“I am not here for a mere discourse with a first-year associate who perhaps, may not even be able to provide me with an accurate solution. I do not mind formal bantering to settle a dispute. A diplomatic setting would be appreciated, conducted with formalities and respect – not some arrogant adolescent lamb, popping up in front of me unprepared. A disgust to the fraternity.” Said Seokwoo, languidly. He was there for a meeting. A supposedly short and simple meeting between the disputed parties to untangle the mess of a commercial agreement. It was not his first time either, to appear on behalf of his client despite holding the position as the legal director. At times, he too, was required to participate in the physical meeting, such as this.
It was indeed not his first time either, to meet with overly ambitious young law graduates who cannot wait to prove their worth. It did not mean that they have to stoop so low to the point where they ignored the basic rule of morality and started to degrade the other parties in the name of ‘law’. Unlike in criminal cases where everyone is innocent unless proven guilty – in commercial contracts, it’s all about the balance of probabilities. Both parties had their fair share of contributing to the present dispute. The counsels then came into the picture to highlight parties who were ‘more likely than not’ of causing such a breach which consequently resulted in the loss of earnings during the tenure of the agreement.
In the eyes of the layman, it sounded simple. If one party breached a clause of an agreement, then they have to be responsible for it. On the legally commercial side, the court, if the case was to be brought upon the judge, will be assessed through the principle of balance of probabilities where the court will consider – which party is more likely to contribute more than 50 per cent probability on the disputed matter.
Today, the only agenda was to exchange some material facts with the legal officer in charge. With the appearance of the first-year associate, however, the situation became as bitter as it should never be. Seokwoo believed that time is of the essence and it could be seen from the record of his punctuality at work. The junior associate however was an hour late and refused to utter a simple word of apology to both the officer and Seokwoo. As a patient being, he considered it done and did not prolong the matter. When the associate started to raise his voice to the officer, only then Seokwoo decided that he had enough bull for today.
Respect is a must, especially in such an honourable fraternity as this.
He was all aware that it was not his job to educate the young lad. But being in the same industry, he felt it was not necessary to overly react and to dump your ego on an unrelated entity to whatever tragic episodes one’s encountered in life. The young lad hurriedly apologized and left the scene after realizing the damage he had done during the case management meeting today. Seokwoo let out a sigh. Another day another drama, he thought to himself whilst on his way back to the office.