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How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 6:45 pm
by Anonymous User
So far in all interviews and correspondence, I've used Mr. _ and Ms. _ whenever possible. As an SA, do you stay formal or go by first names since you're like coworkers now? Also, is it the same for partners, associates, other SAs, the recruiting coordinator, etc.?
Thanks!
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 6:56 pm
by patogordo
first name in vast majority of cases
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 6:58 pm
by rpupkin
It won't hurt if you address other lawyers at your firm as Mr. and Mrs., but the vast majority will likely smile and tell you to address them by their first names.
Frankly, a lot of this depends on firm culture. I can imagine some conservative firms in smaller markets in which it would be rude to address a partner (especially an older partner) by his or her first name. In big law firms on the coasts, though, I think most everyone expects to be called by their first names. But if folks have stories to the contrary, I'd love to hear them.
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 7:15 pm
by rad lulz
Esquire
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 9:21 pm
by kykiske
I didn't run into any issues being on a first-name basis with the attorneys/staff/recruiting coordinator.
Some attorneys--from associates to partners--even preferred I call them by their shortened name. For example, I called a partner by "David" and he said, "Feel free to call me Dave."
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 9:31 pm
by chem
Khaleesi
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 9:37 pm
by Anonymous User
My experience was this was very culture specific, and different cities seem to have different norms. What might be normal in Texas is abnormal in New York when it comes to formalities.
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:19 pm
by ph14
patogordo wrote:first name in vast majority of cases
This. I can't really think of an instance when I haven't used first names. Maybe if it was a judge that left the bench or something, i'd still call them "Judge," but I don't think my firm had any of those.
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 12:51 am
by kalvano
Go by how the person introduces him or herself. If they say "call me Dave" or "call me Kate" then do that.
My firm is all first-name basis, from associates to the CEO to the founder.
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 1:57 am
by 84651846190
I like SAs to call me "sir."
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 3:54 am
by Fiero85
chem wrote:Khaleesi
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 10:08 am
by Liam
I addressed attorneys on a first name basis back when I was just a lowly paralegal; can't see any reason it would be much different for an SA.
Re: How do you address attorneys as an SA?
Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 12:09 pm
by TTRansfer
rad lulz wrote:Esquire
If litigation, Trial Attorney (Name).