A friend shared this with me. I had just returned from vacation, so, I thought this was very appropriate. Meanwhile, a commentary I guest wrote on MyShingle.com from 2009 rings true nearly 15 years later (I think I just need to update some of the technology I referenced):

“…Remember, there are things you can do to help alleviate your worries about your practice while on vacation.  First, bring a laptop.  You can conduct much of your business when you have your business with you.  I use a program that keeps my law office files in sync (e.g., SugarSync - Dropbox) between my laptop and my desktop.  The program also serves as a backup with an offsite server for data loss protection.  Sure, there are means that allow you to virtualize into your office desktop, but if the power goes out and/or you lose your connection with your desktop, what will you do?

Use Adobe Standard Acrobat Pro (or a different suite depending on your needs) and start scanning your documents (a scanner is purchased separately plenty of articles on what scanner is best for you on other sites).  It’s easier to carry your office in a laptop than a laptop and all of your office files.  (Make sure you password-protect your laptop too!)  Most word processing programs allow you to turn a document into a pdf (with your digital signature).  This, in turn, allows you to e-mail and/or fax files from your vacation spot (for more on faxing from your laptop, see below).

Make sure the place you are staying has internet access.  Resorts will probably charge you a fee, but in my opinion, it’s worth the expense.  (Make sure you are using a VPN!) Online faxing: Granted, the hotel (or nearby Kinkos depending on location) may have a fax machine, but it can be costly and a little time-consuming.  I use E-fax, which allows me to either fax from my web browser or my e-mail suite.  (Maybe even consider bringing a portable scanner, but that may be excessive?)  I also receive my faxes (with E-fax) via e-mail in PDF.

I would consider using a mobile phone (with international capabilities).  It would allow you to keep track of voicemail back at the office and easily return pressing calls.  Of course, it didn’t help that I forgot mine Opps!  But I was saved given that I had a phone provider that allows you to receive via e-mail .wav file attachments of my voice-mail messages (Love Vonage!).  (It just sucked that I had to pay the hotel quite a fee for my long-distance call back to the United States.)  Consider using a Virtual Office (or some part-time support):  I can pay a la carte to have someone check my mail (and phone messages if I so desire or needed), e-mail me a daily list of my mail, and scan and e-mail me anything that I believe is pressing.  It’s almost like I never left the office!  My wife is so thrilled . . .

But thankfully, very understanding and supportive.

Happy Lawyering!