Settle for More

by Megyn Kelly

To this day, I believe planning out confrontations in detail is key. It prevents regrets in the moment (e.g., your temper getting away from you) and lets you control the exchange. Well, the day arrived: Michael asked me to copy another case. He said it in passing as he walked by me in the hall and into his office. “Meggie! I need you to copy a case for me.” He called all of us in the office by some similar nickname (Johnny, Jeffy, Stevie . . . ). I turned and followed him into his office, where he was now sitting behind his desk. My heart was beating hard, and I was conscious of it pounding in my chest, but I tried to sound calm and authoritative. “Michael,” I said. “I’m done copying cases for you. It’s not an appropriate use of an associate’s time.” “What?” “I said I’m done copying cases for you. If you would like to discuss a case with me, I’m happy to retrieve it and have that talk. But if you just want me to do secretarial work for you, I won’t.” Michael’s face was getting red. He was clipping his words. “Do you think John Bickel copies his own cases?” he demanded. “Do you think Bill Brewer copies his own cases?” “No,” I answered. “I think they have their paralegals or secretaries do it.” The universe did me a little favor in this moment; just as he was edging toward genuine anger, his phone rang, and it was an important client. I took my cue and scurried out of there, but it was not over. I later learned, from one of the senior associates, that Michael called up John ...