I’m a partner at a V10 firm (but, like, one that matters). A junior associate wants to hang his entry level Picasso sketch in his office. To give you a sense of how entry level, it doesn’t even have a name.
I’m just worried he’s going to embarrass himself and, even worse, me since I’m his mentor.
Look, I’m not a snob. I get it, not everyone can afford a true objet d’arte. But an entry-level Picasso means you’re terribly out of the loop.
If he were to hang a decent Matisse, for example, we would respect his taste, even if his wallet hasn’t caught up yet.
But an entry level Picasso? What does he think this is, Skadden?
By way of analogy, it would be tacky to wear an Oyster Perpetual. It’s just a Rolex for the sake of being a Rolex, and might as well get an Omega; we’ll see you’re a poor, but we’ll respect you (or at least have pity on you … like we met you during our pro bono clinic and decided to give you a shot).
What’s worse, buying an entry level Rolex shows that you think Rolex is an impressive brand. Nobody gives a shit if it’s not on a waitlist. And even then, Rolex is more of a paralegal brand. AP, Patek Philippe, Ulysse Nardin, these are partner brands. Hell, the firm’s managing partner wears a Grandmaster Chime, and you think he’ll be impressed by an entry level Picasso?
Look, his razor sharp legal acumen and client management skills are great, don’t get me wrong, but I was scrapping by once too and I don’t want him to give the wrong impression.