The legal profession is notorious for its demanding schedule, often leaving attorneys with little opportunity to unwind and recharge. However, Jordan Rothman, a partner at the Rothman Law Firm, posits that one of the most ideal periods for lawyers to revitalise is the last week of the year. Rothman argues that the natural slowdown during this period renders it the perfect time for legal professionals to take a well-deserved break. Yet, surprisingly, fewer legal professionals appear to be embracing this opportunity.
Rothman’s advocacy stems from his personal experience. At the beginning of his career, while working in a law firm that offered substantial vacation time, he chose to utilise this benefit during the last week of the year, translating to a more rejuvenating experience. Rothman did not embark on any travel but indulged in his hobbies and kept pace with the latest movies and television shows. The resultant impact on his productivity was significantly positive when he resumed work.
While it may be tempting to demonstrate commitment to work by showing up during the holidays, Rothman underscores that a career is a marathon and not a sprint. There’s little to gain from presenteeism in the legal field around the holidays. Instead, he encourages more legal professionals to take advantage of the end-of-year slowdown. This strategy not only aids personal benefits but makes employees more effective on their return to work at the start of the new year.
The full rationale behind Rothman’s advocacy for end-year leave amongst legal professionals can be examined in his article, as discussed here.