Auto-Replies in Gmail

The firm has a strict policy against attorneys using auto-replies for clients.  We never want to leave a client with the impression that we are not available.  Therefore you should never set up a general auto-reply to be out of the office.

If there is some reason an attorney is unable to access email from home, their phone, or just about any other Internet connected device  for an extended period of time, we can make arrangements to have a partner monitor your mail.

Gmail, however, has an option in its auto-reply to send auto-replies only to other people within the firm (i.e. to anyone who emails you from a margolisedelstein.com address).  This usage is permissible and can be an easy way to let people know you are out of the office when they are trying to contact you.

To set up an internal auto-reply, open your Gmail settings, toward the bottom is a box for "Vacation Responder."  Turn the Responder on.  Enter the dates you want it to be active and the message you want sent.

BE SURE to check the box that says "Only send a response to people in Margolis Edelstein."  We only want this message to respond to internal emails, not to clients.  Save changes and you are done.  Below is an example:

The auto-reply will automatically kick in on the "first day" you selected and will automatically turn off on the "last day" selected.  So once configured, there is no need to mess with it again until you want to change it to a new set of dates.