If you’re one of those people who regard lunch as one of the few moments of blessed solace in the day, this piece is not for you. A great man once said, “Food is an unavoidable evil.” And by “evil,” he meant distraction from work.

But this isn’t supposed to be a message to start hating on lunch down-time. On the contrary, it’s possible to use lunch as a means of boosting productivity, networking, or both.

Expensed Meals, Team Morale

Many firms have taken to the habit of allowing teams of attorneys to go out on the firm’s dime, so long as the main purpose is work. However, even if employees end up talking about non-work-related stuff once in a while, the very act of going out to eat without the worry of who will take care of the bill has a great effect of boosting morale. After eating, people tend to be more productive and focused – so long as the meal wasn’t too carb heavy.

Networking Over Food

If you really want to be ambitious during your lunch break, consider scheduling lunch with people who can potentially give you business. For example, consider scheduling lunch with former law school friends or lawyers you know from other firms. You may also consider lunching with bankers, accountants, or other professionals who may be able to give you work. You will be surprised by how much time can be used to generate future business … without ever actually taking time out of your day.

Of course, not everyone is sold on the idea of staying productive during lunch. For example, the Japanese are famed for encouraging workers to sleep at work when they begin to feel drowsy. If that sounds a bit extreme, there are still plenty of reasons to simply relax during lunch.

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  • Lawsuits Seek Justice for Those Affected by Flint’s Tainted Water (FindLaw’s Strategist)
  • ABA to Beef up Ethics Rule on Workplace Discrimination (FindLaw’s Strategist)
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Use Your Bar’s Lawyer Ethics Hotline (FindLaw’s Strategist)

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