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I start at a big law firm in a week. I've never had a secretary except for last summer and I didn't ask her to do much, so I have a few questions:
1. What type of relationship should I shoot for (or expect) with my secretary?
2. What types of things can I ask him/her to do?
3. Should I have a chat with my secretary during my first few days to go over this sort of stuff with him/her?

Startled Rabbit wrote:1. What type of relationship should I shoot for (or expect) with my secretary?

Friendly and collegial. She's not your mom or someone you'll do tequila shots with. You're her boss, but she also (probably) knows more than you. Unless it's absolutely objectively impossible, be nice.

Startled Rabbit wrote:2. What types of things can I ask him/her to do?

Proofread memos, file stuff with the court, file stuff in general, put together pleadings/exhibits, put in your time if you want, send mail, get your mail, that kind of stuff. Though some of that may be done by paralegals.

Startled Rabbit wrote:3. Should I have a chat with my secretary during my first few days to go over this sort of stuff with him/her?

Sure, if you want to. You're both, y'know, people. Would you like your new boss to talk to you?

Okay, this all sounds good. Thanks!

Good to remember that everything is ultimately your responsibility. My secretary proofreads stuff but I always review in hard copy one more time before stuff goes out.