Forced Vacations

Here is a recap of a conversation last night:

Attorney 1: Well, I took a job and gave my notice today.

Me: Wow. What did your boss say?

Attorney 1: He told me to pack my belongings and get out.


It seems inevitable that when a young attorney gives notice at a firm the firm just tells that attorney to finish the day and take a hike. No two week notice required. I know this has happened to several of my friends, and in fact happened to me as well.

This creates an interesting situation. On the one hand, the office manager/partner is telling the young associate that the associate's work is worthless and he or she is dispensable at any given moment. While that may true, it also creates a sense of unease for the associates who remain at the firm. Inevitably they will ask themselves whether they too are valueless. Insecurity and lawyers just don't mix.

On the other hand, the smart fired/quitting associates will see this as what it is- an opportunity to truly take a break from lawyering. If you go on vacation while still employed, somewhere in the back of your brain are lingering thoughts of billable hours, letters that have to go out, pending motions, and trial prep. If, however, you go on vacation while unemployed, theoretically you won't have any of those thoughts. This a unique opportunity and one that should be seized!

In the end my response to Attorney 1 was At least you can take a nice vacation before you start your next job.


As an aside, when I got my forced vacation, I went to the pictured location. It was AWESOME.