By Guest Blogger, Melanie Fischer
Summer is practically over. Did you put off taking a vacation again this year? If so, rest assured. You’re not alone. Many solo attorneys consider taking a few days off each summer, but ultimately end up either never planning the vacation or cancelling it at the last minute.
As the owner of a small law firm, you’re in business for yourself. Theoretically, anyone who owns their own business can create their own schedule. If you want to take a vacation, you should be able to block a week on your calendar and go anywhere you want.
But, wait. As a solo attorney, there’s little doubt that you realize taking a week-long vacation is much easier said than done. In fact, the mere notion of leaving your office and not returning for a full week probably seems absolutely impossible.
It’s too late to take a vacation this summer, because this year’s summer is over and done. Even though you may have toyed with the idea of jetting off to an island in the Caribbean with your friends or family for a week of relaxation, you didn’t do it. Your calendar was too full, you were worried about leaving your office staff, you didn’t have backup help, you thought a new, big client would appear while you were out of town, or you were worried that something would come up at the last minute that would prevent you from going.
It’s not uncommon for solo attorneys to want a vacation each year. But when push comes to shove, and it’s time to make reservations and purchase plane tickets, the idea invariably becomes too complicated.
Don’t let this happen year after year. As a solo attorney, it’s important to realize that you CAN take a vacation. You can even take an extended vacation that lasts longer than a 3-day weekend. If you adopt the attitude that you must take time off in order to maintain your happiness, your health, and your sanity, you will be able to plan and take a vacation – and you will go back to work relaxed and ready to take the bull by the horns again. You can make it happen as long as you plan ahead, stay organized, and make a commitment that you will enjoy your time away from the office.
Following are tips on how to prepare for an extended vacation from your office. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure that your time away will be as relaxing as possible.
Plan ahead. If you plan your vacation many months before it’s supposed to occur, your calendar will allow for it. Block an entire week.
Prepare your office staff. Before you leave on vacation, have a staff meeting. Make sure to review all active client files.
Find another attorney who is willing to assist your clients with emergencies. You don’t want to leave your clients high and dry while you’re out of town. If an emergency arises, you will want another attorney to be available to handle it.
Tell your clients you’re going to be out of town. Make sure your clients know that you will be inaccessible during you vacation.
Don’t plan a trip that involves climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. If you’re nervous about leaving town for a full week or more, the last thing you want is to be in a remote area of the world where there is absolutely no cell phone reception or internet access.
Have access to your files. If you have internet access, you should have a system set up so that you can access your files in case of emergency.
Relax and enjoy. Once you’ve boarded a plane and you’re on your way out of town, it’s time to change your mind set. Do your best to get out of “work mode.”
There’s no doubt about it. Committing to taking a vacation as a solo law firm owner is a challenge in and of itself. But remember, you owe it to yourself. Everyone needs to take an occasional break!
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