The Wall Street Journal Law Blog (Don't Wear Flip-Flops and Other Advice for Summer Associates) points us to a valuable new site for young associates (and would-be associates) -- The Hiring Partner's Office.   Whether or not this anonymous blog is posted by a hiring partner or a savvy summer associate makes little difference to the quality of the advice provided.  Check out Top Ten Things that Annoy Your Hiring Partner, one of which recognizes what most summer associates don't yet know -- the power in the firm as far as you're concerned, rests with people you might be naive enough to believe are "beneath" you. 

Number three on the list of what not to do this summer is --     

Being rude to support staff. If you say thank you to everyone who helps you, you would be amazed at how the staff will respond. Support staff work hard to help make you and the firm look good to clients and other third parties. DO NOT treat them like doormats. DO treat them with respect and show your appreciation.

Why do we mention this in a negotiation law blog?  Because you need to know who the secret stakeholders are when you are attempting to resolve any conflict or broker any deal.  They are not who they appear to be. 

And, head's up!!  "Your" secretary has been "practicing law" for decades.  S/he knows the judges, the court reporters, the clerks at the courthouse and the pecking order in the law firm.  S/he also knows where the bodies are buried.

Be nice.  Be teachable.  Learn.  Thrive.