So… everyone’s been talking about the Biglaw Biter. Not exclusively in Biglaw circles, or even just within the legal profession, but like Page Six is talking about the story that Above the Law broke. Hell, it’s even gone international.
There’s been speculation about what the BB is up to now, since she’s been bounced from Sidley Austin. But if and when the most famous Biter in Biglaw gets a second bite at the apple, will she f it up again?
You see, there’re rumors this isn’t the Biglaw Biter’s first vampire impression, with reports that this was even something she playfully mentioned during icebreakers at the start of the summer. (Which makes sense, it’d actually be weirder if she’d never bit anyone ever before and then busted out the move in Biglaw.) Alison Green of Ask A Manager has some advice for the Biglaw Biter in all her future professional endeavors:
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“Don’t bite anyone at work ever again! It’s a form of assault, and the fact that she thought it was OK says she probably needs some serious remedial education in how to relate to people at work,” Green said. “The only people you should ever bite are those who have given their explicit consent, and at work that should never even be under discussion!”
Which… yeah. Seems like something one learns a lot earlier in life than Biglaw, but here we are! It is really, really salient advice.
While the Biglaw Biter’s behavior is obviously problematic, truth is, there’s lots of touching you should probably avoid in a work environment:
“Aside from handshakes, I’d say default to not touching coworkers,” Green advised. “If someone has shown themselves to be a hugger, for example, they’re probably someone who will be more welcoming of a congratulatory pat on the shoulder. But otherwise, or if you haven’t seen enough to be sure, err on the side of no physical touch.”
“There are other ways to express warmth at work — through words, tones, smiles,” Green continued. “Very few people will say they’re disappointed that their colleague didn’t touch them; far more people will say they felt uneasy when someone did.“
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So take note Biglaw Biter, if you want to work in Biglaw (or pretty much anywhere) again you’ll have to get a new quirky trait.
Earlier: Summer Associate’s Naughty Toddler Impression Gets Her Bounced From Biglaw
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. 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 Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].