5 Ways Tech Lets You Actually Take a Vacation
With Memorial Day weekend coming up, it's time to think about treating yourself and your family to a much-needed vacation. It's difficult to leave a busy practice behind for some lawyers, but it is really important to de-stress once in a while. You will feel rested and refreshed when you return to the office in a couple weeks.
It used to be we would have to notify everyone of our absence and clear our schedule. Now, tech and vacations can work together. If you don't actually have to be somewhere, as the Lawyerist reminds us, technology can free us to get out of town and not look back. Well, not look back too much.
Here are five ways you can take a tech-sponsored vacation without your clients or opposing counsel making you regret it:
1. Have Your Phone Calls Answered
2. Get Your Mail Scanned
Some office spaces and mailbox services offer mail check and scanning for a fee. Try forwarding your law office mail to the mailbox for the duration of your vacation and have them scan and email you certain documents.
3. Upgrade to Tethering Service
You probably shouldn't completely fall off the face of the Earth, so Internet access is needed. If you haven't yet, try tethering to your phone. It works pretty well with the right plan and is wonderful in a pinch to get Internet access anywhere. You should research data plans and international fees that may apply.
4. Get Remote Access to Your Stored Files
Save most of your vacation for relaxation and fun, but during down time, you may want to check your emails for anything pressing. If you're in the cloud, make sure you have access to your client files. Some companies may be more secure than others, so be sure to do your research. One company, CloudStor, allows you to store your files on your own drive addressing security concerns with storing in another company's drive.
5. Download More Apps
If you have various subscriptions like WestlawNext or Total Attorneys, you can download the company's apps so you can access them anywhere for research and practice management.
Sidebar bonus tip: This isn't technology, but pick up the old telephone and connect with your colleagues! The importance of having trusted attorneys you can depend on is underrated. A client may call with an urgent issue that requires an ex-parte motion. Who will you count on to hold down the fort while you're away? A colleague familiar with your practice and practice area to fill in, just in case, is priceless.
Vacations are important to a balanced life, so kick back and relax. Allow technology to take over while keeping your clients happy and calm. For a moment.
Related Resources:
- How to Secure Your iPhone or Android Smartphone (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Total Attorneys Cloud Practice Management Platform: No Longer $1 (FindLaw's Technologist)
- What Tech WAS in Your Briefcase? What's in it Now? (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Mobile Apps for Lawyers: 11 Must-Have Apps for Lawyers (ABA Journal)