Many industries, including the legal industry, will likely be forever changed by COVID-19. However, these changes will be for the better…
Many industries will be forever changed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The legal industry is likely one of them. The good news is that many changes, such as the adoption of digital technology and enhanced collaboration, will be for the better.
As Forbes wrote in a recent article, “The coronavirus has harnessed the potential of underutilized tools and alternative work paradigms long resisted by the legal establishment. Entrenched ways of doing things have been altered with astonishing speed, ease, and acceptance.”
Rapid Digitization of Legal Industry
In light of stay-at-home orders and travel restrictions, law firms, courts, and in-house counsel are being forced to embrace technology, even if they had resisted it in the past. Working remotely and conducting meetings virtually is the new normal. Courts are also relying on technology to hold proceedings outside the courtroom. Billing and other financial transactions are also being conducted online, and documents are being signed and notarized electronically.
For businesses and other legal consumers, the increasing use of technology can make the provision of legal services less-costly and more efficient. Once the dust settles, COVID-19 may be just the push both clients and attorneys need to explore other digital tools, such as digital contract management and compliance automation.
Enhanced Collaboration Among Lawyers and Professionals
To solve the serious and complex issues created by COVID-19, collaboration is critical. That means law firms, corporate departments, and other service providers (i.e. insurance brokers, accountants, etc.) will need to work together seamlessly to devise solutions. These strengthened relationships will be beneficial even after the pandemic has passed.
Law firms have also developed cross-disciplinary taskforces to address COVID-19. For clients facing complex and often-overlapping legal issues, this team-based approach can generate more effective and comprehensive solutions. For firms that have not yet discovered the value of multidisciplinary teamwork and collaboration, COVID-19 will likely be enlightening.
Cost-Effective Solutions for Clients
The economic impact of COVID-19 is likely to persist after the immediate crisis is over. Businesses looking to reduce costs will understandably examine their legal budgets. At the same time, businesses need to take their legal rights and obligations into account when determining the path forward. Being both informed and strategic when making decisions will go a long way in weathering the storm.
Businesses that typically pay the high-end rates of a large law firm will also likely discover that mid-size firms can deliver the same results at a lower price point. Small and mid-size firms are often more agile and, thus, can more quickly adapt to changes in the legal market. They are also likely far more willing to work with clients to develop a legal plan that meets their budget.
Scarinci Hollenbeck is Poised for Success
Because we embraced technology prior to COVID-19, Scarinci Hollenbeck remained ready to assist our clients and did not suffer any business interruption. Our firm also quickly and seamlessly transitioned to providing “remote” legal services.
In addition, our attorneys already collaborate across the firm’s practice areas to bring together the most effective combination of knowledge and experience for our clients. Using this same mindset, we have added a COVID-19 Crisis Management Group dedicated to helping our clients navigate varied legal issues resulting from the pandemic.
With companies of all sizes feeling the economic strain of COVID-19, Scarinci Hollenbeck is also an attractive alternative to a National 250 law firm. We can help clients lower their legal costs without sacrificing quality. Most importantly, we can forge a path forward in these uncertain times that is uniquely tailored to each client.
If you have questions, please contact us
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Don Pepe, or a member of Scarinci Hollenbeck’s COVID-19 Crisis Management Group at 201-896-4100.
How the Courts Are Reacting to COVID-19 Contract Cases
Breach of contract cases arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic are slowly making their way through the court system… Breach of contract cases arising out of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are slowly making their way through the court system. The early decisions shed light on how courts are handling force majeure provisions and contract defenses […]
What to Know About USPTO COVID-19 Prioritized Trademark Examination Program
The USPTO recently announced a new COVID-19 prioritized examination program for certain trademark and service mark applications… The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently announced a new COVID-19 prioritized examination program for certain trademark and service mark applications. It is available for products that are subject to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval […]
After a difficult few months, New Jersey restaurants are gradually reopening their doors for on-premises dining. After a difficult few months, New Jersey restaurants are gradually reopening their doors for on-premises dining. For restaurant operators and their customers, it is important to understand what is required to reopen safely. This article outlines the guidance provided […]
The Regulatory Examination Process has evolved in positive directions over the past several years. Thanks to these prior process improvements, the SEC, CFTC/NFA and FINRA are able to conduct regulatory exams virtually… The Regulatory Examination Process has clearly evolved in positive directions over the past several years. Thanks in part to these prior process improvements, […]
Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Remote Legal Proceedings
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced us to change the way we conduct everyday activities… The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced us to change the way we conduct everyday activities. Court proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations are no exception, and parties to such proceedings increasingly rely on video conferencing to go “virtual.” While technology can allow […]
Will COVID-19 Prompt an Uptick in White-Collar Crime Investigations?
