The rise (and rise) of the virtual law firm
With the outbreak of COVID-19 and the UK government’s compulsory lockdown of the economy in March this year, thousands of employers have been forced to embrace the wonders of modern technology and equip their employees for compliance with the mantra “Stay at home, Save the NHS”. In a world in which the majority of employees have had little choice but to spend their working week either battling with poor running over crowded trains or congested city roads and clogged motorways, the lockdown would have been a welcomed respite for some and a nightmare for others, namely the employer.
The legal profession, by far one of the most conservative of professions has for decades (if not centuries) insisted on marching its forces into battle for its clients via attendance at the office. Client confidentiality being the primary argument for insisting on a physical presence is a genuine reason ie supervision, collaboration, client meetings, timesheets, health and safety, appraisals etc. All good reasons for presentism.
On the other hand, the high cost office space, the stress of commuting and loss of productivity are equally valid reasons for considering a move to remote working after all it’s worked for many other industries so why not the law?
So it is great to see a top UK law firm make the bold move to permanent remote working. A move I’m sure will soon be emulated by the competition, besides, there are already a growing number of firms set up from scratch as virtual legal practices, and al indications are they are doing well and thriving.