I used to drink with big-shot lawyers a lot[1], and have heard a number of stories. Basically, there are a lot of situations in which lawyers will create a “do

I used to drink with big-shot lawyers a lot[1], and have heard a number of stories. Basically, there are a lot of situations in which lawyers will create a “do not fire” list. The lists generally have an expiration date, but not always. In this particular case, it could be that state/local laws make it legally problematic to fire someone before they start work. So you have to let them work for a few weeks or months before letting them go. And if the people tracking this list get let go, it could be months or maybe years before they get it all sorted out and let the person go. One of the posts in that Reddit thread talks about a guy at a manufacturing company who is apparently paid to sit at a desk and do nothing. Well, in some places, you can’t successfully pursue a workers comp claim if the company gives you a desk job at the same salary. So it’s possible that guy got hurt on the factory floor years ago and is now paid his hourly factory worker salary until he retires, and all he has to do is be nice and not sexually harass anyone. [1] law partners like to “buy” entire tables at charity events, and then expect the associates to fill the chairs. But at the same time, give them so much work they can’t go. I managed to get on a list of people that could show up to events downtown in a nice tuxedo with an hour or two notice, and not be embarrassing. Unlimited top-shelf liquor and excellent food - why wouldn’t you?