Since the pandemic has hit the streets, we have seen how its impact has forced radical changes in society. The legal industry was not immune to the effect. From students testing online to land a good LSAT percentile and graduates fighting the remote Bar exams, there were disruptions and delays everywhere. But it looks like the legal firms have been better at handling pressure.
In a way, you can call the law a means of navigating complex situations, both professional and personal. If the existing system has been evading any significant transformations, now it looks like they have been pushed to a corner. In fact, the change had begun much before the virtual court proceedings were made possible.
Inside the Courtroom
In March, when the virus cases spiked, the court hearings made it possible to conduct many activities. In late August, when the courtrooms began to open, there were no public galleries, and the lawyers had to wear headsets.
In the effort to ensure safety and security, judges and clerks have been working with epidemiologists. The technology is now a significant part of the courtrooms, with audio systems and headset swallowing clients and lawyers to whisper to each other while maintaining social distance.
67% of Legal employees want to Continue Remote work
With early indications of law firms opening again, one would think that law is a profession best served from an office. However, reports say otherwise. Though the law first was among the traditional offices to reopen, the employees prefer working from home.
A survey of 25 legal firms reports that 85% of employees found the transition to home working agreeable. Over 90% of them also felt that they met the client’s expectations despite the limitations. A majority of them said they were informed and supported by their firms, so well that 67% would prefer a work-from-home policy, at least for a few days in a week.
Opportunities for Legal Tech
The Law industry was one of the last to hold back from going digital. Though technology was available, the legal function always relied on the conventional setup of law firms. However, in the wake of the pandemic, the law will likely develop into a seamless, integrated team. The hierarchy might evolve, more focused on collaboration, delivery, and results.
Many firms are already looking to overhaul their IT systems when the economy allows for it. Firms need to upgrade their existing tech to improve performance and increase their efficiency to prepare for any risky environment in the future. The reinforcement of cybersecurity is among the top priorities.
A number of tech companies are also offering free trials to try out during the crisis. This time has allowed the law firm heads to test and try what works best for them in the future. Its success might lead to companies adopting these techs in their post-pandemic offices as well.
These last few months have proved that the legal profession can stand any storm. However, while technology has been at the forefront of this battle, it also brings out data privacy concerns. The system will take much time after the pandemic subsides to fully comprehend whether a technology-advanced legal system is a solution or a problem itself.
