Martindale-Avo recently published a report on “How Attorneys Are Coping in the Pandemic.” While there should be no surprise that attorneys’ use of Zoom has increased by 80%, I was surprised that there was only an increase of 6.25% for those attorneys who will start working only remotely after the pandemic. (See chart below.) But, if we look at the chart more broadly, that means only 11% of attorneys were working remotely pre-pandemic. I have noticed (from a non-scientific analysis) that the attorneys who were used to working from home, seemed better prepared for the #ShelterInPlace lifestyle. This includes actually working from home full-time, e.g., getting USPS Mail in a timely way, having a computer set up necessary to work from home, e.g., software, hardware, (and just as important) security measures, e.g., VPNs, Malware Protection, etc., and even a room/area dedicated to work. Regardless of where you fall within the 89%* of those who did not work remotely pre-pandemic, you still need to be up-to-date on the technology necessary to reasonably ensure you are protecting your client’s information 

Meanwhile, as the pandemic continues, it will be interesting if mid- to larger- size law firms realize some of the cost-benefits of working remotely, e.g., no brick and mortar buildings to upkeep, more productive staff who don’t have waste time in transit (and being stuck in traffic) to and from work and saving liability insurance at an office downtown, and if they move to a remote work lifestyle. Only time will tell!

To the DC-Maryland-Virginia area practitioners, I offer a one-on-one, on-site (COVID compliant) service to assist you with home/office technology training. I have not made it formal yet. But, if you are interested, feel free to e-mail me at MichaelDJ@TheTechSavvyLawyer.Page to learn more!

Happy Lawyering!

* Extrapolated from the chart based on 49% returning to the office, 32.7% working part-time, and 6.3% newly working remotely full-time.