The Atlanta Lawyer June/July 2020 Vol. 19, No. 1

your concern for them helps to overcome the anxiety caused by separation. This is a great way to overcome the dislocation forced upon us by the virus. It would be helpful to make this part of your daily routine. “Disaster reminds us that we depend on each other.”4 Everyone deals with stress in his or her own way. Our new “virtual” world makes it imperative that we find positive ways to maintain our mental and emotional balance, our equilibrium. Our “new normal” is disruptive. One component of our uncertainty and anxiety is not knowing what the “new normal” will look like in six months and beyond, e.g., will there be a “second wave” in the fall or winter? Will clients’ businesses survive? We need to regain our footing in this changed world in which we find ourselves. There are ways you can reduce anxiety by using your “virtual office.” As noted above, being a Luddite is not an option. Patience is required to persevere when an application on your computer is not “user friendly” or intuitive. Not only be patient with yourself, but also with others – our children, our spouses, our colleagues, our administrative staff, our adversaries, the Amazon delivery person, the piles of laundry, etc. We need to pace ourselves and save perfection for another time. We are truly “all in this together.” Educate yourself on what you don’t know about technology. Sounds obvious, but if you don’t know, Google does. So google it. Otherwise, here are some resources for common questions: • Forbes • Business Insider • Vision Click When considering these suggestions, remember the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly, and try another. But by all means, try something.” If you need help, ask – don’t just sit there wringing your hands, cursing at your computer. Reaching out for help may give you an opportunity to make a new friend, to learn something new. As a cautionary note, there is a proposed change to Georgia Rule of Professional Conduct 1.1 to require technology competence.5 When you wake up in the morning, don’t just lounge around in your pajamas like that Florida attorney who attended a video court hearing in bed.6 Get up, maintain your daily hygiene, get dressed even if not in a dress shirt or blouse, and get busy.7 One simple step is, reach out to your coworkers and colleagues. Make a simple phone call asking, “How are you doing?” And then listen empathetically; don’t just go through the motions. Better yet, use a video app, and schedule a video call with a colleague to “catch up.” If your attitude is positive, you may influence someone else who is feeling down. Hopefully, they will reciprocate when you’re not at your best. Remember, “We depend on each other,” now more than ever. Having the right technology is essential to productivity.8 Below are some suggestions about what technology makes your new home office more productive: • Business Insider • ABC News • NPR Other tech articles that can help you educate yourself include: • NBC News • USA Today • CNBC • Wired Technology can also help maintain your sanity (in addition to making you more productive): • ABC News • NPR Remember, “Disaster reminds us that we depend on each other.” __________________________________ 1The author gives huge credit and thanks to Amy E. Buice, Esq., who researched and contributed many of the references, and to Lillian N. Caudle, Esq., and Marcia M. Ernst, Esq., who made insightful suggestions and contributions. Stephen M. Forte, Esq., contributed his wisdom. 2https://www.ajc.com/blog/get-schooled/opinion- this-not-home-schooling-distance-learning-online- schooling/b9rNnK77eyVLhsRMhaqZwL/ https://www.ajc.com/blog/get-schooled/ parenting-during-pandemic-our-children-are-not/ h5FDiPTMPBdT8pRsV6gzRM/ 3Techniques to reduce stress generally, are ubiquitous on the Internet. You can readily find articles and podcasts suggesting going for a walk to enjoy the flowers, colors, trees, etc.; reading a book rather than watching TV; limiting the amount of time on your IPhone; and, limiting the amount of news you watch. This is in addition to the pre-existing problems professionals confront with “burnout” and substance abuse. 4Stephen M. Forte, Managing Partner Smith, Gambrell & Russell. 5 https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_ Comment 6 following Rule 1.1 states, “To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should engage in continuing study and education.” Resisting the advent of new technology is not an option. 6https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/ See, e.g., https://www.healthline.com/health/mentalhealth-podcast skills/2019/11/georgia-to-join-states-that-requirelawyers-to-be-competent-in-technology-use.html news/492710-florida-judge-urges-attorneys-to-getdressed-for-zoom-court (“one female attorney appeared still in bed, still under the covers”) 7If your workload is down, offer to help others. Use this article to educate yourself on technology so that when opportunity knocks, you’re ready. 8I have duplicated my “office” setting with a second 24-inch monitor suggested to me by a colleague with whom I scheduled a “virtual coffee break” on Zoom. I purchased a printer and scanner suggested by my “techie” daughter. My thoughtful wife stocked all of the common office items I need, e.g., highlighters, stapler, paper clips, etc. Having readily available IT support is very helpful and stress reducing. IN THE PROFESSION www.atlantabar.org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 19

The Atlanta Lawyer June/July 2020 Vol. 19, No. 1 | Page 19