COVID Brings Tech-Savvy In-House Lawyers to the Forefront

Innovation and adaptability are key factors in every business trying to stay afloat during the current pandemic. Many law firm were quick to send workers home while finding remote working solutions to stave off loss of business. But as soon as some issues were managed, others cropped up. For example, the need for cybersecurity was heightened almost immediately.

Financial Times explains that savvy lawyers backed away from putting out proverbial fires and started seeking opportunities to reach out to their customers. They began by identifying issues and using creative problem-solving. Solutions included expanding the use of digital signatures for those who couldn’t go out to banks or meetings, and amping up anti-fraud protections to make distance working safer.

Legal teams aren’t just innovating, they’re creating as well. WeChat has allowed the development of apps that facilitate digital transactions in bulk, and even allow for price haggling. Westpac, an Australian bank, developed a digital boot camp and training program to better help lawyers analyze and draw conclusions from data.

The new reliance on technology and digital problem solving puts the traditional firm model on notice. With rare exceptions, partners with decades of legal experience will not be up-to-date on modern digital solutions. In fact, they may find themselves relying on younger, greener lawyers to help them navigate this new remote working landscape.

How will that impact the way firms operate going forward?

It’s easy to see COVID as a temporary disruption, even as the months pass us by. But the likelihood is that the changes being implemented now are likely to last. Staffers may continue to want to split time between home and office, while clients may prefer fewer in-person meetings. As security and safety improve, there’s more reason to rely on tech solutions for business concerns. It’s just a matter of finding a balance.