Acceptable to ask for time off from SA? Forum

[lawhopeful10]

Would you have asked to skip work during your SA to attend your sister's HS graduation?

It doesn't matter. People are taking issue with your advice to lie, not the merits of taking off for a HS graduation although as many have pointed out it likely isn't a big deal.

You also attempted to derail the recent thread by the NY corp associate by sending out a worthless argumentative post. Mods please

[lurklaw]

Would you have asked to skip work during your SA to attend your sister's HS graduation?

It doesn't matter. People are taking issue with your advice to lie, not the merits of taking off for a HS graduation although as many have pointed out it likely isn't a big deal.

You also attempted to derail the recent thread by the NY corp associate by sending out a worthless argumentative post. Mods please

I changed my advice from white lie to don't go. Quit knocking down straw men. The only thing that matters is the answer to this question: is there any risk in a summer associate skipping work to go to see his sister graduate HS?

I think the answer is yes. What do you think?

[PvblivsScipio]

Would you have asked to skip work during your SA to attend your sister's HS graduation?

It doesn't matter. People are taking issue with your advice to lie, not the merits of taking off for a HS graduation although as many have pointed out it likely isn't a big deal.

You also attempted to derail the recent thread by the NY corp associate by sending out a worthless argumentative post. Mods please

I changed my advice from white lie to don't go. Quit knocking down straw men. The only thing that matters is the answer to this question: is there any risk in a summer associate skipping work to go to see his sister graduate HS?

I think the answer is yes. What do you think?

The answer is no. Unless it's a firm of autismo weirdos.

[lurklaw]

It's probably fine to ask for a day off, provided that you follow the advice of the other posters ITT, but you should consider telling the firm that it's your sister's wedding instead.

Why is an undergrad being allowed to give (incredibly stupid) advice in the employment forum?

Lol, holy shit I just saw that this was your comment, Paul. Tell us about your single year in biglaw 30 years ago, Campos.

[HowdeeTee]

You could be sick if you're really worried. Just don't be caught in a lie.

[landshoes]

It's probably fine to ask for a day off, provided that you follow the advice of the other posters ITT, but you should consider telling the firm that it's your sister's wedding instead.

Why is an undergrad being allowed to give (incredibly stupid) advice in the employment forum?

Lol, holy shit I just saw that this was your comment, Paul. Tell us about your single year in biglaw 30 years ago, Campos.

your advice was so obviously bad that biglaw experience isn't necessary to see how bad it is

I mean if you're going to lie, why on earth would you make up something that would be verifiable, public, and happy (so people who want to be polite will ask about it?)

If you really wanted to be dumb about this and make up a lie, you would say something like you have to get a dental procedure done and you unfortunately can't reschedule -- you waited for the appointment for months already. Something like that.

Even that is stupid because what if someone asks you for a recommendation for your dentist two months from now? You'll have no clue what they're talking about. Lying in general about stuff like this is really dumb, it has the potential to make you look way flakier and worse than just admitting that you care about your family.

[lurklaw]

say something like you have to get a dental procedure done and you unfortunately can't reschedule

I don't know about your advice, landshoes. I thought we all agreed that OP shouldn't lie. You seem to be suggesting that OP be dishonest, and it just sounds needlessly risky to me.

[A. Nony Mouse]

say something like you have to get a dental procedure done and you unfortunately can't reschedule

I don't know about your advice, landshoes. I thought we all agreed that OP shouldn't lie. You seem to be suggesting that OP be dishonest, and it just sounds needlessly risky to me.

Good thing she didn't actually suggest that, then.

[Jay2716]

During my SA a girl missed work on Friday for her sister's high school graduation and a firm event on Saturday for the party with family from out of town. It was a small summer class, so I'm sure almost everyone noticed her absence. Nobody cared in the slightest. Had she lied and gotten caught, I'm sure she would have been no-offered.

Communicate, don't let it impact any deadlines, and don't be weird about it and it will be totally fine.

[glitched]

Yeah it's probably fine if you ask in advance, communicate with people you're working with so they know you'll be out, and get your work done before leaving if there are any deadlines that weekend.

This thread should have ended here. I would add that you should just ask junior associates at your firm. They'll know best. Also, don't lie. If you're really paranoid, just don't give a reason. If someone asks (which no one will outside of social niceties), just tell the truth.

[06102016]

..

[lurklaw]

It's probably fine to ask for a day off, provided that you follow the advice of the other posters ITT, but you should consider telling the firm that it's your sister's wedding instead.

Are you even a law student, let alone an attorney?

I'm an attorney

[06102016]

..

[patentlitigatrix]

If I found out some SA skipped their sister's high school graduation so as to not miss a single day of SA work, I would question his/her judgment. Go to the graduation, don't lie about some wedding, and just let folks know in advance.

Source: mid-level biglaw associate

[Magic Hat]

Don't lie. Tell the truth about it. The firm is still selling you on why they are different and value QOL/family.

Plus the firm should be stoked that your sister is graduating now instead of when you are actually billable.

Enjoy.

[Anonymous User]

Yea, I'd just be honest and let them know what's going on. I recently had to ask my firm for time off due to a scheduling conflict and they were very accommodating. I was nervous too.

[Anonymous User]

I'm in the same boat as the OP. My brother's high school graduation is on a Friday, but the Friday I will need to miss is my first week of work. When is the appropriate to email to ask for this day off? Now, or closer to my start date?