As Promised: Nutbag Lawyer Hassles Secretary Over Four Pounds

Ketchup Spill Sets Off Lawyer-Secretary Feud

LONDON (June 17) - An e-mail 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 e-mailed the secretary to ask her to pay a four-pound ($7.30) dry-cleaning bill after she accidentally spilled tomato ketchup on his trousers.

Several newspapers on Friday reprinted the exchange, which began with a May 25 message purportedly from Phillips, a senior associate at law firm Baker & McKenzie, to his secretary.

''Hi Jenny. I went to a dry cleaners at lunch and they said it would cost 4 pounds to remove the ketchup stains. If you cd let me have the cash today, that wd be much appreciated,'' it said.

Amner, who was off work because of her mother's death, replied in piquant style on June 3.

''With reference to the e-mail below, 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 4 pounds,'' said the e-mail.

''I apologize again for accidentally getting a few splashes of ketchup on your trousers. Obviously your financial need as a senior associate is greater than mine as a mere secretary.''


Amner sent the exchange to colleagues, who passed it on to others. Along the way, recipients added comments, many criticizing Phillips for his stinginess.

Baker & McKenzie said the incident was ''a private matter between two members of staff that clearly got out of hand.''

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Geez, what an ass. Four freaking pounds. That's what, 15 seconds or so of billable hours paid? Talk about a skinflint! You probably couldn't pull a dime out of his ass with a tractor. And to bother this woman over this pittance during her mother's funeral? Cheap AND heartless.