Job Hunting During the Vacation Season - A Good Move?

Answer:

First, bravo for planning to take a vacation! In some big firms planning an absence for more than four to five days can be perceived as disloyal or somewhat irresponsible. The topic of how lawyers take or don't take vacations deserves an essay in itself. Read that essay here.


Once, after practicing for three years with very little time off, I planned a 16-day vacation out of the lower 48. I had a hard time with guilt and foreboding as I blocked the time out. As the date approached to take off, my anxiety hit the red zone. It didn't help that the week before my vacation, more than a few of my colleagues stopped by my office to express sorrow that I was leaving the firm.

"I'm not leaving the firm," I said.

"But no one would go away for two weeks unless they planned to quit soon after their return."

"I don't plan to quit."

Their puzzled looks only heightened my fear that I might be shooting myself in the foot. My primary supervising attorney wasn't thrilled. We had a few terse interchanges about deadlines and my current billable-hours status, both of which were under control. By the time I left on vacation, I had resolved that if this vacation cost me my job, it was a bridge I had to cross.

The result was unexpected. Two weeks in the wilderness really cleaned out the cobwebs. It had been more than six years since I had last escaped civilization and seen the world through a broader lens. That time away from the firm sowed seeds of doubt about how I was balancing my time (or not). That overdue vacation actually started me down a path that led to leaving my firm. But it didn't have anything to do with my firm's reaction, just mine.

Surprisingly, when I returned I was greeted with open arms and enthusiasm to "hear all about it," and I was able to pick up fairly easily from where I left off. I smiled to myself when my supervisor planned a vacation to the same spot the following year. And others began to block out time.

One of the named partners used to give a talk once a year that included the importance of taking vacations. We all wanted to believe him, but the competitive atmosphere and the pivotal review periods created an internal culture that equated daily presence and access with loyalty and sacrifice for the firm. Most of us didn't want to risk that impression.

So how do you add a job hunt to a scenario that might already be a little tricky? First, you do what all the books tell you about basic planning. Plan your vacation way ahead of time. Put it in all pertinent shared calendars. Work ahead on deadlines. Anticipate your plan for coverage. You may need different people to cover different things. Have a backup system for your backups. Communicate well with the colleagues and clients you work with on a frequent basis. If you are a litigator and your work demands can suddenly materialize with little notice, have some flexibility in your plans.

Most importantly, adopt the right attitude. While you are speaking to people about your plans for coverage or working late to clear deadlines the weeks before, it doesn't hurt if you have a goofy smile on your face and you communicate your excitement about what you have planned. Guilt and fear and anxiety about taking a vacation can be a communicable disease. Fortunately, a joyous attitude that reflects a balanced dedication to the firm and to taking care of you can also spread from person to person. You are not only taking care of yourself, you may be giving someone else permission by example to care for himself or herself as well.

Assuming you have a well-planned vacation on the books, unless there are exceptional circumstances, I would advise you not to change your plans. A job search is inherently unpredictable, especially in this market. There are no guarantees of interviews or offers. If you do get a request for an interview, you may be able to fold it into your vacation time. Or if a firm wants you to fly cross-country the week you return from vacation, most firms will work to find a time on a Monday or Friday.

Recruiting staff understand schedules and the demands on attorneys. Do keep your recruiter updated on your location. There is nothing more frustrating than to have netted the extremely hard-to-get interview only to find the candidate is out of the country when the key partner is available.

And if you are lucky enough to receive the perfect offer two weeks after you return from vacation, show some sensitivity in negotiating a stop date. Err on the side of helping your old firm even if you may be a bit compromised yourself for a few days. Treat people well, including yourself, and it's more than possible to find a great new job, have a vacation, and leave your old firm in their good graces.
 

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.