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Burnout is a significant issue among legal professionals, impacting approximately 52% of employees in the field. Unfortunately, many attorneys find it challenging to carve out time for a proper getaway to combat this exhaustion and enhance their overall career satisfaction. Some even continue to work remotely, even when they are supposedly on vacation, which defeats the purpose of taking time off in the first place.
As a solo attorney, it is imperative to recognize the necessity of taking time off. Regular breaks are crucial for recharging your energy, gaining perspective, and restoring your passion for your work. That’s why making a conscious effort to get away from the demands of your practice is not just a luxury—it’s a fundamental aspect of maintaining your health, happiness, and long-term success in your legal career.
Here’s how you can take a vacation as a solo lawyer without disrupting your practice.
Try to notify the courts where you have ongoing cases about your upcoming vacation plans well in advance. Many solo practitioners express concern that opposing counsel may attempt to exploit this situation by filing a lengthy motion just before their departure, possibly putting them in a difficult position. Communicating your scheduled absence to the court early on increases your chances of obtaining an extension for your response deadline, allowing for a more manageable timeline. Earlier this year, the vacation letter submission process for Texas attorneys got even easier. Cindy Tisdale discusses the update on the State Bar of Texas Podcast.
If the court cannot accommodate your request, you may need to arrange for backup support—perhaps a colleague or associate—to handle any urgent matters during your absence.
In addition, consider hiring a freelance lawyer to handle any pressing matters during your absence. This proactive step can significantly lighten your load and minimize the chaos that often ensues when catching up after a vacation.
When heading off on vacation, you need to recognize that, as a solo lawyer, completely avoiding contact with the office is nearly impossible. This connection is not just a necessity but a practical approach. The last thing you want is to return to a mountain of unresolved tasks that leave you feeling overwhelmed and in desperate need of another break to regroup. To ease the transition, set a routine for yourself: plan to check your email once a day. This will allow you to address urgent requests and keep communication flowing without getting bogged down in complicated issues that can wait until your return. Jared Correia, host of Legal Toolkit, recently shared that he loves cruising and regularly purchases the Wi-Fi package to stay in touch with his team.
On a recent episode of Un-Billable Hour’s Community Table series, Attorney Christopher T. Anderson and New Leaf Family Law Chief Strategy Officer Robert Leitner address real issues that lawyers face, specifically focusing on vacation-related matters and setting boundaries:
Vacations reinforce company culture and emphasize the importance of taking breaks. However, as a leader, you may wonder how to enjoy your time off while still managing your responsibilities and ensuring your team can handle everything effectively. Encouraging your team to take regular vacations is crucial for their renewal and well-being. Yet, it is equally important for you to model this behavior as the firm’s leader. A healthy company culture starts at the top, and your actions set the standard for your team.
Don’t know where to go? Travel Agent Samantha Hedges shared on Legal Toolkit that Mexico and the Caribbean were two of the trendiest vacation spots for lawyers following the COVID pandemic.
Take control of your email and calendar instead of allowing them to dictate your daily life. Establish clear boundaries around your work hours and set priorities that align with your values. This may involve dedicating specific times for checking emails or blocking out personal time during which you will not engage in work-related tasks.
For further insights from the podcast, play the full episode of Un-Billable Hour below:
Legal Talk Network is a podcast network for legal professionals with hosts from well-known organizations and brands in legal. Over 20 active podcasts cover important legal news and developments, including access to justice, law school, industry events, legal technology, and the future of law.
