Competent lawyers use this facility to keep their high-paying jobs when the workflow doesn't justify their paycheque. You will be fired if you have been desked (on grounds of incompetence) and try to avail this.
You're right, I've seen that lawyers who are valued by the partner for their absolute dedication to the cause by putting in unnatural and absurd hours for this bs job at the cost of their physical and mental health (loss of eyesight, severe anxiety development, loss of childbearing ability etc sadly) will def have a chance at getting sabbaticals.
Normal well adjusted people who don't burn themselves out for their PA/partner to earn 10-20% more while they pocket at best 5% more of their measly pay, don't get such sabbaticals.
Some law firms, like KCO allow a sabbatical of 3-4 months after you've completed 5 years in the law firm. But I don't think its something you can take on a yearly basis.
Normal well adjusted people who don't burn themselves out for their PA/partner to earn 10-20% more while they pocket at best 5% more of their measly pay, don't get such sabbaticals.