While the COVID-19 pandemic may be slowing the pace at which white-collar crimes are prosecuted, it would be unwise to expect that the pace of white-collar investigations will slow… While the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may be slowing the pace at which white-collar crimes are prosecuted, it would be unwise to expect that the pace of […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Will COVID-19 Permanently Change the Delivery of Legal Services?
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Many industries, including the legal industry, will likely be forever changed by COVID-19. However, these changes will be for the better…
Many industries will be forever changed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The legal industry is likely one of them. The good news is that many changes, such as the adoption of digital technology and enhanced collaboration, will be for the better.
As Forbes wrote in a recent article, “The coronavirus has harnessed the potential of underutilized tools and alternative work paradigms long resisted by the legal establishment. Entrenched ways of doing things have been altered with astonishing speed, ease, and acceptance.”
Rapid Digitization of Legal Industry
In light of stay-at-home orders and travel restrictions, law firms, courts, and in-house counsel are being forced to embrace technology, even if they had resisted it in the past. Working remotely and conducting meetings virtually is the new normal. Courts are also relying on technology to hold proceedings outside the courtroom. Billing and other financial transactions are also being conducted online, and documents are being signed and notarized electronically.
For businesses and other legal consumers, the increasing use of technology can make the provision of legal services less-costly and more efficient. Once the dust settles, COVID-19 may be just the push both clients and attorneys need to explore other digital tools, such as digital contract management and compliance automation.
Enhanced Collaboration Among Lawyers and Professionals
To solve the serious and complex issues created by COVID-19, collaboration is critical. That means law firms, corporate departments, and other service providers (i.e. insurance brokers, accountants, etc.) will need to work together seamlessly to devise solutions. These strengthened relationships will be beneficial even after the pandemic has passed.
Law firms have also developed cross-disciplinary taskforces to address COVID-19. For clients facing complex and often-overlapping legal issues, this team-based approach can generate more effective and comprehensive solutions. For firms that have not yet discovered the value of multidisciplinary teamwork and collaboration, COVID-19 will likely be enlightening.
Cost-Effective Solutions for Clients
The economic impact of COVID-19 is likely to persist after the immediate crisis is over. Businesses looking to reduce costs will understandably examine their legal budgets. At the same time, businesses need to take their legal rights and obligations into account when determining the path forward. Being both informed and strategic when making decisions will go a long way in weathering the storm.
Businesses that typically pay the high-end rates of a large law firm will also likely discover that mid-size firms can deliver the same results at a lower price point. Small and mid-size firms are often more agile and, thus, can more quickly adapt to changes in the legal market. They are also likely far more willing to work with clients to develop a legal plan that meets their budget.
Scarinci Hollenbeck is Poised for Success
Because we embraced technology prior to COVID-19, Scarinci Hollenbeck remained ready to assist our clients and did not suffer any business interruption. Our firm also quickly and seamlessly transitioned to providing “remote” legal services.
In addition, our attorneys already collaborate across the firm’s practice areas to bring together the most effective combination of knowledge and experience for our clients. Using this same mindset, we have added a COVID-19 Crisis Management Group dedicated to helping our clients navigate varied legal issues resulting from the pandemic.
With companies of all sizes feeling the economic strain of COVID-19, Scarinci Hollenbeck is also an attractive alternative to a National 250 law firm. We can help clients lower their legal costs without sacrificing quality. Most importantly, we can forge a path forward in these uncertain times that is uniquely tailored to each client.
If you have questions, please contact us
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Don Pepe, or a member of Scarinci Hollenbeck’s COVID-19 Crisis Management Group at 201-896-4100.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
