Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Job interview...or not

I got a call today for a job interview that came from a resume I sent out months ago.  After listening to this attorney's three minute message, I gave him a call.  Here's about how it went:

Lawyer: We're a small, burgeoning practice with a lot of business.  In fact, it's more business than we can handle, which is why I need you.
Me: Ok, that sounds great.
Lawyer: However, there's one thing you should know - your first 60 to 90 days of pay will be deferred.
Me: I don't follow.
Lawyer: Well, we had an incident about eight years ago which severly depleted our capital reserves.  As such, I'm in still in the process of building capital.
Me: I still don't follow.
Lawyer: I'm not saying you won't get paid.  Your pay will simply be deferred.
Me: Ah.
Lawyer: After 60 to 90 days, provided our capital is sufficient...which it certainly will be...you will be compensated.  Overall, this is a great opportunity.
Me: So, if I'm understanding you correctly, I would be working without pay for 60 to 90 days.  Then, if, and only if, you have sufficient capital, I will be compensated for my work?
Lawyer: Yes.
Me: I think we're done here.

I don't have high standards, but I do have some standards.  I'm fairly certain "deferred pay" isn't something I want to deal with.

6 comments:

  1. Given the timeline, it sounds like the first hire didn't get paid, either.

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  2. What the hell?? That is insane.

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  3. He had an incident 8 years ago and still doesn't have working capital? Despite having more business than he can handled? Can any one say defcon 5?

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  4. That was a bullshit "job offer".
    It's amazing how sleazy lawyers try to take advantage of unemployed young lawyers.

    You handled it perfectly.

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  5. Wow . . . just wow.
    I have heard my share of scummy offers, but that's the worst.

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  6. This needs to be on Above the Law.

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