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Sarsy25 · Newbie Joined: 01 Dec 2007 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

I"m a 24 year old Paralegal at a small Chicago Law Firm. I make next to nothing but since i've been at this firm for about 8 months I decided to go ahead and ask my boss for a raise. He agreed to a review after discussing my performance with the other partners. I was happy to hear it but this was nearly two weeks ago.

About two months ago the other paralegal who worked with me decided to leave the office to pursue another career and we hired a new girl. She is rather nice, but suffers from bouts of inconsiderate behavior. She often naps during her lunch, naps at her desk when the boss isnt around and continues to make the same mistakes she was making when she first started.

Yesterday she mentioned that she was going to ask the boss for a raise. I became very concerned and enraged by this. As i've mentioned that i've been at the firm a full 6 months prior to her and have trained her and we both make the same amount.

Her perfomance on the job is lack luster and i'm not sure of what to do. I will be serverly upset should we both get the same raise and she makes the same as I do. I dont know if it would be bitchy of me to discuss this with the partners and whether I should even bring it up if there are talks of her getting a raise even before she's had her 90 day review. What should I do in this situation and whats the ethical and correct way of dealing with this dilemma. I have no personal problems with her, she is a very nice person, but its her on the job performance that often leaves me upset . Please advise.

Randy · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 10:54 am Post subject:

Salary considerations should, ideally, remain unknown to anyone else other than employer and employee. That's "ideally," of course.

Some companies do indeed base raises on "individual merit," other prefer to give everyone the same thing regardless of performance, a blanket "across the board" raise.

But like you, yes, I'd be thoroughly pissed if she gets the same as you. But for the sake of your own well-being, have no interest in what they pay her. If you aren't being paid what you know you're worth, that's one thing. What you make compared to others is a different matter. Don't get caught up in that melodrama....

KA · Expert Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Posts: 235 Career Advice: +2/-0

You are assuming they will pay her the same. I would suggest you concentrate on negotiating the best salary for yourself based on what you do & what you can offer the Company.

I understand your concern about the other girl, but you have only been with this Company for 8 months, so I wouldn't bring up the other girl.

Again focus on your performance & salary negotiation skills to get the best pay. Also, if you prove your self & she doesn't you will probably get bigger raises in the future & she won't.

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