Working From Home: What Lawyers Learned in 2020

October 2020 marked a turning point for the legal profession. With offices closed and teams dispersed, remote working became the norm, bringing both challenges and opportunities. This article looks back at what lawyers learned during that period and how those lessons continue to shape the future of legal work.

The Shift to Remote Working

When lockdowns hit, law firms had to adapt quickly:

Virtual hearings and e‑bundling became standard.
Cloud-based systems enabled secure document sharing.
Video conferencing replaced in-person meetings.

These changes proved that legal work could be delivered effectively outside traditional office settings.

Benefits of Working From Home

Flexibility: Lawyers gained control over their schedules.
Reduced commuting: More time for family and wellbeing.
Cost savings: Lower travel and lunch expenses.

For many, these benefits highlighted the potential for better work-life balance in the profession.

Challenges Faced by Lawyers

Isolation: Lack of face-to-face interaction impacted collaboration.
Technology gaps: Not all firms had robust remote systems initially.
Blurred boundaries: Longer hours and difficulty switching off.

These issues prompted firms to invest in mental health support and digital infrastructure.

Hybrid Working: The Lasting Legacy

By late 2020, it was clear that hybrid working, a mix of office and home, would become the standard. Firms now balance flexibility with the need for mentoring, culture and client engagement.

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