Working 9 to 5, and more

In 1980, Dolly Parton made the phrase “Working 9 to 5” famous. The reality of today’s legal system during this global pandemic has become much more than a 9 to 5 gig for many lawyers and their staff. With so many proceedings happening virtually now via Zoom, there really are no “off” hours for many professionals in the legal field. 

The future is here 

With technology, most assume that one day any and all jobs that can be done virtually will be. With the COVID-19 crisis of 2020, virtual legal proceedings have been ushered in much faster than anyone ever thought. Today, our court systems find themselves accommodating all hearings virtually: mediation, depositions, hearings, pre-trials, trials, discovery issues, consultations, etc. In today’s climate with COVID-19 cases surging, the idea that anyone can predict when life might return to “normal” is far-fetched. But as they say, the show must go on!

Everything is evolving

While the lights may not be on at your lawyers’ office, rest assured they are hard at work remotely for their clients. The pandemic has certainly created challenges, but clerks and lawyers alike are finding ways to be more available to their clients. Oftentimes, clients are receiving immediate answers when previously there might have been a waiting period. Most in the legal profession are working all day, every day, virtually to ensure that things continue progressing for their clients and that there are no roadblocks to their services.

Keeping up with the changes 

Most would say today that they were not prepared for a global pandemic, and the court systems are no exception. Many courts have moved to an online docking system to allow for more virtual communication for proceedings. This allows lawyers to receive schedule updates and verdicts in a faster manner than the traditional in person docketing. Obviously, depending on where you are, some are faster than others. Lawyers now are constantly attuned to each judges’ rules and the changes that are happening weekly. Each judge has a different set of rules and criteria they are setting and following for their “virtual courtrooms” and this requires lawyers, clerks and staff to constantly be aware of any moving pieces.

Moving forward

A virtual legal system was not necessarily in the plans for 2020 in most cities and states, but everyone is acclimating as best they can. Things will continue to evolve and change and legal professionals will become better and better at navigating the new landscape.