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So I responded to this add and started working there last week. The job was for a law clerk position. I thought law clerk implies being paid, as opposed to internships that are often unpaid. It turns it is not a paid position. The position advertised normal law clerk duties like doing legal research, writing legal memorandum, attending client meetings, etc. Last week they had me mostly doing copying, mailing letters, basically stuff I consider to be secretary work. I'm pissed because I feel like they mislead me in terms of what I would be doing on the "job." Also it was misleading by not mentioning in the posting that this was an unpaid position. And the guy I am taking orders from is one of those kinds of people that nobody gets along with. Would anybody in my position not quit this "job?"

When did you find out it was uncompensated? Is there any chance at all it will lead to full time employment?

Anonymous User wrote:So I responded to this add and started working there last week. The job was for a law clerk position. I thought law clerk implies being paid, as opposed to internships that are often unpaid. It turns it is not a paid position. The position advertised normal law clerk duties like doing legal research, writing legal memorandum, attending client meetings, etc. Last week they had me mostly doing copying, mailing letters, basically stuff I consider to be secretary work. I'm pissed because I feel like they mislead me in terms of what I would be doing on the "job." Also it was misleading by not mentioning in the posting that this was an unpaid position. And the guy I am taking orders from is one of those kinds of people that nobody gets along with. Would anybody in my position not quit this "job?"

Wait until your boss leaves for the day, and take a shit on his desk.

What are your other options? What else would you be doing with your time? Could you spin the experience as substantive?

Anonymous User wrote:take a shit on his desk.

Like a boss.

Couldn't help myself.

IAFG wrote:When did you find out it was uncompensated? Is there any chance at all it will lead to full time employment?

Zero Chance of getting hired at this firm. I kind of inferred that this wasn't compensated after pay wasn’t discussed after the offer in the interview, and they changed the title of the position in the interview from law clerk to intern.

bk187 wrote:What are your other options? What else would you be doing with your time? Could you spin the experience as substantive?

Anonymous User wrote:take a shit on his desk.

Like a boss.

Couldn't help myself.

I'm still in school so I could spend more time studying and looking for a real job.

Anonymous User wrote:So I responded to this add and started working there last week. The job was for a law clerk position. I thought law clerk implies being paid, as opposed to internships that are often unpaid. It turns it is not a paid position. The position advertised normal law clerk duties like doing legal research, writing legal memorandum, attending client meetings, etc. Last week they had me mostly doing copying, mailing letters, basically stuff I consider to be secretary work. I'm pissed because I feel like they mislead me in terms of what I would be doing on the "job." Also it was misleading by not mentioning in the posting that this was an unpaid position. And the guy I am taking orders from is one of those kinds of people that nobody gets along with. Would anybody in my position not quit this "job?"

you are being exploited

Definitely quit. Unless it's PI/government stuff, that's super weird that they aren't throwing even a few bones your way.

I would quit but would send a nice e-mail. Leave in a good way. But definitely do not stay, it sounds like exploitation without any benefit for you. Focus on studies, I see 0 benefit in working at a firm like that, I cannot even imagine them providing you good references.

Pokemon wrote:I would quit but would send a nice e-mail. Leave in a good way. But definitely do not stay, it sounds like exploitation without any benefit for you. Focus on studies, I see 0 benefit in working at a firm like that, I cannot even imagine them providing you good references.

I was planning on quitting by email, but I feel I do need to give a reason why I am quitting. Either I could give a vague reason like I don’t think the job description for the posting was an accurate description of my duties. Or I could be more specific and say it was misleading for the “job” posting not to mention it was unpaid. And I think you will have better luck with “Law Clerks” in the future if your job description more accurately describes what your clerks will actually be doing.

I feel like there is a polite, passive-aggressive, non-bridge burn-y way of expressing that you're quitting because you were mislead.

Citing a misunderstanding might be the polite/civil way of quickly cutting ties.

FWIW: Basic advice 101. . always ask about compensation upfront.

Your strategy should depend on what you're good at - if you can handle explaining it in person, say "I'm very sorry, but I had initially understood that this would be a compensated position. I really like working here and would love to continue but I'm afraid I have to devote my time to looking for a full-time, compensated position. Thank you so much!"

Reasonable people who don't have a vested interest in exploiting you will understand that you need money to live and will be very accepting. The people at this job may not number among that group, but if they get mad or insist that it was made clear to you that it was a compensated position, do not fight with them about it. Just keep repeating that you need a compensated position. That's the truth and it is all that matters.

There's a slim chance they will throw some money your way if they want to keep you. I urge you to be very nice, professional, and above-board with them. You may want this on your resume, or you may someday want a job there; never ever burn (or smite) a bridge unless a Balrog is chasing you.

Absolutely positively do not quit by email - you might have left some shit there you don't even remember. Go make sure you have all your stuff before you quit. Shake hands with the people you like and even the people you don't.

Also, for god's sake don't be snarky to these people, especially not in a fucking IMMORTAL MEDIUM. Do not tell them they could've been a bit clearer in the posting, mmmmmmmmkay, or whatever you were planning to do. Just be really nice and thankful and positive.

Your utility derived from being snide to them is 0. Your utility derived from being nice to them is >0. Be nice. This is pure rationality here.

apparentlynew wrote:Absolutely positively do not quit by email - you might have left some shit there you don't even remember. Go make sure you have all your stuff before you quit. Shake hands with the people you like and even the people you don't.

Also, for god's sake don't be snarky to these people, especially not in a fucking IMMORTAL MEDIUM. Do not tell them they could've been a bit clearer in the posting, mmmmmmmmkay, or whatever you were planning to do. Just be really nice and thankful and positive.

Your utility derived from being snide to them is 0. Your utility derived from being nice to them is >0. Be nice. This is pure rationality here.

+1

I'm still confused as to how you never asked about compensation before going to work on the first day.

You can point out that not paying you minimum wage is against the law.

kalvano wrote:You can point out that not paying you minimum wage is against the law.

Is there no exception for internships? OP is still in school.

Anonymous User wrote:

IAFG wrote:When did you find out it was uncompensated? Is there any chance at all it will lead to full time employment?

Zero Chance of getting hired at this firm. I kind of inferred that this wasn't compensated after pay wasn’t discussed after the offer in the interview, and they changed the title of the position in the interview from law clerk to intern.

You should have gotten up and left immediately.

ben4847 wrote:

kalvano wrote:You can point out that not paying you minimum wage is against the law.

Is there no exception for internships? OP is still in school.

Not for this kind of thing. Law firms are supposed to compensate people for doing work for the firm. Legal Aid or similar is exempt.

Zensack wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:

IAFG wrote:When did you find out it was uncompensated? Is there any chance at all it will lead to full time employment?

Zero Chance of getting hired at this firm. I kind of inferred that this wasn't compensated after pay wasn’t discussed after the offer in the interview, and they changed the title of the position in the interview from law clerk to intern.

You should have gotten up and left immediately.

You're right. I should have. I only worked there one day. I was thinking well I can do 10 hours a week to get some legal experience on my resume for a semester. But after working there a day I realized it is more secretary work than attorney work.