Many attorneys and law firms are wondering how they can best serve their clients during the COVID 19 pandemic. The answer, I think, lies in not having to be in a particular place in order to work, and making full use of Internet and cloud-based resources. I take comfort in the fact that I know I can work from anywhere. For example, last year, my family and I were on vacation in London, but I was still able to respond to client communications, even when I was across the ocean, and on another continent.
Every piece of paper that comes into my office gets scanned – and then shredded. Clients get the original documents. I make every effort to run a less paper law office, and only have a paper file when I go to court – although that is changing. I can envision a time when I will go to court with a tablet, and access pleadings and other documents using that device.
I think that communication is key, especially during times of uncertainty. As a general rule, clients like certainty, and the like to know that you are in control. That is why – if you have not already – I would recommend sending your clients a communication (by way of email, client portal, or however you do it) to let them know that you have a planned and what your plan is for operating – and serving client needs – during the pandemic.
Communication is important for attorneys and support staff as well. Many attorneys, paralegals, and support staff are working remotely, probably from home, these days. The question is how to maintain productivity when you and your staff are working remotely. The important thing is to set realistic expectations. Working from home is not an excuse to be lazy, to not be productive, or to go on vacation. Rather, you need to expect that you and your staff will be productive – and get approximately the same amount of work done as you did in the office.
WARNING: The information contained in this blog post does not constitute legal advice and may not be applicable to your situation. Tim is licensed to practice law only in Minnesota, and the information contained in this blog post may not apply to jurisdictions outside of Minnesota. Further, reading this blog post does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Baland Law Office, P.L.L.C. You should always discuss your situation with an attorney before taking any action based on what you may read in this blog. To that end, please call (763) 290-0445 to set up an appointment to discuss your situation.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions contained in this blog post are just that – opinions – and are my own personal opinion. They do not represent the view of the Minnesota State Bar Association or any other section or group that I am affiliated with.
Every piece of paper that comes into my office gets scanned – and then shredded. Clients get the original documents. I make every effort to run a less paper law office, and only have a paper file when I go to court – although that is changing. I can envision a time when I will go to court with a tablet, and access pleadings and other documents using that device.
I think that communication is key, especially during times of uncertainty. As a general rule, clients like certainty, and the like to know that you are in control. That is why – if you have not already – I would recommend sending your clients a communication (by way of email, client portal, or however you do it) to let them know that you have a planned and what your plan is for operating – and serving client needs – during the pandemic.
Communication is important for attorneys and support staff as well. Many attorneys, paralegals, and support staff are working remotely, probably from home, these days. The question is how to maintain productivity when you and your staff are working remotely. The important thing is to set realistic expectations. Working from home is not an excuse to be lazy, to not be productive, or to go on vacation. Rather, you need to expect that you and your staff will be productive – and get approximately the same amount of work done as you did in the office.
WARNING: The information contained in this blog post does not constitute legal advice and may not be applicable to your situation. Tim is licensed to practice law only in Minnesota, and the information contained in this blog post may not apply to jurisdictions outside of Minnesota. Further, reading this blog post does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Baland Law Office, P.L.L.C. You should always discuss your situation with an attorney before taking any action based on what you may read in this blog. To that end, please call (763) 290-0445 to set up an appointment to discuss your situation.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions contained in this blog post are just that – opinions – and are my own personal opinion. They do not represent the view of the Minnesota State Bar Association or any other section or group that I am affiliated with.
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