Law Firms
Holiday Party Critique: Bingham Event Was Sobering
Posted Dec 5, 2008 9:57 AM CST
By Molly McDonough
Am Law Daily reporter Vivia Chen is on the law firm party circuit and offered up a critique of the most recent one. With the economy in turmoil and law firms everywhere cutting back, it should be no surprise that Bingham McCutchen's annual New York Public Library gala was more subdued.
Chen reports that Bingham opted for moderation over opulence this year, forgoing decor of past glory days that include life-size ice sculptures and enormous floral displays.
"Given the economy, we decided to adjust the party," Robert Dombroff, the managing partner of Bingham's New York office, is quoted saying.
But, apparently, the liquor still flowed and the food was aplenty: roast beef, sushi and pasta.
So what did Bingham do with the scaled-back party savings ($30,000)? The firm donated it to three area charities that are client favorites: Share Our Strength, City Wheels on Meals, and City Harvest.
"We have to admit that the evening was a bit sobering," Chen concludes. "As we exited the library, we hoped for at least a memorable party favor (one year, we took back a cute stuffed puppy wearing a Bingham T). Instead, the parting gift was hot chocolate served in a plain paper cup—and it was barely warm."
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Comments
Merry Christmas
Dec 5, 2008 10:20 AM CST
What’s a holiday party?
We are having a Chrismas Party this year at our firm?
N
Dec 5, 2008 11:59 AM CST
A “Holiday” party is the politically-correct, non-denominational, bleeding left-wing liberal “Change You Can Believe In”
Lynne
Dec 5, 2008 2:22 PM CST
I think the message is clear. The economy is in turmoil, 3 auto makers are going broke; we’re up to our antlers in debt, & bailouts; there are 2 wars going on; the environment is out-of-wack; the unemployment rate is 6.5% or higher; New Orleans and Texas have never recovered from Katrina & Ike; and you’re worried about using “Holiday Party” as opposed to “Christmas Party?” Thank God, (literally) that some of us can differentiate between morally correct and “politically” correct! - Idiot
B. McLeod
Dec 5, 2008 2:42 PM CST
I like the idea of hot chocolate at the door. I may do that at my holiday parties (but in some nicely-decorated styrofoam cups, I think, rather than paper).
george
Dec 8, 2008 8:04 AM CST
#3 - so are you saying that people (most likely Christians) who say “Christmas Party” are idiots - that is a little bigoted
Lynne
Dec 8, 2008 11:23 AM CST
Just to clarify. The point I was trying to make to #2 is that there is more to be concerned about than “Holiday Party.” It was my interpretation of #2’s comment that if you use “Holiday Party” you are a “Bleeding heart liberal.” However, I do want to clear up the fact that I do not think that people who refer to “Christmas Party” are idiots. It was in reference to the “bleeding heart liberal” reference. At any rate, my reference to “idiot” was just as uncalled for, and for that, I sincerely apologize to anyone I might have offended. May 2009 be better for everyone!
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