Dun By Law
A London lawyer goes after a secretary at his firm over a £4 dry cleaning fee. (Classy!):
An e-mail exchange between a law firm executive and a secretary over a ketchup stain has set London's legal world buzzing.The details were forwarded across the city after Richard Phillips, a senior associate at Baker & McKenzie, sent a message to secretary Jenny Amner.
The exchange appears to refer to her spilling ketchup on Phillips' trousers and who should pay the cleaning bill, UK's Press Association reported.
The first e-mail, which Phillips sent on May 25, said: "Hi Jenny. I went to a dry cleaners at lunch and they said it would cost £4 to remove the ketchup stains. If you cd let me have the cash today, that wd be much appreciated."
On June 3, Amner replied: "With reference to the e-mail below, I must apologize for not getting back to you straight away but due to my mother's sudden illness, death and funeral I have had more pressing issues than your £4.
"I apologize again for accidentally getting a few splashes of ketchup on your trousers. Obviously your financial need as a senior associate is greater than mine as a mere secretary."
She wrote that she had told various partners, lawyers and trainees about his e-mail and they had offered to "do a collection" to raise the cash.
"I however declined their kind offer but should you feel the urgent need for the £4, it will be on my desk this afternoon."
Makes all those jokes comparing lawyers to sharks seem unkind to the sharks, doesn't it?
Kimberly at June 20, 2005 12:00 PM
I'm lucky I have a great boss. Nice to be reminded that I need to appreciate what I have.
Goddyss at June 20, 2005 2:04 PM
I'm going to play Devil's Advocate (pun very much intended) on this one. Isn't it possible that in the embarrassment of the initial spill, she offered to pay for the dry cleaning? I know that if I had spilled coffee on another's business attire, I'm pretty sure I would offer to make good regardless of how the victim's bankroll compared to my own. The attorney's email receipt may have been tacky, but am I out of line in assuming she should have offered to take care of it for him in the first place?
Snakeman99 at June 20, 2005 2:47 PM
Amy, I've been reading your column for over a year now and thoroughly enjoy it. Just wanted you to know I've linked your website to my blog in the hope that all my friends will appreciate your writing as much as I do.
Elisa at June 20, 2005 2:58 PM
Thanks -- very sweet of you -- will have to check your blog out when my suffering (ie, deadline) is over.
Amy Alkon at June 20, 2005 6:34 PM
Snake, seems unlikely. Would most likely have been reported, first of all.
Amy Alkon at June 20, 2005 6:37 PM
Leave a comment