I have given advice to a client wearing my swimming costume (I mean I was wearing the trunks, not the client). I do not know what the SRA would say about that. They would ask what was the objective and the desired outcome. I also spoke to my bank manager and my secretary in the same attire (separately, if you understand what I mean).

We are just coming to the end of the time of year when the holidays we booked months ago, when we still had some money, suddenly loomed up on us. How do solicitors prepare for them?

The advocate in you knows that preparation is everything. The choice is to either go through each and every cabinet and write meticulous notes on each file or do nothing and hope for the best.

If we decide on the notes option we know of course these holiday notes will sit unread until we return but the good thing is during the process of looking at the files we will find some vital point that has been overlooked. Some files are probably only looked at once a year.

In the run-up to the holiday most of us come in to the office even earlier than usual and work later trying to 'get up to date' on everything. We work on every file then return to huge pile of correspondence sent no doubt from other solicitors trying to 'catch up'.

If you are technologically adept you can an automated message to pop up to say you are on holiday and when you will be back. The problem is you have to remember to turn the thing off or your clients will think you have retired to Margate or wherever.

The problem of technology is it promised an easier life, with instant cheap communication between happy people, delighted to talk to each other. What it has delivered is a world where no-one is ever able to get away from the office as the work place is anywhere there is a portable device.

The temptation is to do just that. Park the car, find a nice beach. Unload children, wife, bucket and spade and set up camp like British families on holiday do. The children go off exploring and say I will just be there in a minute and then surreptitiously check the phone for emails and missed calls. With the current business pressures, this will get worse; the temptation is to keep in touch in case of missing out on new work or problems at the office.

Everyone expects to be able to contact us on demand.

The reality is of course that within hours of getting back we hardly feel we have been away at all. The holiday slips into a distant memory. People have just had to cope without your presence. Somehow they managed fine without you.

Clients did not go berserk and run amok, the courts did not list all your cases with no notice, the staff and your colleagues did not seem to miss you much, the office did not burn down (shame?). Still there is always next year.

Here, at the end of the holidays, is a simple quiz to test your enjoyment:

a) Did you write notes on each file and give a copy to all colleagues knowing no-one will look at it?

b) Did you write to all clients saying going away and they must not leave their homes or get into trouble while way?

c) Did you leave notes on the piles of papers and files with instructions DO NOT TOUCH?

Last visit to office

a) Did you take a few days off before to pack, buy sun oil, and travel guides?

b) Did you leave early on the last day to help with packing?

c) Did you call in at office on way to airport/ferry to check a limitation period and post a letter?

On holiday

a) Did you forget about work and wonder why you do not spend more time with the family?

b) Did you take a few files with you to work on the beach?

c) Did you take a copy of the latest guidance on rules, indemnity, to read at night?

Calling the office

a) Did you never think about work - let alone call the office?

b) Did you call only if there was an emergency?

c) Did you call the office once a day to make sure all is well?

Keep in touch

a) Did you give your secretary the telephone number of the hotel for emergencies only?

b) Did you check blackberry iPhone for urgent cases only?

c) Did you plan excursions by reference to hotspots to allow for constant connection?

Wish you were here?

a) Did you send a witty postcard on the first day to allow plenty of time for it to get back?

b) Did you buy a postcard but only find it when unpacking at home and then hand it in?

c) Did you think they would not like it anyway so why bother?

On the beach?

a) Did you forget about work?

b) Did you chat to other lawyers you met on the beach about new cases, and problems with LSC?

c) Did you visit the local courthouse/prosecutor and demand a guided tour?

Switching off

a) Did you study the brochure small print to see how much you can sue the tour company for?

b) Did you announce to the armed customs officer you are a solicitor and must not be searched?

c) Did you try to recall a case called Swann Tours?

Presents

a) Did you buy a nice present for the secretary and goodies for everyone?

b) Did you buy a cheap box of biscuits at the supermarket when stocking up after you got home?

c) Are you thinking 'what presents?'?

Answers

Mainly a)s You are well-adjusted and thoroughly prepared. Are you sure you are a solicitor?

Mainly b)s Doing well, but room for improvement.

Mainly c)s You need a holiday.

David Pickup is a partner in Aylesbury based Pickup & Scott