# Meeting Adjourned: Navigating Time-Wasting Situations
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Chapter 1: The Management Dilemma
In the law firm, our managing partner, Gary, exhibited a complex reminiscent of both Napoleon and a Sith Lord. Though he was not particularly imposing in stature, he often misjudged his influence and power. In contrast, I had the advantage of being backed by Tom, my mentor and head of the litigation team, who had considerable sway in the firm. As the most lucrative partner and one of my strongest advocates, Tom allowed me to navigate the office dynamics more freely than most of my colleagues could.
This pattern of support has been a recurring theme in my life, often leaving my mother—who is now 91—exasperated. Despite our age difference, we both remain active and engaged in life.
The Monthly Meetings
Our firm hosted monthly associate meetings, the purpose of which often eluded me. We would gather while Gary lectured us about the importance of meeting our billable hours and acquiring clients—a bit ironic, considering his own time management issues.
Gary, embodying the attitude of someone who believes they hold absolute authority, thought nothing of keeping a room full of associates waiting for his arrival. As associates, we were expected to log at least 2000 billable hours annually. Given the honest nature of most lawyers, this meant I often had to spend 60 to 70 hours in the office each week, just to meet the minimum requirement, all while vacations were a distant dream.
During one particularly tedious wait for Gary, who was late as usual, I found myself frustrated by the lost billable time. I stood up, declared, "Enough of this nonsense," and exited the room, leaving my colleagues in shocked silence.
From what I gathered, Gary arrived about 15 minutes later, furious that I wasn't present and sent another associate to retrieve me. This colleague wore a look that suggested trouble was brewing, highlighting the competitive atmosphere among us.
Upon my return to the conference room, Gary confronted me, visibly agitated.
"Where were you?" he demanded.
"In my office, generating revenue for you," I replied.
"……Fine, let’s proceed with the meeting."
Chapter 2: A Complicated Relationship
From that moment on, Gary and I had a contentious relationship, which I was perfectly okay with, though he seemed to struggle with it. He even attempted to fire me a couple of years later when I began to attract my own clients, a plan that was swiftly abandoned.
I kicked off my independent practice in a memorable way—by filing an adult adoption for a same-sex couple before the legalization of same-sex marriage. This maneuver aimed to sidestep inheritance issues in one of Texas' oldest and wealthiest family partnerships. While this did not endear me to the firm’s conservative senior partners, my clients were prompt in their payments, leaving me unconcerned about their opinions.
When Tom decided to leave the firm after nine years, I seized the opportunity to exit alongside him. As a solo practitioner, I landed a position with Boots & Coots International Well Control, the firm known for extinguishing oil fires in Kuwait. It was here that I met John, shared a memorable goat joke, and had the unique experience of living in a Swiss castle.
Sound too incredible to be true? It absolutely is, and there’s more where that came from. Stay tuned for additional stories that will keep you entertained!
The first video titled "May 19, 2014 - Meeting Adjourned" offers a humorous take on the challenges of managing meetings effectively.
The second video, "Blazing Saddles 40th Anniversary | 'Meeting is Adjourned' Clip," features a classic comedic scene that perfectly encapsulates the frustrations of wasted time in meetings.