I have been working at a law office for about a month as a legal secretary. The partner I work for is driving 50% of the business in the firm, but she is very demanding.
Our dresscode is formal. I have been wearing pantsuits to work and she told me that was inappropriate. She said that I have to wear a skirt suit everyday with hose and closed toed shoes. That would have been fine but things have gotten stranger.
Often times she calls me into take notes. The last couple of times she has asked me to rub her feet. That seems really odd. I know she is stressed and the first time I did it was fine, but now I do it everyday. I also get her dry cleaning, fetch her lunch and do a number of other mindless chores.
She even mentioned this week that she wants me to take a class on giving pedicures? Is this okay. I like the job, it pays really well, but is this normal?
2007-06-28 07:28:46 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
I would not say it is sexual harassment but it is odd.
Re dress code, lots of companies have dress codes and whilst it is old fashioned to ask females to wear skirt suits its not unheard of. When I questioned it I was told they wouldn't allow men to wear skirts either.
The next time she asks you to rub her feet just tell her no because it feels uncomfortable. Just tell her feet are not your thing and that is why you trained as a legal secretary rather than a manicurist.
Regarding the fetching and carrying of her clothes Etc well lots of people step outside their role to accommodate their boss. That in itself would not worry me. Sounds like you are more of a personal assistant than anything and it is quite reasonable to go and get odds and ends for your boss, provided of course you are being paid for your time and reimbursed for all expenses..
It may also be prudent to find out why your predecessor left.
2007-06-28 10:28:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pantsuit thing is odd because if anything that type of outfit is more appropriate than a skirt with pantyhose. And the rubbing her feet thing is completely odd and not at all normal for a boss to ask you to do. Getting her lunch and dry cleaning isn't odd for an assistant, but you said you were a secretary, so I think that's a little odd too. I would definitely talk to someone about it.
2007-06-28 07:38:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anna Maria 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is BIZARRE. Lawyers are known for being egotistical bosses and asking employees to perform personal tasks, but this crosses every line and then some. Getting a boss lunch or coffee is normal; picking up cleaning is often expected; foot rubs are just weird. You're her legal secretary, not her personal assistant, masseuse, cosmetologist, etc.
It's inappropriate. You need to let her know that you are not comfortable performing personal grooming tasks for her. You should also talk to your HR person or her boss if possible.
If all else fails, visit www.dol.gov and file a harassment claim. It's free to you and they will pursue an investigation on your behalf.
Good luck!
2007-06-28 13:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by Mel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHAT!?! She is treating you like her personal body slave. I'll bet feet rubs are NOT a part of your job description. Hells no giving her pedicures is not normal. And is doing her personal errands part of your contract?
Speak to her superior. Put it in writing. File a grievance.
Go to a temp agency and sign up. They'll put you to work quickly and you may find a good paying job (permanent) where you are treated like a human being.
I would NEVER under any circumstances put up with that garbage. How demeaning.
2007-06-28 07:40:47 · answer #4 · answered by reynwater 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the feet rubbing is definitely odd. Talk to the human resources department at the law firm for guidance.
2007-06-28 07:33:45 · answer #5 · answered by jamie5987 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This woman sounds like she watched The Devil Wears Prada one too many times.
No, this is not acceptable behavior. You are an employee not her personal slave. You are required only to fulfil the duties outlined in your written job description.
Go straight to Human Resources, do not pass go, do not collect $200.00!
2007-06-28 07:37:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, she's taking an advantage of you. You are a legal secretary, not her errand girl or massage therapist. I would just be honest and tell her that you were hired to be a legal secretary, and that is it.
2007-06-28 07:41:35 · answer #7 · answered by Ida T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats just ridiculous. She's abusing you because she knows she has the power. Stand up for yourself or get someone else to. I would NEVER touch my boss' feet. I don't care how much I was getting paid or how nice her feet were. Thats degrading.
2007-06-28 07:38:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of this seems normal, however rubbing her feet and taking a pedicure class is ridiculous. You are there as a legal assistant, not a servant.
2016-05-21 23:50:10 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it right? No. Have I heard of 'legal assistants' forced/asked to do even worse things? Yes.
If you are capable or withstanding the backlash, complain!
2007-06-28 09:45:25 · answer #10 · answered by boldwaves 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