- Quickdraw McLaw
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, again. Holiday party season–where tradition dictates that firms have an awkward holiday party. What is your firm doing this year in terms of a holiday party? Is it formal or casual? Are you required to show up? Will there be gifts? Will you already have your bonus or will Santa deliver your lump of coal at the party? Will it be a potluck in the office with a white elephant gift exchange or dinner at one of Las Vegas’ finest dining establishments? What is Eglet doing this year? Will there be an open bar? Will there be hook-ups? And most importantly, will there be photos?
Pamela Karlan 4 Prez
I've never been at a firm, big or small, where the non-attorney staff would prefer to have a fancy dinner to getting more money in their bonus checks. With that said, a smaller party, or an office potluck, usually goes over well.
I've been to a couple good firm retreats. Never been to a good firm Christmas party.
Went to a firm Christmas party at one of those event venues about 20 years ago. Styrofoam plates and sporks were involved.
I work for a large local firm and our party will be at a fancy restaurant. Bonuses will not be paid out before. I don't mind Christmas parties as long as alcohol is involved.
I don't mind Christmas parties as long as alcohol is involved. No truer words have been spoken.
I don't mind Christmas parties as long as FREE alcohol is involved.
^Truer words.
Support staff are GREAT with Christmas Parties on the firm dime…unless and until you tell them that it was $140 per head for them and their spouse/partner/+1 and that you would have given them $250 towards the holiday but for the holiday. I have never had a staff member say that they would prefer the experience over the cash.
The exception is if they are offered a private/invitation only experience to which they might not otherwise have access but for the firm.
Every year we do a dinner at an upscale restaurant with a "gift grab/exchange". All food and alcohol is paid by us and we tell everyone to just order whatever they want usually runs about $200/head – so far no one has ever abused it. Every employee and +1 also get to grab a wrapped gift in the $200-300 range (Amazon is great for this!). This year we have 11 total employees so we'll buy 22 gifts. The staff and their +1's love the party and the $10k we'll spend is well worth it (although as we've grown, the party has become a bigger expense).
We send out a firm-wide email the week before the party saying that if they drink they are to take an Uber home and we will pay for it. We ask for a reply acknowledging that they've read and understand the email.
Staff really appreciate it when you don't cheap out. Give them a solid bonus and a decent party. You won't need to replace them and they'll do better at what they do.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
"Staff really appreciate it when you don't cheap out. Give them a solid bonus and a decent party. You won't need to replace them and they'll do better at what they do." <—-THIS. I've been on both sides of this now. It's more profitable to do business this way. It's the difference between Costco and Walmart.
I hate holiday parties. Our firm simply goes out to lunch and sometimes has a small gift exchange. At the very least each of the staff is given a gift of some sort, usually gift card that makes them happy they came.
Eglet party is Downton Abbey-themed.
I wonder who the criminal element will be there this year like Alexis Plunkett last year.
BLOG IS DEAD!
Has anyone had a chance to review the changes to the EDCR yet? Anything surprising?