QLike an idiot, I’ve been sleeping with this cute Summer Associate. I’m a female associate at large New York firm, and the problem that has me freaked out is that he’s not doing very well. So what if he doesn’t get an offer?
I’ve heard rumors about past Summer Associates blaming their poor performances on hookups with associates and the stress that put on them, etc. If this guy plays that card, I’m screwed obviously. He and I are on good terms, but should I get in front of this and tell the hiring partner/summer associate coordinator what’s going on anyway?
ANo. Don’t tell anyone anything. Not yet.
While I’ve heard the same rumors you have about failed summers blaming their idiocy on some lurid sexual relationship with a “superior,” most people aren’t that lame. Besides, it’s not that easy to tell the hiring partner with a straight face that you screwed up the fiduciary duty memo because you had sex the night before with a fifth-year associate.
But I guess the real question here is this: Is the guy you’re shagging a dbag? Is he the kind of dude who would throw you under the bus to save his own ass? If the answer is “yes” or “maybe,” you should be worried—and you shouldn’t be shagging him in the first place anyway. If the answer is “no,” you’re fine and relax.
Having sex with a summer associate is stupid, but if you’re doing good work and billing lots of hours, you won’t get you fired for it. I didn’t.