‘Virtual prosecco’: Law firms adjust to coronavirus crisis

Law firms say staff remain upbeat and resilient in the face of unprecedented working restrictions caused by the coronavirus crisis.

Remote working has become commonplace overnight, and firms are using platforms such as Skype and WhatsApp to stay in touch. Some have even held ‘social’ occasions, where lawyers join each other on conference calls for drinks at home.

Firms report they have had daily updates from chief executives and senior partners, while many say employers have sought to ensure workers’ mental health is protected.

National firm Slater and Gordon has 90% of its staff working remotely and has encouraged people to share photos of their home workspace to encourage a team atmosphere.

City giants Allen & Overy and Baker McKenzie were among the first firms to tell staff to work from home until at least the end of March.

Meanwhile, Cardiff and London firm Hugh James said its IT and paperless systems have worked well, and that staff have organised a ‘virtual Prosecco evening’ to replace their regular meet-up.

South-east firm Pennington Manches has held team meetings using video conferencing site Zoom. This is being rolled out for client meetings and potentially for use in court. The firm has also organised virtual coffee breaks and drinks with contacts.

The Partnership, a south-east conveyancing firm, moved 50% of staff to remote working within two days, with the rest following soon after. London firm Oliver Fisher has been testing home working for a year and through Microsoft Teams ensured workers stay in touch.

Several law centres have shifted advice operations to the phone to ensure access to justice continues. North East Law Centre took the ‘difficult decision’ to suspend its outreach advice clinics and face-to-face advice. Advice will now be provided by phone, email or Skype.

Firms have also increased their community outreach work. West Midlands firm Talbots Law has created collection points for staff to make donations to foodbanks.

The Law Society is updating its coronavirus advice regularly.

Kindly shared by The Law Society Gazette