Shopping For Others

Over the weekend, I had dinner with a friend of mine who used to work as a paralegal at a small law firm. She told me about how one year, for the holidays, all the lawyers chipped in to get her a gift certificate to a spa, so she could get herself a massage. I […]

* Seriously? We’re still deporting gay people who are married? Are there really people who are still in favor of this policy? [Stop the Deportations] * On the upside, these shoppers can now literally say they got somebody a gift over that man’s dead body. [Huffington Post] * When did Jed Rakoff become so godlike? […]

* Are Asian American lawyers too nerdy to climb the Biglaw or corporate ladder — or is this just an outdated stereotype? [The Careerist] * Does having your law school sob story featured on national television count as “employed upon graduation”? (Or, more seriously, here’s an opportunity for an unemployed law school grad.) [Inside the […]

If you took the bar exam in July, don’t you think you deserve a present? Some of you were dealing with test site disasters, of both the meteorological and technological variety, while others were busy passing out or popping out babies during the test. Above the Law wants to reward you for all of your […]

Father’s Day is coming up. This holiday is never as big as the other fake holiday known as Mother’s Day. That’s because fathers, in general, just want the kids to get out of the house long enough for them to have sex and an uninterrupted nap. But, if you have a good Dad who only […]

Valentine’s Day is coming up. Married men are looking forward to their annual opportunity to have oral sex (don’t act like I’m the only one). Single guys are wondering what kind of depressed and ovulating women will show up at their local bar, alone. And ladies are just hoping for something that will turn all […]

We’re only a few weeks into 2011. If your new year’s resolution is to dress better, there’s still time to act. Valentine’s Day is also not far off. Make your dinner reservations now, if you haven’t done so already — and make sure you look good for your night out on the town. This year, […]

Thus far we’ve looked at holiday gifts from the perspective of the giver. What (or how much) did you give to your secretary this year? Is it appropriate to get a present for your boss (and if so, what)? How about some holiday gift ideas for other lawyers in your life? But it’s not really […]

Ed. note: Have a question for next week? Send it in to [email protected] Dear ATL, Since the holiday season is getting well underway, I was wondering… What is the expected gift-giving at the office? Presumably every associate out there will give a nice sum in the form of cash, check or gift card to his […]

Or, if you’ll forgive the expression, a merry Christmas (to those of you who celebrate it). The entire team here at Above the Law sends you the warmest wishes of the season (subject to Manatt’s lawyerly disclaimers). If you need some extra inspiration to get into the holiday spirit, check out the lovely Christmas poem […]

Now that you’ve figured out what to give your secretary this holiday season, what about the lawyers in your life? Many of you have friends or family members who are lawyers or law students, and if you haven’t done so already, you need to get them — forgive the expression — Christmas presents (or holiday […]

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for a legal secretary / administrative assistant. Law firm partners are getting their end-of-year distributions, associates are getting their bonuses, and some of this bounty will be shared with their secretaries, in the form of Christmas — er, holiday — gifts. What should you get your secretary […]

It feels a little bit weird to talk (and bitch) about the high-end lifestyle enjoyed Biglaw associates on Veterans Day. We’re all very thankful for the people who risk their lives to keep us safe, secure, and free. Okay, random moment of conscience over. Where are the goddamn bonuses? The first Biglaw bonus memo still […]

The recession is officially over, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. But don’t just take NBER’s word for it; there are other signs, too. Like the return of law firm perks. Sources report that Edelson McGuire — a Chicago-based boutique with some high-profile clients, like Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich — is giving away […]

Administrative Professionals Week is upon us — ignore it at your peril. While senior partners might be able to pass the week off with a slap on the bum for a job well done, the associates among you would be wise to throw some cash at those who make your office run. The official day […]

Ed. note: Have a question for next week? Send it in to [email protected]. Fairest Marin, I moved offices in the middle of this year, and as a consequence I lost my lovely and very helpful administrative assistant to a Partner who was staying where she was. Since August, I have had a new, and also […]

It’s that time of the year again, says one ATL reader: now would be a good time for the old “how much are you giving your secretaries for the holidays?” story It’s customary for associates at large law firms to give a cash gift to their administrative assistants, often along with a card or small […]