Social distancing guidelines have altered the normal course of business for many professionals, including lawyers. While legal work continues, communication challenges and the unexpected free time have thrown many for a loop. Staying active and discovering ways to reach out to clients and coworkers can help. Here are 7 tips for staying connected and productive during social distancing orders.
Stay Current on Court Closings
Some local courts are closed while others are holding sessions remotely. Make sure to check your local court’s procedures during stay-at-home orders. Law360 maintains a list of the latest closures and restrictions.
Update Your Calendar
Missed deadlines are a common cause of malpractice claims. A cycle of quarantines, closures and re-openings heighten the risk for error. Know your deadlines and keep a backup hard copy of your calendar in case you need it.
Update Contingency Plans
Even in an emergency, lawyers have a duty to ensure client matters are attended to and ethical guidelines are followed. Make contingency plans for your client matters in case you or a family member gets sick.
Beware of Scams
Be on the lookout for phishing scams from hackers. Cyber criminals know lawyers are watching inboxes for emails regarding COVID-19 changes. To avoid a data breach, always confirm sender addresses and email links are safe before you click.
Network with Clients
Call to let clients know you are still active and working on their case. Connecting through digital channels can be a good option for staying in touch, with possibilities such as virtual coffee meetings and video conferencing.
Boost Your Online Presence
There are benefits to using time you would otherwise spend on commuting and postponed meetings. Update your website, personnel bios, directory listings and links. Challenge yourself to increase your social media presence by posting more regularly. Your clients will enjoy seeing what you have to say.
Take Care of CLE Credits
If you have more downtime, complete needed CLE credits with one of the many qualifying webinars now offered online. Most states have removed limits for distance learning and CLE webinars are offered throughout the year by Attorney Protective. Check Attorney Protective’s free CLE webinar courses and visit your state bar’s website for more information on your state’s CLE requirements.
The new world of social distancing presents challenges for all of us. We can continue to be productive during social distancing and demonstrate the strength of the legal community by making an effort to stay in contact with family, friends, clients and coworkers while we work remotely. It’s a great way to stay safe, connected and productive, all at the same time.
Information provided by Attorney Protective is not intended as legal advice. This publication provides best practices for use in connection with general circumstances, and ordinarily does not address specific situations. These best practices are not intended to meet or establish the standard of care, and sometimes recommend practices that exceed the standard of care. Specific situations should be discussed with legal counsel licensed in the appropriate jurisdiction. By publishing practice and risk prevention tips, Attorney Protective neither implies nor provides any guarantee that claims can be prevented by use of the suggested practices. Though the contents of Attorney Protective’s Best Practice Database have been carefully researched, Attorney Protective makes no warranty as to the accuracy, applicability or timeliness of the content. Anyone wishing to reproduce any part of the Attorney Protective Best Practices Database content must request permission from Attorney Protective by calling 877-728-8776 or sending an email to [email protected]. Additionally, the rules cited in the contents of this article may have since changed. You should check the laws and model rules in your state for specific information on the topics addressed here.