During this COVID Crisis, lawyers have been working remotely. Most experts think working remotely is here to stay, as the new normal. The technology is not new, but the need for more work-life balance is.Â
Today’s technology is affordable. It provides lawyers with the ability to draft and review legal documents, get them signed electronically—and ensures that the client’s records are secure in the cloud.
There are top-rated virtual law firms that do everything remotely, including estate planning, business law, and real estate. It’s all done online, from virtual video depositions and many other important services.Â
Remote work requires discipline, focus and commitment. You can create a work culture at home that represents you, not just the culture of your organization. Follow these best practices to successfully work from home:
BEST PRACTICES FOR REMOTE WORK
Designate a specific place for a home office.Â
-Store all work-related files, reference materials and supplies in your space.Â
-Ensure that your workspace is consistent with work environment at the firm.
Keep sharp, stay focused and avoid distractions.
-Set office hours, and make it clear to loved ones that you are not to be disturbed.
-Plan your day. Take and make phone calls during business hours and keep the paperwork for after-hours.Â
-Be available during office hours.
Clearly communicate and plan what communication channels are available for clients, staff and family.Â
-Create protocols and guidelines for how meetings will take.
-Go offline, don’t take calls or check emails during crunch time to maximize productivity.Â
-Get organized by creating filing systems, schedules and to-do lists.
Plan your kid’s day with activities or child-care to limit the need to put out fires.Â
-Collaborate and deepen the connections with your clients, colleagues, and other staff.Â
-Walk the walk: dress professionally every day.Â
“Working remotely may negatively impact traditional office-life and personal life, as the line between the two become blurred. Many find remote work ideal. The only real Con is you. Be sure to draw boundaries between your personal and business life†– Shari Davidson, President, On Balance Search Consultants.
Create a work/life balance: improve productivity, health and well-being.Â
-Take breaks. Schedule time for regular exercise and remember to drink a lots-of-water.Â
-Build in some flexibility to your routine to reduce stress and to have more control over your time. Â
-Get out of the house. Set up outside meetings instead of zoom calls. Go down to the local coffee house for meetings on and offline.Â
Invest in technology.Â
-Make sure you have all the tools to run your office from home.Â
-Make sure you have a highspeed internet connection.
-Consider buying a backup generator so you can work through the storm.Â
-Set up a backup system to store legal documents in the cloud. Don’t store any sensitive material on your computer.Â
-Reduce down time, know thy computer. A broken-down computer or Internet connection can set you back days if not weeks.Â
-As an attorney you need to ensure your devices are encrypted and secure.Â
Virtual law offices are luring talented attorneys, mostly working mothers, from big firms offering work-life balance and flexibility to work in the evenings and on weekends.
About On Balance Search Consultants
On Balance offers great insight and industry intelligence. Shari Davidson, president of On Balance Search Consultants, advises law firms on how to take a firm to the next level and helps rising talent make the transition to the right law firm.
Contact us today. Call 516.731.4300 or visit our website at https://www.onbalancesearch.com.
Please note that the content of this blog does not constitute legal advice and is only intended for the educational purpose of the reader. Please consult your legal counsel for specifics regarding your unique circumstances and the laws in your states pertaining to social media and any legal restrictions regarding the law.
