The holidays are already a balancing act—tight court calendars, client meetings, office parties, and time off. But for Salt Lake City law firms, the wrong tech slip-up can turn a simple break into a client relations disaster.
This is your firm's "Holiday Tech Etiquette Guide." Because one missed voicemail or out-of-date Google listing can undo months of hard-earned trust.
Update Your Online Hours (Before Clients Start Guessing)
Imagine this: A client drives across Salt Lake to drop off a time-sensitive document because your Google profile says you’re open. But the lights are off and no one’s in.
Not only do you risk losing a client, but you could also miss a filing deadline or set off a chain of frustration inside and outside the firm.
What to update:
- Your Google Business Profile (top priority)
- Law firm listings on Avvo, Justia, and FindLaw
- Your firm’s website header or alert bar
- Any social media profiles you manage
Sample message: "Our Salt Lake City office will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 21 to Tuesday, Dec. 26. We'll resume normal hours on Dec. 27. Happy Holidays from all of us at [Your Firm Name]."
Set an Out-of-Office Reply That’s Clear, Not Cold
When clients email your team over the break, they should get a message that’s helpful—not a robotic auto-response.
Sample reply: "Thanks for reaching out. Our team is currently out of the office for the holiday and will return Wednesday, Dec. 27. For urgent legal matters, please call our office line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you a safe and peaceful holiday season."
Keep It Professional (No Oversharing, Please)
You don’t need to tell clients you’re snowboarding in Park City or sipping cocoa by the fire. In fact, oversharing can create unnecessary risk.
Keep it simple: Dates, availability, and contact instructions. Your clients want reliable legal counsel—not your holiday itinerary.
Check Your Phone System (And Voicemail Tone)
Your phone line is still a lifeline. Before the holidays hit:
- Call your main number—check the greeting.
- Update the voicemail to reflect actual holiday hours.
- Ensure on-call attorneys or admins are reachable if needed.
Sample voicemail: "You’ve reached [Your Firm Name]. Our office is closed for the holidays and will reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Please leave a message, and we’ll return your call as soon as we’re back. For urgent legal matters, press 1 to be connected to our on-call attorney."
Let Clients Know About Court Closures & Deadlines
If you deal with litigation, estate planning, or real estate, remember that clients may not understand how the holiday calendar affects deadlines.
Send a simple, proactive email with:
- Office closure dates
- Court holiday schedules
- "Last day" to get paperwork submitted in 2025
It’s not just good etiquette—it protects you from post-holiday fire drills.
The Bottom Line: Tech Etiquette Builds Client Confidence
Holiday tech etiquette is a form of client service—and a layer of your law firm’s reputation management.
When your online presence is accurate, your voicemail is helpful, and your replies are professional, clients feel taken care of—even when you’re not in the office.
And that’s where managed IT services for Salt Lake City law firms step in.
Reliable communication tools. Synced calendars. Accurate website banners. These are small details that leave a big impression during the holidays.
Want help making sure your tech, phones, and staff communications are holiday-proof?
Click here to book your free network assessment with Qual IT.
Because the only surprises your clients should get this season are the good kind.
