Career Clinic: My boss keeps stealing all the credit!

Think that this is a pretty normal in private practice. Bear in mind that the partner bears the ultimately responsibility for the advice that the firm provides and it will be the partner (rather than you) that is in the direct line of fire if the advice turns out to be wrong. Given that the partner is taking on the ultimate responsibility for your work (and assuming that the partner is checking your work before he sends it out) I think that you need to be philosophical about it. In terms of your partnership prospects, everyone knows that this is how things work in law firms and the partner you work with presumably will know the quality of your work and will support you for partnership when the time comes. Though I can see that this would be an issue if the partner is not letting you communicate directly with clients and by doing so is preventing you from establishing the client relationships that you will need for future partnership. If this is the case, why not tell the partner that you would like more direct communication with clients to establish relationships, improve your client skill, etc? Would be surprised if the partner was not receptive to this request.

In-house Lawyer -13 Mar 2008 | 12:13

Lack of recognition from whom? Internal or external? You can up the former by contributing to group know-how and getting into the position where you are seen as a good "go to" at the more junior end. Try visibily helping out trainees, etc. As for client recognition, why not ask the partner if you can share some of the business development / billing burden for some of the clients. You could then start going to client lunches with him, your name could start appearing alongside his on memos, etc. But don't expect it overnight, the partner has built up relationships as a trusted adviser, and unfortunately, the same advice from an unknown (and goodness, not a partner, at that) at the same law firm may well not carry the same cachet with the client.

MC associate -13 Mar 2008 | 18:01

You could try growing a beard.....

Anon -14 Mar 2008 | 11:23

Depending on what is happening, I am not sure I agree with the previous posters: there is a real difference between a partner fronting a meeting or sending out a letter under his name and a partner deliberately disguising, externally and (worse) internally, an associate's contribution. One is "part of the job" and is expected for the reasons stated above, the other is unfair (or even dishonest). Besides, a good partner knows that a good team makes them look good and it gives the client confidence that the associates know what they are doing when the partner is unavailable. I would gently make it clear to clients and others in the firm that you know what you are talking about, by making points in external meetings in support of your partner's arguments and participating in internal discussions. Others will quickly realise that you have done most of the work and, in time, hopefully the partner will realise that it is enhancing his/her position rather than damaging it! Or you could move team/firm and find partners who treat their associates properly - they do exist!

Mid-level associate, UK firm -14 Mar 2008 | 15:23

This is v. run of the mill and I'm surprised that you worry about it. Everyone knows who does the real work in a law firm (even the clients).

Associate, US Firm -14 Mar 2008 | 16:16

In our firm, even within fairly small teams assistants are not linked to a specific partner and work with whichever partner needs them. If this is how your firm works, (I know some are structured differently), get yourself onto deals with other partners who typically share the spotlight a little more. If your firm isn't structured in a way, which allows you to work with other partners, ask for a change of team so that you can broaden your experience. Working with a range of partners is a good idea for your own development and for building your internal profile (and therefore partnership prospects) in any case, even if you are getting credit for your contribution.

Anonymous -14 Mar 2008 | 16:17

Passing off your work for his? That's quite an accusation. It's implying that he is not as capable as you and that he is being fraudulent in pretending your work is his. Surely the clients know that you are merely his assistant to your boss, and you should be pleased because the boss must clearly value your ability. Don't be such a goddam prima donna, is the advice that one partner friend told his assistant who thought he was his equal. Remember: you are an assistant, someone who assists the partner.

Anonymous -14 Mar 2008 | 16:24

You're my best associate and your work makes me look great. Soz.

Partner -17 Mar 2008 | 13:00

If the original questioner is a woman, does she still have to grow a beard?

Anonymous -19 Mar 2008 | 16:07