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The summer’s almost over, and despite the less than ideal weather experienced across the country, it is generally a time for vacations and relaxation — two things that aren’t the most common in Biglaw. But it’s good news when attorneys can participate in the annual tradition.
Everyone at Crowell & Moring received an email this morning from chair Philip Inglima (available in full on the next page) about his summer vacation. What may seem like bragging actually reads like a gentle reminder that everyone needs vacations. He writes that because of the teamwork at the firm he was able to get away for two weeks:
[T]he world (somehow) kept turning. I know, that’s hard to believe, but Crowell and the rest of the cosmos remained in balance, without me. That’s because everything we do here is a team effort, and it works best that way. So I leaned on lots of other colleagues to make it possible for me to really pull away. (And I send thanks again to all of you who carry me – both when I’m around, and when I’m not!)
And that getting away is essential for mental health:
I needed it. We all pride ourselves on being able to “power through” the pressures and demands of our work; in our business, that’s become almost a badge of honor. But taking the time to refresh, recharge, and refocus is essential to our well-being, and helpful to our professional effectiveness. I came back from my break with a lot of work awaiting me, but also with a level of energy and enthusiasm that was waning in the days before I left. And as the fall season approaches, and with it the increased work that always seems to coincide with the “back-to-school” period in September, I’m glad to have my tank refilled.
Inglima means truly getting away too — not just sitting in a beautiful location while still doing your job, “We’re lucky to be part of a generous community, with colleagues who really want to make it possible for us to unplug. Whether the break is for two weeks, one week, or even less, the key is pulling away, with others covering your duties so you truly can be ‘away.’”
Which is a lovely sentiment. But not everyone is pleased. Above the Law received intel from tipsters at the firm practically seething with rage about the “clueless email,” that was “crowing about his lovely and relaxing 2-week vacation to the entire firm, where most lawyers don’t have such a luxury.” With some writing, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like this in my long legal career.”
But is Inglima really that out of touch?
I am sympathetic to the tipster’s anger. It’s tough when you’re in the weeds, on a case or a deal that is taking up all your time and the thought of taking two weeks off seems preposterous. And even if you could get away you feel you’d just be slammed when you get back anyway so it’s not worth it. But the only way that harmful attitude changes is by seeing emails like this from the top. The firm administration is demonstrating that mental health and well being is a priority.
The way that junior partners internalize the message that taking a break is important is by seeing firm leaders do it — walking the walk, not just talking the talk. And the way senior associates see that vacation is possible is by watching partners do it. And junior associates get the message about what is acceptable by mimicking the older associates. It all rolls downhill. If you want the culture of a firm to change, senior leadership must buy in.
Inglima is showing there’s a better way to Biglaw. We can only hope more firms have this well-balanced attitude when it comes to vacations.
And take that vacation — you really do deserve it.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @Kathryn1@mastodon.social.
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