LeArning FrOM The ADVerSiTy we FACeD During The pAnDeMiC
Solo & Small Firm Section Chair : Matthew Crist – Crist Legal | PA & Gian-Franco Melendez , Law Office of Gian-Franco Melendez , LLC
The past year has been unprecedented in just about every aspect , and the legal field was certainly not spared . Every area of law was affected by COVID-19 . The pandemic certainly affected the “ bottom line ” of many law firms , but it definitely affected how every law firm had to operate . One of the best ways to learn and improve in any endeavor or business is by powering through and overcoming adversity , and 2020 presented seemingly endless opportunities to learn .
Many attorneys had to learn how to work with clients without being able to meet with them physically . For law firms who commonly deal with big companies or sophisticated clients , their most common forms of communication were likely unaffected , but for those who represent the “ little guys ,” this was certainly a challenge . Many attorneys had to learn how to work from home . This presented unforeseen challenges like being able to stay focused ( especially for those with school-aged children ) and loneliness . Many managing partners with staff had to learn how to operate with their associates
it is important to remember the lessons we have learned , not just to be prepared if something like this happens again , but to ensure the success of our law firms .
and other employees working from their own homes for the first time , which definitely required a new level of trust between partners and their employees . Cases faced significant delays , especially those in litigation . A lot of potential clients that may have had viable cases were out of work and had no money to pay their legal fees , which was definitely a problem for many lawyers who practice in areas of law where contingency fees are not utilized .
Most tried new strategies , looked for ways to save money , and found ways to change systems that may have been in place for years , if not decades . Now that we have all been dealing with the pandemic for a full year , it is a good time to review the changes you have made over that year and determine whether any of these changes saved you money , time , effort or grief , actually allowed you or your employees to work more efficiently , or raised your profits .
While profits are obviously important , nobody should neglect
their mental and emotional well being . The pandemic was not easy on many people ’ s mental or emotional health . We all had to find different ways to cope . A year into the pandemic , it is a great time to reflect on the changes you have made that have had positive impacts on your happiness , not just your business . Whether it is spending more time with loved ones , taking more time for yourself or setting different boundaries / expectations with clients , we cannot be as effective as attorneys if we are not well mentally .
Fourteen months ago , the shutdown we all went through was unthinkable , but if it happened once , there is no reason why it could not happen again . It is important to remember the lessons we have learned , not just to be prepared if something like this happens again , but to ensure the success of our law firms . n
Author : Gian-Franco Melendez - Law Office of Gian-Franco Melendez , LLC
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