Vacay Mode

Lawyers need vacations too! We all desperately need to disconnect and take a real break from the office but it is so hard to do when running a busy practice and you want to be of service to your clients. Technology has changed the definition of “emergency” and there is a pressure to be available at all times. I’ll never forget being in New York City when a client called to vent about his brother. I was on my first trip with my boyfriend at the time and I explained to him that when you’re a lawyer, it never ends. 


It is really up to us to choose ourselves and do something different. Here are three simple boundaries you can create when going on vacation:


1. Create a detailed out of office message. Identify what day you will be coming back to the office and who can be contacted in your absence. Note that you will not be checking your emails or answering calls while you are away. Set clear expectations.


2. Notify your most active clients that you will be gone and let them know the status of their case. Your clients always want to know what is going on in their case and rather than disrupt your time off by answering questions, ensure they have none before you go. Most clients will respect your efforts to keep them informed and your space.


3. Be clear with your staff about your availability. If you want to disconnect completely, let them know not to contact you unless it is an emergency. If someone is filling in for you while you're away, let them know who to contact. Provide guidance to your staff so they know what to do while you're gone.


In the digital age, there will always be a pull towards being available. It is up to you to create clear lines and make an effort to disconnect. The benefit of coming back refreshed and motivated is worth it. If you need help creating and keeping boundaries, contact me. It’s important and it’s worth working on.

 

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