBerrys, texting, and cameraphones, it’s ridiculously easy for tipsters to leak details of overheard conversations and not-so-secret rendezvous to their favorite online gossip girl (or boy — XOXO, Lat).
Last year, we wrote about a Thelen partner who was overheard discussing her firm’s layoffs on the subway. Last night, we received this information, from a law student traveling from D.C. to New York:
This afternoon I boarded a train from Washington bound for Penn Station…. I, along with all of the other passengers, were sitting quietly when the man directly behind me decided to make a phone call using his bluetooth. He was talking so loudly that I think most people in the car were able to hear him.His conversation, though he stressed how necessary it was to be kept secret (ah, the irony), detailed the current plans of Pillsbury to lay off somewhere in the range of 15-20 attorneys from four offices by the end of March, including a few senior associates with low billable hours and two or three first-year associates. I wouldn’t have believed it except for the fact that he identified himself to the call as Bob Robbins, who I learned is the leader of the firm’s Corporate & Securities practice section, and was talking to Rick Donaldson, who I learned was COO. What’s more, he was NAMING NAMES over the phone!
After we expressed skepticism over this wild story, including the tipster’s ability to catch the names of both Robbins and Donaldson, we received this response:
I agree it’s pretty wild. I wasn’t trying to overhear, but I had no choice because of the proximity. The name “Robbins” I remembered because he said it so damn loud. I went to their website, and the picture [at right] was an exact match. He was big enough to fit almost two chairs.
“Donaldson” I didn’t remember as clearly. I remembered that it began with a “Do” and thought it was “Dotson,” but there was no “Dotson” on the site — just “Donaldson.” Also, he called him “Rick” a few times.
Says our source, in explaining the decision to tip off ATL:
Before today, I have never even considered posting on this website, but I was so mortified by my experience…. I’ve heard of attorneys being reprimanded for discussing client matters in an elevator. Where does airing your own firm’s dirty laundry on an express train fit on the list? I don’t know if there is a way that you can independently verify this, but if so, please do.
Partial verification, after the jump.
Back when we posted the tale of the loose-lipped Thelen partner, we received some skeptical responses. While nobody disputed the wisdom of our advice, routinely given to incoming law firm associates — don’t have private discussions in public places — a few readers said they found the Thelen subway story improbable. [FN1]
So this time around, we decided to do some extra fact-checking. See below. (“Jen Everest” is one of our online alter egos.)
From: Jennifer Everest [jeneverest123@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 12:49 AM
To: Robert Robbins
Subject: Acela - DC to NYWere you by any chance on an Amtrak train from Washington to New York earlier this evening (Wednesday night)?
————————————————————————————————
From: Robert B. Robbins
Subject: RE: Acela - DC to NY
To: jeneverest123@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 12:52 AMI was on the 2:00 train this afternoon. Do I know you? Did you find something I had left?
Why yes, Bob. Your discretion.
After getting all Food Lion on his ass, we decided to be more respectable. We emailed Rob Robbins from our Above the Law email account, disclosed our ATL affiliation, and offered him the chance to comment on our tipster’s tale. We haven’t heard back from him.
Here’s some additional corroboration. Pillsbury’s revenues and profits were down last year, and the firm has already confessed to trimming headcount through “performance-based” dismissals. Performance-based dismissals and/or “stealth” layoffs are often followed by “official,” openly acknowledged layoffs. So the news that Pillsbury might be contemplating additional headcount reductions should not be shocking.
If you’re a senior associate at Pillsbury Winthrop with low billable hours, you might want to start dusting off the old résumé. Good luck.
Update: The firm has issued a statement to The Recorder, confirming that layoffs are on the way and “apologiz[ing] for the unfortunate manner in which our deliberations about reductions have become public.”
Further Update: In internal meetings, the firm has questioned various aspects of this account (but not the overall gist of it). One of their quibbles: they deny that Robbins was talking to Rick Donaldson.
[FN1] We wonder if indiscretion is infectious. After the Thelen dissolution, Pillsbury picked up a bunch of Thelen partners. Did it pick up some bad habits, too?
P.S. When it comes to younger members of the legal profession, like law students or summer associates, we sometimes keep them anonymous (on the theory that they’re like juveniles in the criminal justice system; their youthful indiscretions shouldn’t haunt them forever, or at least before they’re admitted to practice).
But partners, practice heads and COOs, of Am Law 100 and Vault 100 law firms, are a different story entirely. They are distinguished, longstanding members of the profession. They are big boys and girls, with big paychecks (and often big egos), who can handle a little publicity every now and then.
Further Further Update: A follow-up post appears here.
Pillsbury Manages Level Year [The Recorder]
Pillsbury Confirms Loudmouth’s Layoff Gaffe [Legal Pad / The Recorder via Am Law Daily]
(412) Comments
Comments
First First First
Awesome, awesome story.
This is going to be fun to watch.
Best story on ATL in sometime!
Damn. Nice work Lat.
ATL is the new NSA
First year as in class of 2008?
Phenomenal work; this is ATL at its best
Loose Lips Sink Ships!
AWESOME.
WOW.
Lat --
You should pay DeepThroat to continuously ride the DC to NY acela. There is no telling what he may discover.
Naming names... Hopefully you can relay any info to the Pillsbury associates in question and give them a heads-ip.
Mr. Robbins is going to need to change his underwear when he reads this.
What a moron.
Arriva derche, senor Bob.
Serves him right for being Inconsiderate Cellphone Man.
They've been hurting for a while. Weren't they one of the first firms to push back start dates, but then changed their mind after they caught bad press?
This is why I always sit in the Quiet Car on the Acela.
They may want to speed up those "conversations" with the named associates.
What a douche
Arriva derche, Senor Bob.
I hate the DC to NY Acela and I also hate the shuttle - the amount to corp-tools and law-tools on those (unfortunately, often including me) is incredible
Emailing the dude from an alter ego address? Awesome. This is what I'm talking about.
This is a fuckin great post. Good journalism, Lat.
This story is amazing (-ly sad). What a dbag.
as always, great scoop Lat.
Phenominal work, Lat. Ah, the schadenfreude! Priceless!
He probably thought you were some hot chick on the train. You really could have outted him. He's probably into prostitutes also.
This is unbelievable awesome.
18 - For discussion of Pillsbury's pain, see:
http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202427514937
The bigger they are...
The larger the ego, the smaller the brain. Any loud conversation on a train is inconsiderate. I hope this oaf's faux pas teaches the rest of the entitled d-bags manners.
This was f-ing awesome, Lat. Way to go.
.
And way to have some balls, tipster.
I overheard a Partner who discussed lay offs and names, while he he was interviewing to join our firm -- awesome stuff (they already announced and we took a pass)
Yeah, I'm sure these yutzs are really scared of ATL. The people who should be scared are their clients. Sure, some random people on a train know some 1st years are going to be canned, that's a small HR problem, not much. But is this how they handle all their issues while riding the Acela, I'd hate to be their client.
Very nice and quite amazing story. Well done. Maybe you or the tipster should let the associates that were named know about it.
I don't get pushed back start dates. Sure, it will save some money, but it also stunts development. After all, everyone loves to point out how little we newbies know. I sometimes wonder if half the people on hear were born partners with 20+ years experience.
death spiral firm..........
"Why yes, Bob. Your discretion."
Fucking Awesome Line
Wow. Some woman once threw a hissy fit because I was conducting "personal business" on the Acela (the personal business being the purchase of a new air conditioner). I now know what personal business really is.
