I am having trouble figuring out what to do about my problems at work, so I was hoping this group could help me out and offer their opinion.
First of all, this is my first job out of college, and I am working as a docket clerk in a patent unit at a major international law firm. I had no legal experience coming in, so everything I know about the field I learned on the job. I still have a lot to learn, but I have come a long way. Initially I was trained by the supervisor of the patent support unit and continued to work closely with her for about 5 months (until about two weeks ago). She was always very nice and approachable, however it was clear that she had a problem with being passive-aggressive. Whenever she had a problem, she would wait until you weren't at your desk and leave you a voicemail or even send an email. This was fine, because it wasn't really a big deal.

Two weeks ago, they introduced a new employee to the mix. The explanation for the new hire was that the other supervisor was being overworked, and errors were being made. This is probably true. In the heirarchy, the new woman is above me, but below the previous supervisor I was dealing with. She has SIGNIFICANT experience in the field (clearly more than the incumbent patent unit supervisor). This new woman has made a world of difference in our work-product, to the point that many attorneys have stopped by to let us know that they are very happy with the new improvements.

Of course the supervisor is not happy with this, and has stooped to the point of constantly nagging the new employee and me with EXTREMELY insignificant problems. Well, this is not that big of a deal, but yesterday I found an email that the supervisor had inadvertantly sent to the whole department complaining about this new woman. I was at the office before anybody and I happened to see it, and took appropriate measures to make sure it was deleted before any of the involved parties saw it. She made comments about her "not being a team player", etc. I saved her ass, and she never even knew. Then, I learned that all of those times she was being friendly and answering my questions, she was documenting those in my file. To the point where even distantly related questions (driven by curiosity) are written down. Luckily, these are only used by her for performance reviews, but I'm still offended. Further, today I got "written up" for an error that is not even my responsibility. I mean not even related to my daily responsibilities.

I will be starting law school in the fall, and planned on keeping this job while I went to school. Now, I don't know what the do about this. I don't feel comfortable talking to the supervisor, because I'm fearful that it will be used against me. I am in pretty good with her boss, but once again, I don't know the protocol on going over a supervisors head. Along the same lines, I have significant contacts in HR, but is that premature?

I know this is long, but I was hoping for some direction, because this is my first job and I have no experience having to deal with these issues.

Thanks

Peter

I think going over your supervisor's head is a bad strategy in most cases so I would hold off on that. I suspect that the people at the top know that the woman who was supervising you has problems, otherwise they would not have brought in the additional person. It even seems possible to me that her days are numbered. If this is the case, you seem to be in a fairly innocent position. As a newbie, you can't be ultimately be responsible for any problems, which is probably why your supervisor was documenting your questions. She is aware of her own vulnerability and was preparing to try to pass off any problems on to you. I doubt the people above her would buy that strategy. I say ride it out. Do your job as meticulously as possible, keep your eyes and ears open and build alliances.

__________________
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1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Ditto.

Yes, don't go above the supe.

Keep your mouth closed, ears and eyes open. Don't worry about what others appear to think about you and don't make assumptions about them either.

Do the best you can and try to fly below the radar It's not a job your stuck with forever, so best to learn from it and take it day to day. It'll be part time when you're back in school I assume? That should relieve some stress and maybe things will improve. Don't take it too seriously either -- make it a strategy game.

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Wow - thank you. That's very helpful. You even read between the lines of the story to come to your conclusion. This new woman was in fact brought in at the senior partners request.

I also like your suggestion, as it's the easiest path for me I'll just try to stay out of the crossfire.

Peter

Thanks Ted. Yes, part time when I go to school. I started it initially to get experience and see if I wanted to go into IP-patent law (I have a background in biology/life sciences). This has been good for me, and now my plan is to try a different direction. Maybe international banking/business law.

Peter