As attorneys, we’ve all been there – you’re supposed to be enjoying a well-deserved break, but deadlines don’t pause for vacation. Or maybe you’re traveling for depositions, client meetings, or court appearances in another city. Either way, you need to maintain productivity while away from your office.
I recently found myself working from Florence, Italy (not South Carolina…my principals work there, too :-), and it got me thinking about the strategies that actually work for maintaining productivity on the road. After years of balancing travel with the demands of running a disability law practice, I’ve distilled it down to three non-negotiable principles that will keep you productive anywhere.
Tip #1: Plan Like Your Practice Depends On It (Because It Does)
The biggest mistake I see attorneys make is assuming they can “figure it out” once they arrive at their destination. That’s a recipe for frustration and lost productivity.
Before you book that hotel, verify they have reliable WiFi and actual workspace. Don’t just check the box that says “business center” – call and ask specific questions. Is there a proper desk in the room? What’s the WiFi speed? Is there a backup connection if the main network fails?
Pack your personal hotspot device. Hotel WiFi can be unreliable, especially when you’re dealing with confidential client information that requires a secure connection. Your cellular hotspot might be slower, but it’s your lifeline when the hotel network inevitably has issues.
Bring the tech gear that makes you productive at home. If you’re used to dual monitors, bring that portable monitor. If you need specific cables, adapters, or a particular mouse – pack them. The goal is to recreate your productive environment as much as possible.
Tip #2: Block Your Time (And Defend Those Blocks Fiercely)
This is where most traveling attorneys fail. They either spend the entire trip glued to their laptop, missing the point of being away, or they get so distracted by their surroundings that critical work gets ignored.
Schedule specific hours for work – and stick to them religiously. I recommend blocking work time the same way you’d schedule a client meeting. During these hours, you’re unavailable for sightseeing, family activities, or exploring. Outside these hours, you’re unavailable for work.
Communicate these boundaries to everyone. Your team, your family, even yourself – everyone needs to understand when you’re working and when you’re not. This prevents the constant interruption that kills productivity and the guilt that comes from half-working while half-vacationing.
Build realistic expectations. If you need two hours to complete a task at home, assume you’ll need three hours on the road. Technical hiccups, unfamiliar environments, and travel fatigue all impact efficiency.
Tip #3: Leverage Your Tech Stack (And Master Async Communication)
If you’re still managing your practice through email and sticky notes, traveling will expose every weakness in your operations. But if you’ve invested in proper systems, remote work becomes much smoother.
Use your task management tools religiously. Whether it’s Asana, Monday.com, or another platform, make sure everything you need to accomplish is clearly documented and accessible from anywhere. This isn’t the time to rely on memory or paper notes left on your office desk.
Master asynchronous communication tools. Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams are invaluable for staying connected with your team without requiring everyone to be online simultaneously. Set clear expectations that responses aren’t immediate – this isn’t texting. But use these platforms to maintain project momentum without derailing everyone’s schedule.
Ensure your case management software is cloud-accessible. If you can’t access client files, deadlines, and case notes from anywhere with internet access, you’re operating with a significant disadvantage in today’s legal landscape.
Bonus Tip: Prepare for Murphy’s Law
Here’s the reality: something will go wrong. The hotel WiFi will crash during an important video call. Construction will start at 6 AM next door. Your laptop will choose this moment to install critical updates.
We’re lawyers – we know how to prepare for the unexpected. Have backup plans for your backup plans. Know where the nearest coffee shop with WiFi is located. Bring noise-canceling headphones. Pack essential documents in both digital and physical formats.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Learning to work effectively while traveling isn’t just about vacation productivity. It’s about building a practice that can function regardless of your physical location. This resilience served attorneys well during the pandemic, and it continues to provide competitive advantages today.
For those of us who coach other attorneys, demonstrating this flexibility sets an example for what’s possible. Your referral partners and clients notice when you can maintain the same level of service regardless of circumstances.
Your Turn
What strategies have worked for you when practicing law on the road? What disasters have you learned from? I’m always interested in hearing from fellow attorneys about what works – and what doesn’t.
Drop me a line at Tucker@tuckerdisability.com and share your travel productivity tips.