Wasn't it unethical of Lat to email from a fake address?
That said, this was pretty awesome.
I don't get pushed back start dates. Sure, it will save some money, but it also stunts development. After all, everyone loves to point out how little we newbies know. I sometimes wonder if half the people on here were born partners with 20+ years experience.
Yeah, I'm sure these yutzs are really scared of ATL. The people who should be scared are their clients. Sure, some random people on a train know some 1st years are going to be canned, that's a small HR problem, not much. But is this how they handle all their issues while riding the Acela, I'd hate to be their client.
I can't open their webpage. I bet there is a lot of traffic.
AWESOME REPORTING
Great story. This guy Bob Robbins (who I nominate we call "the White Whale") sounds like your standard issue fatass tool, but I thank him for flexing his idiocy and indulging us so.
On a more serious note, what client would feel comfortable having such a big mouth as counsel?
I guess they can't teach *everything* at Harvard Law.
"Why yes, Bob. Your discretion."
Great.
42, nobody cares about you newbies or your development, especially since half of you will be gone in two years.
Awesome post. This guy is so busted!
Oh man, every time I think that maybe I should stop reading ATL something amazing like this gets posted.
Now Lat, why can't you come back and be the EiC all the time! I'm sure this whole recession thing can't be great for the blog group so why don't you keep doing your management job AND be our EiC.
Sofa King hilarious!
Awesome post. This guy is so busted!
Oh, guess 42 already said it. I second 42
- 48
nice Lat
Am I the only one who can't seem to load the firm profiles of the two people in question?
So Basking Robbins works at Pillsbury. I love law firms made out of delectable sweet treats.
Am I the only one who can't seem to load the firm profiles of the two people in question?
Bob Robbins, I'll see you soon and then dangle Twinkees in front of your porcine face as gay laid off associates have their way with you.
Fat clams!
I call bullshit. Clearly, Bob would have been in the snack car.
T10 2L here,
Pillsbury partners really know how to make the firm look good! Several of us experienced this firsthand in our on-campus interviews when the partner from Pillsbury started discussing how the firm was struggling and making cuts. Way to sell it!
I just wonder why the train line from NY to DC seems to be the source of so many scandals...
"I hate the DC to NY Acela and I also hate the shuttle - the amount to corp-tools and law-tools on those (unfortunately, often including me) is incredible"
Yes, and each one knows that they are the most important person on the train.
56, I got Robbins to load (it took a good amount of time though) and still waiting to get Donaldson.
Perhaps a DoS from ATL? ;)
Sofa King hilarious!
Haha #28. So very true.
56 / 58: Oh no they didn't.... Oh yes they did!
I can't access the lawyer profiles either. I can't believe the firm took them down already.
Sofa King hilarious!
Pillsbury Winthrop website has ground to a halt.
Must be all the ATL readers clicking.
Great work Lat. Love your crisp, typo-free writing.
The best part is that the pillsbury site is clearly crashing from all the ATL people trying to see this guy's profile...or perhaps the firm has just shut down permanently in the last hour.
big bob caused the site to crash -- awesome. email server is probably also getting flooded and taking the firm offline -- way to go .. whole firm is now unproductive with no email and worried over who is getting knifed... Bob is the manager of the year!
Lat, I bet you could have set up a tryst between Bob and Jennifer Everest at the Mayflower...
I think we crashed Pillsbury's server.
41 - Go and actually read Food Lion. Lat even provided a link.
Well played.
Can't open it either. So, number of lay offs will rise by 1?
The best part is that the pillsbury site is clearly crashing from all the ATL people trying to see this guy's profile...or perhaps the firm has just shut down permanently in the last hour.
I met John Malkovich on the NYC to Boston Acela about 2 years ago. We both bought Heinekens in the club car.
41 - If you're interested in the ethical issue, click on the "Food Lion" link that Lat provided:
http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=6635
It is sometimes acceptable for journalists to go "undercover." In this case, Lat was simply doing fact-checking (not getting new comment from the source).
Can't open it either. So, number of lay offs will rise by 1?
The fake address is a really TTT move, Lat.
But its TTTness only ranks third among TTT actions in this story, behind naming names and blabbing firm business on a train. So I'll let it slide.
I am going to remove my pants and stretch my quadriceps.
omg this is so sweet. good job lat
Oh, the humanity!
51, hear hear
Sofa King hilarious!
Hell of a story and what a tipster. What's wrong with these fucking partners. So many of them are completely disconnected from the world around them and lack common sense. It's scary
@49: Is it really so bad for firm's to try to engender loyalty? I suspect that the Cravath model of recruiting has as atleast one of its goals home-growing talent. Otherwise, why not just fill the ranks with laterals. I am the first to admit that I have little understanding of the firm business model, but I am willing to bet that if firms paid some attention to the long-run we might all be better off. (of course short-run profits are important, but maybe -- just maybe -- not the only important thing to consider.) And now I'll take my "you have no experience, your naive, you'll be shitcanned in two years response...
Best stuff on ATL since the Nixon Peabody "theme song" controversy.
Everyone's A Winner at Pillsbury!
wow -- impressive find, guys!
http://twitter.com/docreview
@49: Is it really so bad for firm's to try to engender loyalty? I suspect that the Cravath model of recruiting has as atleast one of its goals home-growing talent. Otherwise, why not just fill the ranks with laterals. I am the first to admit that I have little understanding of the firm business model, but I am willing to bet that if firms paid some attention to the long-run we might all be better off. (of course short-run profits are important, but maybe -- just maybe -- not the only important thing to consider.) And now I'll take my "you have no experience, your naive, you'll be shitcanned in two years response...
-42
@49: Is it really so bad for firm's to try to engender loyalty? I suspect that the Cravath model of recruiting has as atleast one of its goals home-growing talent. Otherwise, why not just fill the ranks with laterals. I am the first to admit that I have little understanding of the firm business model, but I am willing to bet that if firms paid some attention to the long-run we might all be better off. (of course short-run profits are important, but maybe -- just maybe -- not the only important thing to consider.) And now I'll take my "you have no experience, your naive, you'll be shitcanned in two years" response...
-42
@49: Is it really so bad for firms to try to engender loyalty? I suspect that the current model of recruiting has as atleast one of its goals home-growing talent. Otherwise, why not just fill the ranks with laterals. I am the first to admit that I have little understanding of the firm business model, but I am willing to bet that if firms paid some attention to the long-run we might all be better off. (of course short-run profits are important, but maybe -- just maybe -- not the only important thing to consider.) And now I'll take my "you have no experience, your naive, you'll be shitcanned in two years" response...
-42
Priceless! Lat, you rock!
How much do you want to bet that Robbins was double-billing his travel-time on the Acela?
Google cache, folks. (Although that's also slow...)
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:GFkRHY3WDksJ:www.pillsburylaw.com/robert.robbins+http://www.pillsburylaw.com/robert.robbins&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:LyNGPrNrmq0J:www.pillsburylaw.com/rick.donaldson+http://www.pillsburylaw.com/rick.donaldson&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us
Lat, way to go breaking this just as the east coast was just starting to goof off during lunch.
wow -- impressive find, guys!
http://twitter.com/docreview
Hell of a story and what a tipster. What's wrong with these fucking partners. So many of them are completely disconnected from the world around them and lack common sense. It's scary
lol. tyft.
Please dear God, don't let the Dough Boy get the ax!!
The site is crashing from the number of people trying to look up these guys. Amazing.
i'm seeing a theme. the words "Bob" and "manager" should not be associated together.
