The following anguished note was left for me in the Legal Underground Suggestion Box, which can be found in the right column of the weblog. I’m not sure what to do with it, so I guess I’ll just post it here:
[Law firm name omitted] is morally bankrupt. At the [city omitted] office a married partner had an affair with a married associate who worked directly under him. They both left their spouses and have recently married. Even though [law firm name omitted] has a strict policy against nepotism, and have forced support workers who don't work together to quit because of it, she continues to work directly under him. This has led to a mass exodus of associates who are totally disgusted by the situation . . . Most of the partners cheat on their wives and many have affairs with co-workers, some have married them, but this is a first. Most of the remaining associates are totally appalled but don't know what to do.
I have no idea whether the note, which I edited slightly for length, is true or not, but I have my doubts because of the way it attributes a great deal of moral shock and outrage to a group of associates. In my experience, that's not how associates act. Not only do they rarely worry very much about "morality," but they almost never agree on anything.
As for love in the office, I'll have more thoughts on the topic in this week's advice post, which is up next . . .
I share your skepticism, Evan, with a refinement: For the first 90 days directly out of law school, many associates are still capable of moral outrage and willing to agree (at least outwardly) with the sentiments of their firm peer group. Thereafter, of course, they start acting like lawyers in law firms.
Posted by: David Giacalone | June 26, 2004 at 12:24 PM