Summer Vacation – A Guide to Taking One

For lawyers, vacations can help reduce exhaustion and increase job satisfaction upon their return. However, many attorneys have trouble finding time to get away, and others work remotely even when they’re out of the office. To get the most benefit out of your vacation, try these tips!

Tip #1 – Plan in Advance

  • If possible, plan far in advance!
    • By planning ahead, you have the opportunity to vacation where you (and your family) want to, rather than just choose from “last minute getaways…”
    • Try and plan your vacation during your “slow season” (depending upon your area of practice, for example, if you’re a tax attorney, don’t plan a vacation in April)
    • This allows your partners/associates to not have to cover your cases as much in your absence, and alleviates your stress while out of the office
    • But be sure to leave any notes, directions, etc. for counsel covering any of your cases/hearings that cannot be moved or scheduled to a different date while you are out of the office

Tip #2 – Communicate Your Travel Plans

  • Once you’ve made vacation plans, tell everyone who may impacted or may need you in your absence
    • May include clients, coworkers, opposing counsel, judges, clerks, etc.
    • Make sure you set expectations for your time away (time to respond to calls/texts; emails; etc.)
    • Make sure you tell people how to reach you (if you decide so, and what time you will be available)
    • Set clear phone and email out-of-office messages to communicate your availability and dates of return

TIP #3 – Delegate Tasks

  • Utilize your staff!
    • Provide advance warning about your time off to allow staff to prepare.
    • Make sure staff has access to any necessary files during your absence.
  • If you have a case(s) on a docket that you cannot get continued during your vacation, ask a colleague within your office or ask another attorney to cover the case for you.
    • If you are a solo practitioner or are unable to find someone to cover a case for you, reach out to the Judge’s chambers. Chambers’ staff may be able to advise the Judge so that the court will be informed as to your absence, and not hold it against your client.

TIP #4 – Plan for the Unexpected

  • Many attorneys have a hard time being offline or feeling disconnected.
    • Accordingly, bring your phone, device or laptop, but have limitations on usage.
    • Make sure that your vacation spot has Wi-Fi or internet access if you know that is essential to your relaxation and well-being.

TIP #5 – Schedule “Reentry” Time

  • DO NOT schedule client meetings or court appearances on your first day in the office back UNLESS it is absolutely necessary.
    • Giving yourself a “buffer day” back in the office will allow you to slowly get back to your normal schedule and tackle not only what you have missed while on vacation, but what is new.
    • Consider taking an extra day or two of time off from work if you know the workload waiting for you upon your return is going to be voluminous or cause you even more stress to go through.
      • Don’t allow your vacation to cause even more stress or work upon yourself when you return. Having pre-vacation plans in place, along with a strong network of colleagues and assistants, will facilitate this, and allow you to enjoy your time off!