Moral of the story: never answer an email from a hot-sounding woman ("Jen Everest").
Any Pillsbury senior associates with low billables want to chime in about the atmosphere over at layoff central?
Well, well done by all. This site has been kicking ass recently.
The site is crashing from the number of people trying to look up these guys. Amazing.
I think it's almost certain that Robbins was double-dipping billables on the train. Hope his clients get wind of this - then he'll get canned AND face a malpractice suit.
#104: find the closest bar to Pillsbury and observe them drinking their lunch....and then a few of them sloppily hooking up for a moment of escape and compassion passion
41 - This is ATL, not the NYT.
Great get.
Never go full retard.
Everyone is praising Lat, but the tipster deserves most of the credit.
Wait a minute, Lat was using a female alter-ego as his e-mail address? What were the odds?
This is an example of why ATL used to be so great. More Lat and good nonsense like this!!!!!
111- I agree. Round of applause to the tipster.
echo 46. this guy sounds like the epitome of lardass douchebag, wallowing around in pit-stained big and tall contrast collar shirts and the like
Great story. In addition to riding the Acela, does this law student also insist on flying first class? Must be a GULCer.
I bet Robbins would be happier if he worked for the Pillsbury that makes baked goods.
One time this guy asked me about how this team I played for was doin', and I said,
"the ship be sinking..."
And he said, "how far can it go?"
And I said, "the sky's the limit."
We in the sky, bitches...
Leave my father alone, its glandular!!!!
111=Tipster
This would never happen if he was black because that would be racist and antilobster.
Lat came up with the clever idea of posting as "Jennifer Everest."
But yes, the tipster RULES. Nice work, tipster.
http://martindale.com/Robert-B-Robbins-(PC)/379779-lawyer.htm
http://twitter.com/docreview
The Pillsbury website is down, but you can follow the link below to see a picture of Bob Robbins, a/k/a "White Whale."
http://www.bisnow.com/washington_dc_legal_news_story.php?p=1629
Rob Robbins is a good and caring man, and a damn fine attorney. You should all be ashamed of yourselves - have none of you ever made a mistake? And to make inappropriate comments about his weight - for shame!
Ah, just kidding. He's a big douche-nozzle.
LAT = ATL of old. THIS article is a pristine example of when this website used to be good (or at least when it lacked grammatical errors and nonsensical non seqs and analogies). Lat, come back....
talking via bluetooth - w a n k e r
Tipster is awesome.
Must be a GW grad. No GULC grad would be this awesome.
Great job tipster. A train seat is a fucking valuable thing.
104 - I bet they would if they could!
My hot CWT GF tells me this would never happen at CWT.
Slow clap for the tipster, if you're looking for a job, I will exert any and all influence I have with hiring to get you on. That is, if I still have a job by next years OCI/call backs. Good show man, good show.
In contrast to many other recent posts, JIM MORA does NOT think this post sucks. It is in fact much better than DIDDLY POO.
Well done, Lat. Seriously.
Excellent work. Its professional handling of tip offs like this that will encourage more tipsters to come forward with valuable information.
Pillsbury senior associates, start returning the calls of all those recruiters.....
One name was just added to the Pillsbury list for potential firings.
Wow -- this is harsh. And, to publish the email that you sneak-attacked him with is scary. I think you could have just said that you independently verified that he was on the train in question.
I am only a junior associate but am now afraid of ATL too. I plan to be a partner some day so I suppose I should be scared.
Is it all out war against partners now and I missed the news?
Baskin Bob Robbins = The Pillsbury D'oh Boy.
lol @ 111
137 - It's not "war against partners." It's war against partners who show poor judgment and a lack of discretion.
It's not appropriate to talk about which people you're about to fire in a public place like a train car. There should be incentives against that - like the possibility of public embarrassment.
you know, this whole crashing websites things might just be a good tool of retribution...
Do you have a photo of Michael Phelps you'd like to print too? Geez.
Based upon his appearance, I would say that Mr. Robbins thinks that Chocolate City is truly made of chocolate.
"We didn't get our forty acres and a mule, but we did get you, CC."
This would NEVER happen in Fort Worth.
137 -- don't worry, you're not going to make partner.
137 - Nobody would believe Lat if he just declared, by fiat, that he had "independently verified" Robbins' presence on the train.
We're lawyers. We want EVIDENCE.
awesome
Man, I am going to be busy the next few months. Hope I have enough rosin and catgut.
The uber-douche's website profile is down -- not like he's been fired, perhaps, but the traffic is killing it.
http://www.pillsburylaw.com/robert.robbins
Fat and uber-douchey.
And would any client hire any attorney that was known to be talking loudly on his bluetooth, on a public train, confidential information?
I was in O'Hare once and listened to an attorney negotiate a divorce agreement with opoosing counsel, names and all, in the boarding gate.
I turned to him and told him he just violated his duty of confidentiality and politely asked his name so I could report him to the proper bar authorities. He turned ghost white, hung up, and went and changed his flight so he wouldn't be on the same plane as me.
Elie needs to go on more vacations.
lat a tat tat, never be afraid to put a fatass on his back
Why is everyone hating on GULC? Don't hate...appreciate.
Anyway, anyone who speaks above a whisper on the ACELA is a d-bag...
I'm heavy, but damn.
Oh, the Huge Manatee!
I'm heavy, but damn.
Oh, the Huge Manatee!
Why is everyone hating on GULC? Don't hate...appreciate.
Anyway, anyone who speaks above a whisper on the ACELA is a d-bag...
Why is everyone hating on GULC? Don't hate...appreciate.
Anyway, anyone who speaks above a whisper on the ACELA is a d-bag...
Help!
Why is everyone hating on GULC? Don't hate...appreciate.
Anyway, anyone who speaks above a whisper on the ACELA is a d-bag...
GULCers that can't stop pushing Post Comment are d-bags.
This entire thread has made me quite hungry. I am currently craving ice cream. Any thoughts as to flavor?
Guess that phone conversation goes under "External Publications" on Robbins' resume.
What a bonehead. So glad I'm not his client.
137 - anyone who says they "plan on making partner" is a tremendous d-bag. That being said, since being one is a prerequisite to being a partner I'd say you have that going for you.
And you should be scared because bottom line is if you fuck up you get exposed. From your post I can reasonably infer you probably don't mean to fuck up a lot...you just do. Ass hat.
Pillsbury: Where Train Passengers Are the First to Know You've Been Shit-Canned
I hope you have more tricks up your sleeve, since you just outed your email sneak attack trick. Couldn't help but pat yourself on the back, heh?
The web link for Robbins isn't working, nor can I even get onto Pillsbury's website. Very interesting...
150 - Worst comment ever. God, I hate you.
Name of Scandal =
"The Demise of the Pillsbury Doughboy"
165 - It's not patting oneself on the back. It is providing readers with evidence that this is actually true. See 146.
165 - just because it is now known ATL uses fake emails to corroborate stories, doesn't mean that people will necessarily catch on when it being done to them.
Plus, that aspect of it makes the story that much more interesting.
This is vintage ATL. Nice work Lat.
165 = Pillsbury Troll
150 = 1L
165, Lat burned one free email account, not a fake passport. He can create hundreds of free ones in different names each day. I think "the trick" (as opposed to the specific pseudonym used) is just fine.
169 - the mere fact that they posted names would hint to me that they have done a thorough investigation. By stating how they did it, they may be losing future stories.
Still, this is the best. ATL story. ever.
I laughed all the way to being first.
