As a demographic, lawyers are hardly known for their ability to relax and have fun. Perhaps the fact that lawyers work some of the longest hours out of any other profession might have something to do with it. The staggering caseloads, demanding clients, staffing shortages, and the myriad case duties mean that many of us rarely if ever, go on vacation.
However, this isn't the way things should be. Just like every other profession, lawyers are entitled to their R&R. Going on vacation is not only good for your mental and emotional wellbeing, but it is also likely to make you much more productive once you get back to the office.
Enjoying a stress and guilt free vacation as a lawyer is entirely possible an even easy, you just need to do some planning. Here's what every sun, sea, and sangria-starved lawyer need to know.
Plan Ahead, Way Ahead
The schedule of a lawyer can be hard to predict at the best of times. Especially during your early days as a lawyer, you might be worried that even a weekend away could mean that you miss the chance to land a "big" case. Furthermore, the endless unexpected complications that a case tends to throw up can always throw a spanner in the works. The most effective way to mitigate this is to plan ahead, with some lawyers recommending that you plan your vacation at least a full 6 months in advance.
Let Everyone Know
Once you've committed to going on vacation, it's time to shout it from the rooftops. The most important people who need to know are any judges you're working with. Give them as much advance notice as possible, even if your vacation is months away. Tell your superiors and be firm about it - as long as you give them enough notice then they''re unlikely to grumble once the time comes. This also reduces the possibility of having your plans derailed by a sudden influx of work.
Hustle for Bonuses
So you've got your time off in the calendar and you're ready to jet off to Tuscany. Now it's time to do what you as a lawyer do best; negotiate to get the best deal possible. Take advantage of travel discounts and points offered specifically to lawyers via organizations like the American Bar Association. When it comes to your entertainment, never settle for anything less than the best value. Use comparison and review sites to get freebies and bonuses. This is applicable to every step of your trip; if you have a long ride to the airport and want to keep yourself entertained with online casino games such as slots, baccarat, roulette and blackjack, then the easiest way to find your online casino bonus is through reputable sites like Bonus.ca. Saved money equals saved stress.
Disconnect. Completely.
Once you're settled into your hotel it's time to do what you came to do. Whatever has featured on your vacation to-do list, be it seeing the Eiffel Tower or lounging by a beach on the Riviera, that's your priority - not emails or the thousands of "little tasks" that you feel an urge to do whenever you have a free moment and some WiFi. Set your email to "away" and commit to doing pretty much anything that isn't work. Better yet, leave your phone in the hotel room and live in the moment.
Life is short and the time we actually spend making the most of it is much shorter. Lawyers already spend very little time traveling the world and soaking up other cultures, so do it while you can. You'll never regret a good vacation.
