Lawyer quits firm after saucy row over £4
A highly paid executive at a City law firm has resigned after a public spat with his secretary over a pair of ketchup stained trousers.
Richard Phillips has quit his post at Baker & McKenzie after being ridiculed for asking secretary Jenny Amner for £4 (€6) to cover a dry-cleaning bill.
The 36-year-old lawyer emailed Ms Amner demanding the money after she apparently spilled tomato ketchup on his suit during lunch.
Ms Amner was so outraged at the demand she sent a cutting reply pointing out Mr Phillips’ greater “financial need as a senior associate” than hers as “a mere secretary” and she sent a copy to all the staff at the commercial department at the firm.
Before long the email was winging its way across the legal world. Mr Phillips is said to be devastated at his public humiliation and has decided to leave the firm.
The original email was reportedly sent on May 25 – the day after the ill-fated lunch and while Ms Amner – unknown to Mr Phillips – was at her mother’s funeral.
He wrote: “Hi Jenny. I went to a dry cleaners at lunch and they said it would cost £4 to remove the ketchup stains.
“If you cd let me have the cash today, that wd be much appreciated.”
On June 3, Ms Amner replied: “With reference to the email below, I must apologise for not getting back to you straight away but due to my mother’s sudden illness, death and funeral I have had more pressing issues than your £4.
“I apologise again for accidentally getting a few splashes of ketchup on your trousers. Obviously your financial need as a senior associate is greater than mine as a mere secretary.”
She wrote that she had told various partners, lawyers and trainees about his email and they had offered to “do a collection” to raise the cash.
“I however declined their kind offer but should you feel the urgent need for the £4, it will be on my desk this afternoon.”
A spokeswoman for the firm said Mr Phillips had decided to leave the firm “long before” the publication of the email exchange.
She said he had “long standing plans to study” which had been finalised in March.
In a statement released today the company said: “Richard resigned in early June. He will leave us in September and he is working out his notice.
“He resigned after the email exchange between him and Jenny Amner but before all the publicity.
"We stress that we did not accept his resignation over this incident. Richard has long standing plans to take time out to study and will be taking up his place in the autumn.”
Ms Amner, who is in her fifties, is also understood to be considering her future with the company after feeling isolated from colleagues who believe Mr Phillips was unfairly victimised.
Ms Amner and Mr Phillips have been given leave from work until the email row blows over.
A spokeswoman for the company said: “Ms Anmer is still working for us and that is her intention and our intention. Both are on fully-paid leave of absence with full approval and full support.”