I kinda feel sorry for him after looking at his pic...he has that innocent look lol...but yea he's gone unless he is a substantial rainmaker.
It seems that the 137 that some people have referred to is now 136.
Either way, he/she is a d-bag.
Seriously, this may be my favorite ATL story ever to hit this site. Nice work, Lat!
177 - do you know any rainmakers who are on the 2:00 train?
Of course he's a substantial rainmaker. He's the head of their corporate department.
This is amusing, but don't feel bad for him. It will blow over in a day or two (like every blog scandal).
This was awesome. I mean awesome story, not what the guy did. More please.
Nice work. I don't usually comment re Elie, but this site has been much better while he is on vacation.
Good thing we only had pagers in my day. This guy should have taken a pill and gone to sleep; would have saved him this mess.
If the firm is hurting for cash - why the heck was the partner in a train and not in the office or out drumming up biz? The brought on all these partners - stupid move.
Don't forget the Nixon Peabody "theme song" stuff. That was also classic ATL:
http://www.abovethelaw.com/2007/08/nixon_peabody_does_not_have_a.php
http://www.abovethelaw.com/2007/08/nixon_peabody_theme_song.php
Listen to the song (mp3):
http://www.abovethelaw.com/images/NixonPeabody.mp3
179; 184 = 1L
From today's National Law Journal:
"I think every firm is just going to take it one month at a time," says Maureen Dwyer, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman's D.C. managing partner. "Every firm is looking within its practice groups for places to trim."
http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/PubArticleNLJ.jsp?id=1202428404605
P O A N E D
People are losing their jobs, their homes and their way of life because of these layoffs and firings. Meanwhile the fatcats sit back, make their money and laugh. This is proof of what partners and the higher-ups really think of the people that actually do the work. This shows the true colors of a firm that was once held in the highest regard. It shows how little they care about their employees...many who are living paycheck to paycheck. Makes me sick.
Not only is he a loud talker, but he shot my Baboon in the ass.
Thnx
David Lat, you need to come back. Or at least you need to always handle shit like this when it comes in. Elie, Marin, or whoever else could not have owned this guy like you just did.
ALL ABOARD, LAST CALL FOR THE PILLSBURY LAYOFF EXPRESS, FIRST AND LAST STOP: UNEMPLOYMENTVILLE.
It's Excella
I have just emailed the following e-mail to robert.robbins@pillsburylaw.com:
Robert:
As a current law student I am absolutely ashamed to be entering a profession where someone like you could be so successful. To not only rudely talk so loudly on the train that everyone could hear you but to actually name names of people that you are considering firing is indefensible. Do you also blab about confidential client matters in public? Your behavior is more appropriate for a teenage girl than a partner of a distinguished law firm. Your lack of discretion shows that if anyone in your firm should be fired, it is you.
You clearly look like someone who enjoys a good meal. Maybe next time you should stick to the snack car and leave your phone in your bag.
Respectfully,
wait for it...
To be fair, Pillsbury makes delicious cinnamon rolls. I hope they don't layoff any of the workers involved in making those heaven sent rolls.
http://www.pillsbury.com/products/breakfast/refrigerated/Grands-sweet-rolls.htm
I just sent the following e-mail to: robert.robbins@pillsburylaw.com
Robert:
As a current law student I am absolutely ashamed to be entering a profession where someone like you could be so successful. To not only rudely talk so loudly on the train that everyone could hear you but to actually name names of people that you are considering firing is indefensible. Do you also blab about confidential client matters in public? You behave more like a teenage girl than a partner in a prestigious firm. Your lack of discretion shows that if anyone in your firm should be fired, it is you.
You clearly look like someone who enjoys a good meal. Maybe next time you should stick to the snack car and leave your phone in your bag.
Respectfully,
This week, especially this story, is why AbovetheLaw became greatness to begin with.
Sadly, it will all come crashing down next week.
Damn you Lat for reminding me how great it was and how great it still can be.
David, welcome back.
It is a real pleasure to read your posts.
best post since since you broke the story of my layoff before even I found out....
I like 168's name. Please use it for follow-up posts.
Why do I keep seeing black folks getting punched in the face all around the city today?
This shall henceforth be known as White Whalegate.
Move Bob Robbins to the top of the layoff list.
In 5 years on Wall Street, I''ve overheard several lawyers and bankers discussing M&A deals on the Amtrak train, traveling up and down the east coast. Glad someone got caught being stupid and really thoughtless.
201 - see 138
What's the bet either ALT has been blocked at Pillsbury OR Pillsbury associates are too scared to peek/post their opinions...?
Stories like this, while embarrassing for the individual involved, are good "teaching moments" for the rest of us.
It is one thing to tell first-year associates, "don't discuss private business in public." It is another thing to tell them, "you could wind up on Above the Law."
This is a story that should be used for training purposes.
138 for the win! The Pillsbury D'oh Boy is fantastic.
207 - this story should be used to teach, but why wait until someone is in their early 20's and limit it to lawyers? This story should be used to teach every child about what happens when you are rude, arrogant and selfish, think rules are meant for other people and never give a thought to what the consequences of your actions might be for other people.
Holy cow! This is one of the best stories I have ever read.
This shall henceforth be known as White Whalegate.
194 you are an idiot. You can only hope to be half as successful as Mr. Robbins. As a current law student, pass the bar before you talk smack to a proven partner. If you even make it that far.......
LOOK AT ME!!! I EMAILED MR. ROBBINS!!!!
What a tool
Thank god I live in Dallas where people know how to conduct themselves on public transportation.
Everyone, please stop the double-posting. Your comment will go through (usually) - just be patient.
Beautiful!
http://anonymouscontractlawyer.blogspot.com
Can you get your sphincter bleached on an Acela?
B. Robbins
196, you made me laugh out loud. Thank you.
214 - You are a cocky doody pishy head
214: Calm down Bob, Jr. Daddy will still be able to buy you ice crea, donuts, and cookies.
Comment removed by moderator.
Getting rid of Big Bob and his bloated salary could probably save the jobs of most of the associates he was talking about.
I'm thinking they should remove Baskin Bob Robbins, aka the Pillsbury D'oh Boy, from the "Professionals" section of the Pillsbury website. But I guess they don't have an "Amateurs" section to relocate him to.
Getting rid of Big Bob and his bloated salary could probably save the jobs of most of the associates he was talking about.
So 194/197: I assume you are not planning on practicing law then. Writing nasty e-mails to partners at large law firms is never a good career move.
I think exposing Robbins is of only limited value. Isn't the way to really teach a lesson here to publish the names of soon-to-be-laid-off associates in question (assuming the tipster caught the names)? That way, they at least stand to gain from their superior's indiscretion. They will have a heads up, so to speak, so that they can start the job search ASAP, before the layoff occurs. And if the so-named associates think that the tipster's info is incorrect, they can directly confront someone at the firm and either a) they will be reassured that they are not, in fact, being laid off, or b) their worst fears will be realized, but again, at least they will have the advantage of finding that out sooner rather than later, and possibly having a professional courtesy bargaining chip when it comes to negotiating severance terms
Texas is to the US what Pillsbury is to law firms, fat and loud.
189:
I agree layoffs are terrible, and they suck, but if there are any associates who "are living paycheck to paycheck" then those associates are complete morons.
No surprise he has been at the firm since 1976. The old-timers that stick with the same firm for 25+ years always think they rule the roost and can do no wrong. Young associates kiss their butt; their peers are reluctant to ever challenge them. Classic BigLaw, Huge Ego Partner-in-Charge.
Great story. Great tipster. ATL should have more reporters in the field like this.
