I get that we are all super involved navigating client, family, work, and friend obligations, but we should take a little time away from work. A study of nearly 40,000 attorneys concludes that 47.5% of lawyers reported high or very high work-related burnout.¹ Ten years ago, as a younger attorney, I never would have said this. I was head down, working constantly with no end in sight. Looking back, I wasn’t living in the moment or protecting my mental wellness, and that was a mistake. With a strong push from my wife and the ability to complete more work away from the office in the wake of COVID, I understand I need time away from work to refocus, gain perspective, and to realize there is life outside of work.
With this in mind, I recently returned from a four-day, 50+ mile hiking trip in the Grand Canyon. Previously, I would’ve found about 15 work-related excuses for postponing such a trip. But, as I’ve tried to focus more on valuing time outside the office, I am reminded that the firm will continue to evolve without me glued to my phone and/or computer all day, every day. In full disclosure, I did have wifi every evening and caught up on any urgent issues via email at least once a day. The point is that I had no cell reception for roughly four days and the world didn’t stop.
I encourage everyone to set aside time and take the trip you’ve been meaning to take. The cases and clients will be here when you get back. I’ve found clients are fine with you having limited availability for periods of time so long as you communicate that to them and possibly designate a colleague for them to contact in the event of anything urgent that might arise during your unavailability. 
I return to the office more focused and efficient after time off. Perhaps it’s because I’m thinking clearer and/or more relaxed, but I am more productive if I have time away from the office. 
Law firms are starting to encourage time away from the office. A friend of mine in Miami, Florida is currently on his second three-month mandatory sabbatical from a Big Law firm where he’s an executive committee member and a practice group leader. He’s traveling extensively internationally during his sabbatical and told me he very much appreciates the time away from the office. 
Understanding that we all need a little time away, log into the HUB and let me know where you’re headed next.

     1. “When demands equal distress: An updated understanding of lawyer mental health and well-being,” Krill, Patrick R. & Anker, Justin J., Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 415, Article 122479 (Oct. 2, 2026); available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032726013327#s0165 (last visited Oct. 5, 2026).