“I'd like to dial it back 5% or 10% and try to have a vacation that's not just email with a view.” – Elon Musk

As we all mourn the official end of summer, it may seem like an inopportune time to speak about vacations, which for many, in September, seem to be light-years away. But despite what may seem like bad timing—summer gone, a fading memory of long days and warm weather, shorter days and more time in the office ahead—it is submitted that September is a very good time to examine how law firms treat vacations and sabbaticals even if only to rekindle the giddy hope of future time away from work.

In this month's column, we examine some of the reasons for vacations and sabbaticals and suggest language for partnership agreements to address these important issues.