Way to stick it to a fatass partner. He is probably embarrassed beyond belief right now - in front of his fellow partners and unerling associates that he orders around. LOVE it.
"[I]f there are any associates who "are living paycheck to paycheck" then those associates are complete morons."
Do you have student loans?
Comment removed by moderator.
I have no affiliation to Pillsbury or to the named partner, but I find this post really offensive.
He may have made a pretty big mistake, but exposing him like that (and emailing him with an alter ego email) is pretty messed up. I'm sure he won't get fired or anything..but with enough stress and problems in the legal market - couldn't you at least have left his name out?
As someone who was recently laid off at one of the firms, I know that no one (even high up partners) need any more stress or a reason to be disciplined. Everyone on this site has to relax and stop enjoying other people's screw ups. ATL has turned into a piece of crap tabloid.
Pillsbury senior associate here. I can confirm that layoffs are underway -- I was asked to leave by the end of March. No severance. Cheap!!
167 - Your apathy and lack of taking your reporting requirements seriously makes you the Worst Lawyer of the Day.
Hey 232/numbnuts. The name of the blog? "ATL - A Legal TABLOID."
Good on you, Lat, keep up the good work and don't let anyone tell you different.
227:
I agree in most circumstances but I know people who are being hit hard by this economy and because of mortgage issues, single parents and other problems they are unable to keep their savings from slipping away. Alot of people, even ones who make decent money and are smart with their cash, are in more trouble than you think.
I have no affiliation to Pillsbury or to the named partner, but I find this post really offensive.
He may have made a pretty big mistake, but exposing him like that (and emailing him with an alter ego email) is pretty messed up. I'm sure he won't get fired or anything..but with enough stress and problems in the legal market - couldn't you at least have left his name out?
As someone who was recently laid off at one of the firms, I know that no one (even high up partners) need any more stress or a reason to be disciplined. Everyone on this site has to relax and stop enjoying other people's screw ups. ATL has turned into a piece of crap tabloid.
I blame Texas, Eric Holder, and a Monkey.
Captain Canuck know this would never happen in Canada, not just because the lack of high speed train service (Bay Street lawyers take Porter Air, not Via rail), But also because Canadians are polite enough not to talk loudly in public.
-Bay Street is awesome!
206,
Pillsbury associates are DEFINITELY talking about this story, and not afraid to read about it.
232/237: Sure, it would be nice to keep him anony. But if he's stupid enough to blare out internal matters, what about client matters? It's been a while but I think there's some ethic rules re: little things like that.
I laughed all the way to being first.
And would any client hire any attorney that was known to be talking loudly on his bluetooth, on a public train, confidential information?
__________________________________________
Don't all attorneys do this?
236/227: please don't turn this into a debate over associate financials. That subject has been beaten to death. I'll summarize it all for you right here, then it must never be spoken of again:
Some associates have lots of debt and live in expensive places and don't have much extra money.
Other associates have less debt and/or paid down more debt earlier, and now have more money.
Some associates are smart with their money. Others are not.
That is all, go chit-chat on some other website if you want to discuss further.
Well done tipster and Lat.
Lat is just a superbly entertaining writer with a keen sense of the salacious. Watch and learn, Elie! Watch and learn!!!
This is the most awesome post ever!!!!
Comment #61 is the BEST.
I used to work in that dough-mine. Glad I'm out!
~ Monkey #5 (of 12)
As a media lawyer, I laughed out loud at this line:
"After getting all Food Lion on his ass...."
Guess I have a nerdy sense of humor.
Is everyone at Pillsbury Tollhouse this fat?
Layoff news + nonpublic information + overweight partner = ATL GOLD!!!
Lat emailed this guy at 12:49 a.m. and he responded in 3 minutes. He must have been grabbing a midnight snack.
LOL @ 138
244:
Quit your whinning and relax.
My original point was how horrible it is that someone can talk about this so carefree on a public train without thinking of the people this will effect...thats all!
Go see a shrink if one post bothers you that bad...or if your that defensive maybe you need some financial advice yourself!
LOL @ 138
Hey guys, I take great offense to all this. This fat slobbering Pillsbury D'oh Boy is my father. He went to Harvard too, just like me. Now get back to work while I head to my 3rd all-you-can eat Vegas buffet lunch of the day.
- Elie
232/237 - I wouldn't worry about Robbins. He is a wealthy and successful lawyer who has worked on major deals over his career. One snarky blog post is, as Frat Stud would say, "no big deal."
If he were a first-year associate, maybe this would be a problem for him. But he is a department head at a major American law firm, with decades of experience.
This will all be forgotten by Monday.
232/237: I'm sure partners are under a lot of stress figuring out which associates to fire so they can keep their seven-figure salaries.
Hey, 253 - did you get laid off because you don't know grammar and can't spell? Or maybe it was all your "whinning" that the partners couldn't stand? Get lost, asslobster.
I blame Texas, Eric Holder, and a Monkey.
asslobster?
Forgotten by Monday?
I'm sure fired senior associates are NOT saving this link to anonymously send to former clients/scorch the earth/land a gig on their way out.
I mean, it isn't like they are going to get fired for it.
257 = on the money
257 = on the money
As a PW turd -- i.e., they flushed me :) -- I find real amusement in this story. As thoroughly amusing as it is, however, it's not quite up there with the grand-daddy of PW exploits. For that, my friends, let me remind you of the adventures of Mary Cranston and Frode Jensson. Although I can't seem to access Mr. Jenson's complaint on line any more (although links are still out there), here's a nice summary of the little incident: http://www.theconglomerate.org/2006/01/page/2/
Ahhhh, yes, the fond memories that brings back!
Yes, folks, I am a PW turd. But remember, turds go into the sewer, and ithen nto the stream, which runs into the river, which eventually comes out into the ocean. NIce, bright, warm water oceans, where life is good, the sun shines on your face, and people are happy!
February 19, 2009
Pillsbury Layoffs Leaked By Partner on Train
Be careful what you say on your cell phone.
According to a tip posted on Above the Law, Robert Robbins, who heads Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman’s corporate and securities practice, was overheard talking about imminent layoffs at the firm while on a train to New York.
It turns out that the substance of Robbins’ conversation held water because the firm issued a statement this afternoon confirming that layoffs are coming to the firm.
It also apologizes for the manner in which the rumors were confirmed. The firm declined to comment beyond the statement, including the number of lawyers and staff that would be affected. The report on Above the Law pegs that number at 15 to 20 in four U.S. offices.
Here is the statement from Pillsbury:
"It is an unfortunate fact in today's economy that no business or law firm can rule out adjustments to their overall workforce levels. This includes Pillsbury, and, among other cost cutting measures, we will be implementing reductions to ensure that our resources are aligned with our business needs. We apologize for the unfortunate manner in which our deliberations about reductions have become public.”
This will make it harder for them to do stealth layoffs with non-disclosure agreements like Winston and Jenner have been doing in Chicago.
265 - this just gets better and better. My schaden is swelling with freude.
150 - this is my first comment ever on ATL - you are worthless.
265 - Thanks. Here's the source of that:
http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2009/02/pillsbury-layoffs-leaked-by-partner-on-train.html
150 here - I also call the police to report people who exceed the legal speed limit while I obey the speed limit in the left lane.
150 douchebag: do the cops then ticket you for talking on a cell phone while driving? Or do you just suck them off to get out of it?
Epic Fail.
Leonard Nimoy should bring back "In Search Of..." and have an episode on discretion.
