Is it easier to take vacation in transactional vs lit? I’m in lit and because our cases can take years, we don’t get coverage for vacations beyond our case team and we’re expected to wait for a lull to take time off. But just when one case gets quiet, another heats up and I can never find a time when all my cases are quiet. I’m wondering if this is different in corporate since it’s easier to onboard people for coverage. Specifically interested in specialist groups but any answers are welcome!

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You just have to plan. Pick a two or three week vacation period way in advance. Book non refundable tickets. Send emails to your team with the dates when you book the dates, and then 4, 2, and 1 week out. Make clear that you’re going to be off the grid and unable to check email or respond to calls. Then go. The world will still be spinning when you get back.

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I’m in commercial lit, definitely agree!

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The problem with corporate is that closings and signings are pushed or randomly move up constantly. You can think it’s a good week to go because all your matters will be closed only for a closing to be pushed week after week. Echo the above I just schedule months in advance and firmly tell people I’m going

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Corporate is hell for vacations because the deals move unpredictably. I have had numerous vacations cancelled or almost cancelled or cancelled and then uncanceled and rarely know until week of if I’m actually going to be allowed to go. Also, as you get more senior you become affiliated with certain clients or transactions so there is no “just not getting staffed to whatever comes in from them”. Same deal for specialists mostly. It may be a grass is greener, but my impression has always been that lit has it easier for vacation planning because you know court dates, motion deadlines, etc. in advance.

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C1, how many partners and counsel are in your practice group?

Not in this corporate environment. Lit is also more predictable and easier to plan around

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True. But in specialty Corp where there are a lot of one off assignments, would you just not get staffed on those if you were away that week?

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I’m in litigation and I just go with a month’s notice. I wouldn’t schedule vacation if I had a trial coming up. But usually you know in advance when the trial will be scheduled. I’m scheduling a mediation for when I’m gone on vacation next month. But the partner can handle that himself and rope in another associate if needed.

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Continued - and in corporate since matters are shorter (especially specialty corporate) can you plan a vacation say a few months in advance and just not get staffed on new matters for that time? This is virtually impossible to do in lit, but in my mind, that’s probably how corporate works. Is the a fair assessment?

I think it’s easier in litigation because you have a better sense of the case schedule well in advance. Tell your team about your vacation plans 2-3 months in advance (or more if posible) and come up with a plan for who will cover your responsibilities while you’re gone. And on the flip side, make yourself available to cover for others when they’re on vacation.

Not easier in transactional.

Don’t wait for a lull! Book far enough in advance that your schedule is a total question mark, and then warn everyone else as you get closer so they just have to deal with it. Don’t your other team members do the same to you?

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