Discussion of Firms and Life in SF/SV

[Skeks in the city]

Originally posted by bill killer
there are also a lot of sloppy assholes [at WSGR]

The least partners can do is give the GAs and NAPs complimentary tissues. Cutbacks due to the recession?

Has anyone employed the services of a career coach specializing in people with legal training? I am adrift and sort of desperate for guidance.
I quit my big firm job a while ago because I hated every minute of my several years there. My bad exerience may or may not apply to other big firm jobs. I just don't know what else I can (or want) to do.
I know it sounds new agey (and I remember the Nip/Tuck episodes involving a rather sensational "personal coach"). But I found a guy specializing in lawyers and want to hear if anyone else has had experience using these people for career guidance. The guy seems good. I just want someone else's take on the pros/cons of this.

[Skeks in the city]

Originally posted by sfiail
Has anyone employed the services of a career coach specializing in people with legal training? I am adrift and sort of desperate for guidance.

As I recollect, Sebby D got advice from a career counselor and was happy with the experience. There's a better shot he'll see your question if you post on the fashion board.

[sgtclub]

WSJ is reporting that Google may have to postpone its IPO, because of gun-jumping fears triggered by an interview given by Google founders. Good job WSJR.

[sebastian_dangerfield]

Originally posted by Skeks in the city
As I recollect, Sebby D got advice from a career counselor and was happy with the experience. There's a better shot he'll see your question if you post on the fashion board.

I actually wasn't nuts about the advice. Basically, I spent a considerable amount of time and money to have someone tell me I'd be better off in a job where I traveled more and had more personal interaction and less detail oriented long term projects.

So, I got validation of my own instincts. At the time I engaged the career consultant, they ranked sales/PR as a good match for me. Presently, sales is not too lucrtaive, for obvious reasons. I looked into crisis management PR, but could not find a gig. Alas, I remain a courtroom clod.

What were your coach's fees? I want to make sure the guy I found isn't charging exorbitant fees.

[sebastian_dangerfield]

Originally posted by sfiail
What were your coach's fees? I want to make sure the guy I found isn't charging exorbitant fees.

Its a couple grand. Some of them do it on an hourly basis. You'll see some who do it nationally - stay away from those. stcik with someone with a good established name in your locale.

[Hank Chinaski]

Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
Its a couple grand. Some of them do it on an hourly basis.

Fuck this. I ain't giving out anymore free advice. And Ty, you owe me $2880.

[Sidd Finch]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
Fuck this. I ain't giving out anymore free advice. And Ty, you owe me $2880.

Unfortunately, just yelling "Squeal lahk a pig!" is not considered professional coaching.

[Hank Chinaski]

Originally posted by Sidd Finch
Unfortunately, just yelling "Squeal lahk a pig!" is not considered professional coaching.

That's what i taught you. Ty received different advice. I'm not selling a fucking commodity here you know.

I take it everyone has heard about the nasty VM from the winston associate.
What is it with threats to "make your life hell" on a particular deal? Esp. when there's only a day or two left in the deal. Do some firms have training programs featuring the same list of empty threats to sling at oppsing counsel?
I had a counterpart on the other side rip me a knew one over extensive changes we sent on the eve of a closing. I'd have been pissed too, but hey, I was just following orders--monkey scribes can't please multiple masters.
It was the night before closing and the guy told me he was going to "make my life hell for the rest of the deal." The last 14 hours of a deal are no picnic anyway. I just laughed off his threat and tried to calm him down.
He sent me a nice bottle of wine and a friendly note after the closing. It was a nice gesture of concilliation, but I was afraid the wine had been poisoned so I gave it to the partner. Unfortunately, the wine was not poisoned.

Has anyone heard of this SF based headhunter group? I've not heard of them and can find zero references to them on a Google search.

[Sidd Finch]

Originally posted by sfiail
I take it everyone has heard about the nasty VM from the winston associate.
What is it with threats to "make your life hell" on a particular deal? Esp. when there's only a day or two left in the deal. Do some firms have training programs featuring the same list of empty threats to sling at oppsing counsel?

People get caught up in the moment. The excitment of the closing, the thrill of the financing, the near-orgasmic pleasure of the IPO. It's hard to keep perspective.

[Atticus Grinch]

Originally posted by Sidd Finch
People get caught up in the moment. The excitment of the closing, the thrill of the financing, the near-orgasmic pleasure of the IPO. It's hard to keep perspective.

It's true. I get a boner every time I hear the word "tranche" --- and I'm a litigator. It's just that alluring.

[Return of the Sarge]

Originally posted by sfiail
I take it everyone has heard about the nasty VM from the winston associate.
What is it with threats to "make your life hell" on a particular deal? Esp. when there's only a day or two left in the deal. Do some firms have training programs featuring the same list of empty threats to sling at oppsing counsel?
I had a counterpart on the other side rip me a knew one over extensive changes we sent on the eve of a closing. I'd have been pissed too, but hey, I was just following orders--monkey scribes can't please multiple masters.
It was the night before closing and the guy told me he was going to "make my life hell for the rest of the deal." The last 14 hours of a deal are no picnic anyway. I just laughed off his threat and tried to calm him down.
He sent me a nice bottle of wine and a friendly note after the closing. It was a nice gesture of concilliation, but I was afraid the wine had been poisoned so I gave it to the partner. Unfortunately, the wine was not poisoned.

The only thing opposing counsel can do in a deal is go back to his or her client and say the you are not being cooperative and are holding up the deal. The client then goes to your client and puts the heat on. If you were working at the instruction of your client, your client will blow it off or better yet, tell the other side to fuck off. If you were not, it is possible that your client will call the relationship partner and tell him that your fucking up the deal. That is not a good position to be in.