Biglaw

Biglaw Partner Makes Up For Being A Jerk By Getting Texas Employees Access To A Plumber

Plumbers are in demand, so Kirkland has a plan.

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Last we checked in with Kirkland & Ellis’s Andy Calder, a partner and member of the firm’s global management committee, it was early in the pandemic (May 2020) and he sent a biting email to associates in the firm’s Houston office. The email scolded folks that they need to keep churning out billable hours and that the firm “isn’t a gravy train where you can just chill and be along for the ride” and that “the math is not going to work out well for you at the end of the year.” We (rightly, to my mind) chided Calder for his stark lack of compassion as most folks were and are simply doing the best they can to get through during the global freaking pandemic.

In the wake of the Texas winter weather-pocalypse, it seems Calder is showing a kinder side. Freezing temperatures and snow across Texas last week led to massive blackouts and loss of heat, which, in turn begot freezing and burst pipes. That put a premium on plumbing services, and Kirkland is stepping up to make sure employees are able to access a plumber in their time of need. As a tipster at the firm noted, “For all those who wanted to rag on Calder for the gravy train email….this is what hes [sic] really about.”

So what did the email, sent to all employees in the Houston office, say:

Appreciate that many folks in Houston have burst pipes and can’t find a plumber for love nor money. That doesn’t work, so we have managed to procure a plumber to prioritize Kirkland employees at a slightly reduced rate over the coming days. Essentially we have put him on retainer for the firm.

Employees are instructed to reach out to the partner, who isn’t Calder (or his assistants) that facilitated the hookup, and they’ll be put on the top of the plumber’s list. “Should be same day or worst case next day service. You will be invoiced a reduced amount, then we will pick up the rest.” Which is a nice perk, any way you slice it.

But folks are also advised not to share the offer beyond the “Kirkland family” in order to not “blow availability for colleagues.” (As Kirkland-ites are advised to schedule the plumbing appointments through the firm’s contacts, it’s unclear how this would even work.) I mean, sure, maybe your grandma desperately needs water, but she’s not going to bill for the firm, is she?

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headshotKathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on

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