Quote:
Originally posted by mmm3587
Another partner I don't know called me to discuss the clients' complaints. I can demonstrate that none of this stuff is my fault, that I didn't think it should have been handled this way, and all that. I can probably do so without sounding like I'm blaming him for all the problems, even though I do. Now, even though he is an asshole, I might be inclined to do this, just to not stick out my nose to get it cut off, or whatever the metaphor is. But, it seems that he is trying to blame some of this stuff on me, and that's why the other partner is sniffing around.
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I've seen a technique work in this type of situation that I like to call the "let me check" defense. Where the blame is being aimed at you, a good way to answer the questions is to say "let me check." Then you go back to a document that supports you and say "ah, yes, hmmmm, here it is. Here's the e-mail I wrote to asshole noting that opposing counsel would probably give in to our demands regarding the indemnity provision. But I don't know why it was never changed. Here's the e-mail he wrote back saying he would bring it up in the next meeting." "The meeting on the 12th? Let me check. I have no record of being invited to a meeting on the 12th."
The technique sidesteps you being an asshole by letting the documents do the work. YOU aren't saying the guy's a lying sack of shit. But when you go back to check, that's what appears to be the case. This technique has only gotten better with the invention of e-mail. E-mail never dies.
It's passive agressive, but it can be fun.
