Most lawyers aren’t offered the chance at taking a sabbatical leave. But, those lucky
ones who are given the opportunity — usually partners at BigLaw firms — rarely accept
the offer. Why not?
In this month’s Washington Lawyer cover story, “Time Out, Time Off: Lawyers on Sabbatical,”
(Aug. 2005) Joan Indiana Rigdon raises some of the issues, while assessing the benefits of
extended leave for lawyers, and giving examples from lives of various D.C. lawyers. The
article concludes:
“All the lawyers interviewed for this article say their sabbaticals recharged
them. But most lawyers never seriously consider sabbaticals because they seem risky
and daunting. For the fearful, [Wilmer Cutler partner, John] Payton has this advice:
‘I don’t know anyone who’s taken a sabbatical, or who’s taken a break like I did
and done something quite different, who has any regrets at all. Not a single person.
It’s always a hassle to work it out, the arrangements and all. But I don’t know a single
person who has any regrets once they do.'”
The firms mentioned in the article have many approaches to sabbaticals. Some offer them
to partners every six or seven years at full pay, some at half pay. Some require the leave
be used to do pro bono work or teach; some have no strings attached. The periods can be
as short as one to three months, or as long as a year.
Why don’t lawyers take sabbaticals when they’re available? Maybe because:
– they think they’re indispensible
– they think leaving will show they’re not indispensable
– they can’t imagine a few months or a year without working
– they’re afraid they’ll like not working too much
– they don’t want the stigma of appearing to need a break
– they don’t want time to reflect on a career change and life priorities
(quite a few sabbaticans never return to their old jobs)
– they’re too disorganized to prepare for a prolonged leave
– they’re afraid personal clients will be “insitutionalized” to the firm
– they think sabbaticals are just recruiting tools and not actually
encouraged by the firm
– they can’t take or don’t want the reduction in income
– they can’t coordinate a leave with their spouse or children
etc. etc.
Would you take a sabbatical, if offered? What would you do with your time away?
Do you think you’ll return to your current job? Being retired, I don’t have to answer.
it’s all yours
butterfly, take a rest
on the mushroom
For $60, the ABA offers Rest Assured: The Sabbatical Solution for
Lawyers, by Lori Simon Gordon (ABA, 2003), which has corporate best
practice comparisons, and discusses common management concerns
and client reactions, plus logistics tips for firm and lawyer for this
“investment in productivity and loyalty.”
at my hut too
a rice-planting rest…
comrades
they curse the first snow
like it’s a beggar…
rest stop
translated by David G. Lanoe
by dagosan
the retiree’s wife —
planning
his sabbatical
[Aug. 6, 2005]
I’d like to get out all together, but I think a simple reason a lot of lawyers would not take a sabbatical is that there’d be no guarantee you’d have any work left when you got back.
Much of a career is directed towards trying to build relationships with clients. Taking off for an extended time will mean they will go elsewhere, and many may not come back when you do.
Comment by Yeoman — August 10, 2005 @ 1:27 am
I’d like to get out all together, but I think a simple reason a lot of lawyers would not take a sabbatical is that there’d be no guarantee you’d have any work left when you got back.
Much of a career is directed towards trying to build relationships with clients. Taking off for an extended time will mean they will go elsewhere, and many may not come back when you do.
Comment by Yeoman — August 10, 2005 @ 1:27 am
Thanks for writing, Yeoman. I’m stilling hoping you will find a niche in law that suits your wants and needs.
I think you’re right about the fear of “losing” clients. Taking a sabbatical takes a lot of planning to make sure clients feel well-served in your absence. Of course absence may indeed make the client grow fonder of you and rejoice at your return.
Comment by David Giacalone — August 12, 2005 @ 2:18 pm
Thanks for writing, Yeoman. I’m stilling hoping you will find a niche in law that suits your wants and needs.
I think you’re right about the fear of “losing” clients. Taking a sabbatical takes a lot of planning to make sure clients feel well-served in your absence. Of course absence may indeed make the client grow fonder of you and rejoice at your return.
Comment by David Giacalone — August 12, 2005 @ 2:18 pm