Entry-Level A**hole

(I work at a large law firm. I cover the phones while the receptionist goes to lunch. This particular day, someone from the firm’s legal department happens to be in the vicinity when the phone rings.)

Me: “[Firm], how can I help you?”

(The customer immediately launches into a long and technical explanation about a paper he needs. I have no idea what he’s talking about, but I can tell it’s most likely related to a company owned by the firm, and not the firm itself, so I try to get more information. He’s already made several threats to sue the firm, and me, if I don’t comply, which I might have taken more seriously if he hadn’t led with that. I’m beginning to lose my patience, especially as I have no idea what he’s talking about whatsoever, and I’m 90% sure it’s not even related to this firm.)

Me: “Okay, sir, let me see what I can find out about that. Can I get your name and number and get back to you?”

Caller: *exhales loudly* “Look, can I speak to someone less… entry-level?”

Me: “…”

(It turned out that the form he wanted was from a case the other company had handled ten years ago. The firm lawyer who overheard my call wrote an email to the correct person and copied me on it, adding a warning to the person that the caller had been rude to me. The lawyer sent me a note, as well, making sure I was okay.)