150 here - I also tell ushers at sporting events and concert venues when people are not sitting in their ticketed seats.
Bob Robbins looks like he ate four associates for dinner. Did you see that picture of him?
265 / 269 - Thanks. So this IS true.....
Bob Robbins looks like he ate four associates for dinner. Did you see that picture of him?
150 here - I also would tell the librarian at school when people would bring in outside food.
Nicely done, 273. Way to bait the trolls. Let's see if they take it...
If I were a corporate client, I'd be firing him. I wonder how many 'hush-hush' topics he's discussed on trains regarding client matters.
They might have taken down the profile to edit any accomplishments he has under "private equits".
would robbins eat this man? http://www.ldlkm.com/attorneys/staff_partner_marcus_millet.asp
150- you are an idiot as well as a busy body (if your example really happened, which I doubt).
If the guy your were eavesdropping on was talking to opposing counsel to negotiate, what he said was obviously not privileged or confidential. So, he didn't violate any duties of confidentiality.
150 - If the guy was talking to opposing counsel, then how exactly was his conversation privileged or confidential? Dumbass.
2006 (thx 264):
he had serious concerns about the relentless, and, in his view, unrealistic focus of senior management at Pillsbury on achieving American Lawyer 100 “first quartile profitability”, and the elevation within the firm of that goal over the goals of professional excellence and successfully serving the firm’s clients. Moreover, the firm faced serious financial challenges, and upheaval in personnel.... In addition, Jensen also became disappointed by Pillsbury’s failure to appreciate the contributions of Pillsbury’s Stamford office, where Jensen worked.... Jensen also was disappointed by the firm’s widespread morale problems, particularly amongst the firm’s associates, due to decisions to lay off associates, due to incomplete or misleading statements made by Pillsbury’s senior management to the firm’s lawyers, as well as due to the firm’s management style.
Great posts 150- you need to get an official picture and schtick name.
Great story.
264 here. de nada, 284!
264 here. de nada, 284!
p.s. pass the sunblock, pls
If I had overhead the names, I would have gone to the receptionist at their firm saying I urgently needed to see them. Then I would gently break the news to them. Then I would say LOL LAZIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
282 - just where did you go to school? Was professional conduct or ethics a class you were required to take? Did you pay attention?
All said without an opinion on 150.
Rob Robbins? Isn't that the announcer guy from the Price is Right?
Good post, Lat, because fuck him.
The bio is finally working - homeboy is LARGE. You know he's got to be pushing four bills if he has that picture up - the pictures are always way more flattering than the real-life lawyer.
To all of those bashing 150: You are correct; the conversation wasn't confidential. But, depending on your jurisdiction, you likely have a duty not to disclose your client's secrets, which means that you don't air their dirty laundry on a crowded plane.
I'm going to print this story out and carry it with me so that I can hand it out to douches on trains who talk loudly on their phones.
I might just hand it out to douches at my new boutique, Everything Douche.
Fat Clams on bicycles.
PW turd (264) again. Robbins and Michael Phelps? Two men -- well, okay, two and a half men -- both watching their careers go up in smoke.
150 here - I email system administrators all the time when I find comments offensive.
Hey 150, I used to anonymously call the parents of classmates if they admitted to me that they used weed.
110 = Marin or Elie
Whenever Lat pretends to be a woman online, hilarity ensues.
I fondly remember his time as "Article III Groupie" of "Underneath Their Robes":
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/11/21/051121ta_talk_toobin
290: 282 here. Uh, T10 (undergrad and law), then partner at Biglaw for 10 years before starting own firm to make more money. And you?
150 here - I also call the numbers on the back of fleet vehicles to complain about their driving.
Hey 150, I used to anonymously call the parents of classmates if they admitted to me that they used weed.
Hey 143 - Nice reference to George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars (Parliament) - "Get up for the Downstroke"
LOL at Pillsbury Doughboy. Or should I say HEE HEE !!!
Lat PLEASE update the post to say that he is now being called the Pillsbury Dough Boy
290: 282 here. Uh, T10 (undergrad and law), then partner at Biglaw for 10 years before starting own firm to make more money. And you?
Pillsbury D'oh Boy
150 here - I also call the numbers on the back of fleet vehicles to complain about their driving.
290: 282 here. Uh, T10 (undergrad and law), then partner at Biglaw for 10 years before starting own firm to make more money. And you?
AmLaw Daily Coverage
http://amlawdaily.typepad.com/amlawdaily/2009/02/pillsbury-accidentally-announces-layoffs-on-train.html
Hey 150? Do you let the store manager know when restroom needs attention? (264 here)
Race Car Guy: you are the biggest nerd that's ever commented on this website. hands down.
Hey 150? Do you let the store manager know when restroom needs attention? (264 here)
Hey 282 via 299/305/308 Re: 290 - He/she figured out that hitting the "post" button once will do it for ya - big guy! Tech much?
-not 290
306 is (a) full of shit, (b) trying to cover for the fact that he was called out as not knowing what the hell he was talking about, and (c) full of shit
282: 290 here. I just work in the mail room of a V100; but even I know that a lawyer has an ethical obligation to keep the affairs of a client private. In my view this would include not having private conversations with opposing counsel in public...But hey, tha's just me.
150 here - I also tell the manager when I see kids who are under 17 and not accompanied by an adult going into R rated movies and demand that they be removed.
Where is Douche Patrol? Seems like a perfect opportunity wasted.
292 == Epic Fail.
It is either confidential or not. If it is, the duty is violated by relating the information to opposing counsel -- whether or not the conversation is in the middle of the airport and overheard by some dumbass TTT law student.
Talking loudly on a phone to opposing counsel may be crass, inconsiderate and even "unprofessional" by some folks' standards, but it doesn't violate any rules of professional conduct or fiduciary duties.
150 here - I also tell the manager when I see kids who are under 17 and not accompanied by an adult going into R rated movies and demand that they be removed.
319 - seriously, please graduate from law school and practice for a few years before ever posting again. Of course a conversation between opposing counsel can be confidential with respect to the rest of the world (and violate the attorneys' duties of confidentiality with respect to their clients). For example:
- Opposing counsel discussing a potential M&A deal between public companies;
- Prosecutor and defense attorney discussing a plea bargain;
- Attorneys negotiating a settlement agreement the terms of which are intended to be confidential (sounds familiar?).
Need me to go on?
313, When the Tttoilet is clogged, you gottta tttell.
150- When people bring in their own candy to the movies, first, I shame them by calling them out on it-- loudly. Then I call the police.
I think people should lay off this guy - I've heard he is a decent person, and I am sure he did mean for something like this to get out. Everyone makes mistakes. He wasn't talking to opposing counsel - it was an internal firm discussion and not privileged. I am sure this is something he regrets.
recent lights in the texas sky? colliding satellites? meteor? NOOOOO! Bob Robbins' career coming crashing down! (264 PWT here!)
If the Douche Patrol were still alive, he'd say:
"150 -- YOU are a douche!"
321: Yes please do go on. Why don't you start with the Professional rule on the "duty of confidentiality" that 150 referred to which was supposedly violated.
Then go on to tell us how that rule (not some SEC rule or contractual obligation) would be violated by any of the people in your examples if they were talking loudly one their cell phone for others to hear.
Tip: you may actually have to think to answer correctly -- you cannot just regurgitate your bar review flash cards.
