For attorneys taking court vacation (the protected break between calendared appearances). Three templates that handle deadline-aware coverage, partner routing, and the unique demands of a legal practice during your absence.
Quick answer
An attorney's court vacation OOO message must address filing deadlines, opposing counsel matters, and client crises — each potentially routed to a different partner or associate. Use Template 1 for standard court vacation, Template 2 for split coverage, Template 3 for solo practitioners.
Template 1 — Standard court vacation (single coverage)
Standard
Hello,
Thank you for your email. I am on court vacation from [start date] until [return date]. Per court rules, no scheduled hearings or filing deadlines fall within this period for my matters; however, I am not checking email or voicemail.
For urgent matters that cannot wait, please contact my partner [partner name] at [partner email]. They have full coverage of my caseload during my absence.
I will respond to your message upon my return.
Best regards,
[Your name], Esq.
Template 2 — Split coverage (multiple partners)
Split
Hello,
I am on court vacation from [start date] through [return date] and not checking email.
For matters during my absence, coverage is split as follows:
— Filing deadlines or court orders: [partner 1 name] at [email]
— Active litigation matters: [partner 2 name] at [email]
— Client emergencies and new business: [partner 3 name] at [email]
If you are uncertain whom to contact, our office at [main number] will direct you appropriately.
Thank you,
[Your name], Esq.
Template 3 — Solo practitioner
Solo
Hi,
I'm out on court vacation [start date]–[return date]. I have arranged for [colleague firm or attorney] at [email] to cover any urgent matters that cannot wait.
For non-urgent matters, please email me — I'll respond when I return on [return date]. If you are an existing client and your matter is truly urgent (filing deadline, court order, opposing counsel demand), please contact [coverage attorney].
Best,
[Your name], Esq.
What makes attorney OOO different
Court rules govern absences. Court vacation is a protected period — clients and opposing counsel are expected to respect it within rule limits.
Different urgent matters need different responders. A filing deadline goes to a litigation partner; a new client inquiry goes to intake. Don't lump them.
Be explicit about not checking email. Some attorneys check anyway; if you mean it, say it firmly.
Cover the active matter list before you go. Brief your coverage on what's hot.
Don't promise quick response on return. 800 emails take time to triage.
One coverage email gets buried. OutOfOfficePro routes by urgency type — the caller picks "filing deadline" or "client crisis" and reaches the right partner directly, with the matter context emailed to them. $9.99/month.