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Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 10:03 pm
by Wing Nut
For some reason, this is taking on a life of it's own...  ::)

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Ketchup mishap stains his reputation... Fri Jun 17,11:00 AM ET



LONDON (Reuters) - An email between a highly paid lawyer and a secretary over a tomato ketchup stain has become the talk of legal circles in London, leaving the sender distinctly red-faced.

British media reported with glee the tale of Richard Phillips who emailed the secretary to ask her to pay a four pound ($7.30) dry-cleaning bill after she accidentally spilled tomato ketchup on his trousers.

The secretary, who had just returned to work after her mother died, was so irate she forwarded the email to several colleagues at the firm of Baker & McKenzie, who in turn passed it on to others.

The emails quickly appeared on the Internet and in the press.

"Dear Jenny," the lawyer wrote, "I went to the dry-cleaners at lunch and they said it would cost four pounds to remove the ketchup stains. If you could let me have the cash today that would be much appreciated."

Secretary Jenny Amner replied: "With reference to the email, I must apologize 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 four pounds.

"Obviously your financial need as a senior associate is greater than mine as a mere secretary."

Colleagues had offered to hold a collection to cover the bill but Amner paid it herself.

The law firm was not impressed.

"I can confirm we are aware of the incident," a spokeswoman said. "This is a private matter between two members of staff that clearly got out of hand. We are investigating."

Newspapers also printed several emails sent to Phillips in response. One investment banker said he was deeply saddened to hear about the ketchup stain tragedy while another suggested he emigrate.

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 10:17 pm
by beefhole
4 pounds :-/

Some people ::)

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 4:36 am
by ozzy72
What a dick ::) Just shows how petty some people really are!

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 5:04 am
by Craig.
While i wont argue it was a little petty to ask for it. The polite thing to do would have been to offer to pay for the bill as it was her fault. I'm sure if she had offered and explained her recent situation then the guy would have turned down the money theres nothing to say she was his secretary just an office secretary so he may not have known, not that it should make much differance.

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 5:19 am
by ozzy72
A lawyer turn down someone elses money? That would be like an alcoholic turning down a drink ::)

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 7:46 am
by Woodlouse2002
He's gonna be a rich man with that attitude. :)

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 1:53 pm
by Politically Incorrect
Makes me wonder why he was having lunch/dinner with the secretary?
I bet his wife is asking the same ;)

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 1:57 pm
by Woodlouse2002
Makes me wonder why he was having lunch/dinner with the secretary?
I bet his wife is asking the same ;)

Somehow, judging by the way he handled it, I don't think his wife has much to worry about.  :)

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 5:42 pm
by Stratobat
Lmao...

This has got to be the pettiest thing next to the dude who accidentally ate a Cops sandwich and ended up being charged for it ::)

Regards,
Stratobat

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 3:42 am
by Saitek
that's wild. That lawyer would be a millionaire and if he is a young man then he will be a millionaire shortly. Four pounds. :-/ What a sick greedy man! If I was his secretary I would go around all the papers and everywhere publishing that and then out of selling the story pay him up in front of the media!
That would soon tarnish his reputation! ;D

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 2:40 am
by ozzy72
In the news this morning....

A high-earning City lawyer has resigned after his email demanding payment for dry cleaning from a secretary who had spilt ketchup on his trousers during lunch was widely broadcast.
Richard Phillips, 36, will leave his

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 3:28 am
by Bazza
Thank you Ozzie for the update.........

At least there is still  a sense of Justice in some parts of the world....?

Wait for the follow-up from Ozzie where he is reported as having committed suicide in a fit of remorse - yeah, right.

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 4:48 am
by Saitek
Ahh it got him in the end, greedy guy! Hopefully he won't be such a Scrouge next time!

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 5:03 am
by Craig.
and yet this woman didnt even offer to pay for it. thats rude in my opinion, earnings or not its just manners.

Re: Well, I would have paid this for her...

PostPosted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 5:10 am
by Saitek
Perhaps she might have done if he wasn't such an annoying dork! Everyone has accidents and I hope that if ever I bite a tomato or open a yogurt or do anything that could spray my neighbour that a "sorry" should suffice. Everyone has to bare some loss every now and again and this guy jolly well got his reward for being so horrid!   ;D