I'm posting this again because, godamnit, I wanted people to comment on it and they didn't. -225
I think exposing Robbins is of only limited value. Isn't the way to really teach a lesson here to publish the names of soon-to-be-laid-off associates in question (assuming the tipster caught the names)? That way, they at least stand to gain from their superior's indiscretion. They will have a heads up, so to speak, so that they can start the job search ASAP, before the layoff occurs. And if the so-named associates think that the tipster's info is incorrect, they can directly confront someone at the firm and either a) they will be reassured that they are not, in fact, being laid off, or b) their worst fears will be realized, but again, at least they will have the advantage of finding that out sooner rather than later, and possibly having a professional courtesy bargaining chip when it comes to negotiating severance terms
150 here - I pull into rest stops to call the number on the back of delivery trucks that don't abide by every rule of the road.
150 here - I tattled on a convenience store customer who took two pennies from the dish at the gas station register
319 confused about the difference between "privileged" and "condidential".
150 here - I called the police when neighborhood kids would make the left hand turn near my parent's house without using the proper arm signals
oooooh, yeah, bar review flash cards. gotta bust the peeps bringing them with them into the bar exam! don't forget them, 150!
323: (aka bob) I am sure you do regret your lack of judgment -- resign to make it sincere
OMG how did someone not chime in with the "THIS IS SPARTA" thing for comment 300. Poor form.
326 - you are not even a law student, are you? Is this what you are referring to - Rule 1.6 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct:
(a) A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation or the disclosure is permitted by paragraph (b)...
Disclosure to opposing counsel is impliedly authorized, whereas disclosure to everybody else within earshot is not... So easy even a caveman would understand it.
He should add this article to his list of publications!!!
150 here - I also tell the lifeguards when teenagers swim during adult swim.
335: I told you not to use those flash cards and to actually think.
The rule talks about the "disclosure" of "information" being (impliedly) authorized, not the recipient of the disclosure. If the disclosure is authorized, it is authorized to any recipient. If the information is confidential, it cannot be disclosed to anyone. If it is not, it can be disclosed to anyone. Thus, when the information is disclosed (to any one), it is no longer confidential.
Oh and nice work on the commercials.
150 here - I also tell the manager at McDonald's when people use water cups to take fountain drinks.
338: Seriously, stop. You clearly don't know what you're talking about.
-not 335
This is perhaps the greatest ATL article ever. Great job Lat and tipster.
But 150, you maybe posted the saddest comment ever, and that includes people who say "FirsTTT, bitches" when they are actually post 7.
Hey, I am the original 150 and I did not post all those other things, and besides, I only do those things because it is not right to break the rules.
338 is just digging himself deeper in the hole. Very sad.
-- not 335 or 340
Fat clams
335/321 here - I second 340. Nuff said.
338 says, "If the disclosure is authorized, it is authorized to any recipient." So, if a woman is secretly infected with HIV by a famous baseball player and she authorizes her attorney to disclose that fact in a settlement demand to the player's attorney, it's completely fine under RPC 1.6 if the attorney goes ahead and shouts that demand into a cell phone at the airport. Right?
338 "in order to carry out the representation" -- there is no implied authorization to tell everyone in the airport since it is not necessary to carry out the representation -- only opposing counsel. Your ar confused with privilege, which is lost if disclosed to anyone. Do you tell your clients that is how you view your duty of confidentiality?
338--are you really a lawyerr? Never mind that--are you really a law student?
The Rule (read it s.l.o.w.l.y.) :
A lawyer shall not reveal [ANY] information relating to the representation of a client, including [BUT NOT LIMITED TO] information protected by the attorney-client privilege under applicable law, unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation [E.G. A DISCLOSURE TO OPPOSING COUNSEL, BUT NOT A DISCLOSURE TO AN AIRPORT FULL OF STRANGERS], or the disclosure is permitted by division (b) or required by division (c) of this rule.
150 is a douche, but you are a moron.
338 "in order to carry out the representation" -- there is no implied authorization to tell everyone in the airport since it is not necessary to carry out the representation -- only opposing counsel. Your ar confused with privilege, which is lost if disclosed to anyone. Do you tell your clients that is how you view your duty of confidentiality?
************************************************************
Bob Robbins needs to be fired IMMEDIATELY.
************************************************************
He probably violates attorney-client confidentiality all the time on the subway. He needs to learn to keep his big mouth SHUT.
I can't believe he leaked this info...THANKS A LOT, BUDDY.
A quick refresher:
Privilege: something that you assert in order to make the subject of the privilege non-discoverable. Attorney-client communications would be an example.
Confidentiality: an ethical duty that you owe to your client. If the client tells you something in confidence, you are not to disclose it.
Secrets: ALSO something of your client's that you are supposed to keep. Even if the information isn't actually confidential because it's been disclosed to third parties, it's with opposing counsel, it's been published, etc., YOU ARE STILL UNDER A DUTY NOT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR CLIENT'S CASE WHERE STRANGERS WILL HEAR ABOUT IT.
Anyone who thinks otherwise is a lousy lawyer.
Original 150 here - I'm so impressed you all take your clients confidences so sincerely. You are THE reason the profession has the reputation it does.
The douchebag was pacing back and forth and basically yelling into his phone about an alleged affair and what the settlement offer was. If I was his client, would I want him doing this in front of 500 people at an AA gate?
There is a duty to maintain client confidences in my jurisdiction. I was not in my jurisdiction, but the plane we were about to board was flying there. His reaction was enough to imply that he knew what he was doing was wrong, as he bailed the flight.
So take your criticisms of my respect for OUR profession and shove it. You need to reread your state's rules if you're really that insincere.
Good luck, cause in front of the ethics board you get hauled in front of, you're going to need it.
Original 150 out.
150 here - I called child services on my own parents when mom pulled my earlobes and dad laughed.
i would feel slightly bad for mr. robbins if he weren't so fat. but anyone who does that kind of damage to his own body has no respect for himself and deserves no sympathy.
What a great day to take a break late in the afternoon and stumble on to this fucking comedy!
163 in response to 137... "I can reasonably infer you probably don't mean to fuck up a lot... you just do. Ass hat." Brilliant!
167 in response to 157... "Worst statement ever. God, I hate you." Loved it!
Good work Lat!
150 - Will you please respond to your critics and defend yourself? Please? You are the best fucking moron to comment on here in a while. I await more of your "full retarded" words of wisdom. Are you, by chance, a law prof. at U. Penn State?
When I visit homes, I check their pillows to see if the labels have been removed. If so, I use their phone to call the police and report the crime.
338 = Bob Robbins
150 is the biggest narc of all time. No one likes a rat 150, no one.
Original 150 - the reason you are a douche is that you threatened him (and as you acknowledge, your threat was empty).
A polite reminder that he was not in his office and that his conversation was audible in a manner that may inadvertently breach his duty of confidentiality would be sufficient.
I inform manufacturers when convenience stores are selling products they've marked as "Not for individual resale."
pw turd again., i just wrote myself a ticket for letting the parking meter expire. time to go home.
355 here. Holy shit 150! You must have been typing your little reply brief listed at 352 while I was waiting for my invite to you to post. Seriously, what state are you in? We deserve to know.
Oh, and remember the time we beat down that lady outside the grocery store when she went through the express lane with 11 items? That's just a great memory. Douche bag!
What happened to:
"282 here. Uh, T10 (undergrad and law), then partner at Biglaw for 10 years before starting own firm to make more money. And you?
You fucking knob! Let me guess why you had to open your own shop...? or is that confidential?
This post was gold. Lat, we miss you very much. Rob deserves to be called out due to his behavior. That line about leaving his discretion on the train -- best ATL line ever.
Weight = irrelevant. Poor guy has the same stresses of being a lawyer as you kids do and probably more. I'd like to see you all after a couple decades in this awful profession.
what kind of piece of shit eavesdrops and then puts this sensitive info out in public?
Jesus, this is still a profession of sorts - show some decency.
150 = Nervous T10 1L.
338 here: you guys make me laugh with your knee jerk reactions and half-assed thinking.
Think about this: Atty makes a disclosure of a confidence that you all would agree is "impliedly authorized" -- say to opposing counsel for to negotiate a settlement agreement. Is the opposing counsel bound by any rule to maintain the confidentiality of the matter disclosed? No .... because it is no longer confidential --- it has been disclosed.
Oh and by the way, if the guy at the airport had been talking TO HIS CLIENT so loudly that others could hear the conversation, that WOULD be a violation of the duty of confidentiality because the lawyer has not taken reasonable precautions to avoid unintended disclosure. But that doesn't apply to any conversations with third parties where a disclosure is intended.
Class is out, you can all go back to your document review now.
365=366=150's dad=old guy that had to walk uphill to AND from work
6:18 - Eavesdropping???
Hardly - the guy was on a BLUETOOTH. He was LOUD. On a TRAIN.
Are you related to Robbins in some way?
338 - Presumably opposing counsel also has a client to which he does owe a duty of confidentiality with respect to the setttlement negotiations....
366, I am adding my first comment ever on this site to respond to you.
Decency is showing respect to those persons about to lose their income and stability, and not discussing this sensitive topic in a public place. Eavesdropping implies that the tipster employed surreptitious methods of observation and was not made a forced participant in the conversation simply due to proximity.
It sounds like the only advice in professionalism should go to those that think this man's behavior is even remotely appropriate.
Imposter 150 - please post some more. Need some laughs.
150 here - I also call the animal control when I see people walking their dogs and they don't pick up their dons' feces.
150 here - I also threaten to call immigration whenever I see someone who I think may in in the country illegally without regard to their actual status.
Winston and Jenner are doing stealth layoffs? Anyone have info?
the guy was having a private conversation and someone listened in on it it seems. this should have never been posted on teh webs.
for shame.
338 here - I don't care who I discuss my work with so long as it makes me feel important.
338 here: I's starting a new website where I am going to post all my communication with opposing counsel - just so everyone can see what a good lawyer I is.
this is very big news! A law firm partner talking about a few layoffs - ZOMG!
with fuctards like most of you, no wonder the partners need to fire so many....a PARTNER was TALKING about LAYOFFS! They USE PHONES FOR THAT?
ZOMG!!!!!!!!!
365 = fat person
Ok 338/368, put your money where your mouth is. Give us your name, bar number and some information about a client that has been disclosed only to opposing counsel in a settlement negotiation. Then we can see if your Bar Association agrees with your interpretation of Rule 16. Otherwise, STFU and go read up on the difference between privilege and confidences/secrets.
There's a fresh thread up now. Maybe we can take the discussion over there:
http://abovethelaw.com/2009/02/pillsbury_winthrop_layoffs.php
Ok, look. What the guy did was atrocious. Maybe he's a total dbag, or maybe he made a stupid mistake (one from which I'm sure he's learned a lesson).
What's FAR more appalling to me is all the comments about his weight on this board. JESUS CHRIST - what is wrong with you people? Are you really so desperately insecure that you need to knock him for his weight? This is the kind of "mean girls" bs that makes people hate lawyers - casual cruelty for cruelty's sake.
It's really disgusting - and the prevalence of it is mind-blowing to me. SO many comments. It's actually really depressing that such a high number of you felt the need to mention it in one or another. This may sound laughably naive, but this is the first time in my life I've ever had that sinking feeling that maybe attorneys really are a-holes by and large.
- Chicago 3rd year (and yeah, jerks, a size 2 before you decide this is about my own insecurities)
Shame on all of you.
I heart 150.
I inform the consumer product safety commission if I see someone removing warning labels from extension cords or hairdryers.
I confront people that walk on the grass when there's a sign contraindicating such behavior.
384 is a total fatty. that sinking feeling she has is just due to her 8th KFC biscuit of the day.
see, the problem all started b/c d'oh boy was wearing a blue tooth ear piece with noise cancelling capability. dork that he is, he thought that that made it so no one could hear him.
Faux 150 - are your initials R H? Because I totally think I know you. Great running gag.
377 -
It's not a private conversation when you hold the conversation loud enough that others around have no alternative but to hear what you are saying.
233 - I don't understand; you've been asked to leave by the end of March, and it's mid-February, yet you say you got no severance?
By my math, that's at least five weeks' severance, until you actually keep working until then.
384 = POUNDS
The "150 here -" parody is brilliant.
79 - By the standards of journalistic ethics, Lat is apparently justified in engaging in deceit to confirm Robbins was on the train. But he has violated MRPC 8.4(c): "It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to: (c) engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation"
I don't know if these rules apply to the state where Lat is licensed (if Lat is still licensed) or if he even cares about his law license. But I wonder if Lat should have so easily admitted that he used deceuit to obtain this confirmation.
Mr. Robbins did nothing wrong here. He also looks like a decent enough guy.
He was overheard discussing personnel matters in a public place where no one knew the people whose names he mentioned. He didn't divulge client confidences. He hasn't broken any client privileges. No one had their reputations harmed. Nothing to see here. Furthermore, anyone working in NY BigLaw is on notice that layoffs are underway/impending/probable at their firm, so no emotional shocker there.
I'm with this poster...
"this is very big news! A law firm partner talking about a few layoffs - ZOMG!
with fuctards like most of you, no wonder the partners need to fire so many....a PARTNER was TALKING about LAYOFFS! They USE PHONES FOR THAT?
ZOMG!!!!!!!!!"
397!
ATL is awesome.
This story is what happens when awesome accidentally knocks up fantastic after a night of all holes filled shenanigans. Viva Bob Robbins!
FIR$T to say 399!
Four hundred! Four hundred Pillsbury pounds of kneaded dough! Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
- Count Bodymassindex
four-o-first!
227 - Or maybe they're supporting their whole family in a horrible economy. You're a judgmental ass - and you know not of what you speak.
227 - Or maybe they're supporting their whole family in a horrible economy. You're a judgmental ass - and you know not of what you speak.
404...yippee kayay!
Picked up on Instapundit:
http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/70441/
396 - Relax. Nobody is saying this is major news. It is just an amusing snafu.
I wouldn't worry about Bob Robbins. This will be forgotten by Monday.
I would worry if I were a senior associate at PWSP, though.
388, 384 gets her chicken from Harold's not KFC. White bread instead of biscuits.
150, I think we know who you are:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D96FHJJ80&show_article=1
406,
Point taken, Lat. (That's not sarcasm - the good prose seems familiar. I could be wrong.)
However, while you may have intended it as a report on an amusing snafu, many commenters here appear to have taken it as a moral transgression. Agree or disagree?
396
LOL THIS IS THE MOST HILARIOUS THING I'VE EVER READ. THANK YOU LAT AND THANKS TO THE ANON TRAIN HERO WHO OUTTED THIS FAT, LOUD MOUTHED FOOL.
The person who wrote this article and the people who comment and read on this site are lechers. You people are what is wrong with our society. The man made a mistake, and you seek to capitalize it by publishing his name and making fun as if you are all perfect. I think you are all mentally challenged wret
I agree with the last comment. People who revel in the misfortunes of others are messing with karma big time. I think the way this story came to light and was reported is disgusting.