COVID‑19 and Its Impact on In‑House Lawyers

The pandemic transformed the way in‑house legal teams operate. From remote working to increased regulatory complexity, COVID‑19 created new challenges, and opportunities for corporate lawyers. This article explores the key impacts, emerging trends and what the future looks like for in‑house counsel.

How COVID‑19 Changed In‑House Legal Work

Surge in Legal Risk Management

Businesses faced unprecedented uncertainty, driving demand for:

Contract reviews (force majeure, termination clauses)
Employment law advice (furlough, redundancy)
Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions

Remote Working Becomes Standard

In‑house teams adapted quickly to virtual collaboration, leveraging:

Secure cloud platforms for document sharing
Video conferencing for stakeholder engagement
Digital workflows for approvals and reporting

Challenges for In‑House Lawyers

Increased workload: Managing crisis response alongside BAU tasks
Budget constraints: Pressure to deliver more with fewer resources
Isolation: Reduced visibility and networking opportunities within the business

Opportunities Emerging Post‑Pandemic

Hybrid working models: Flexibility is now a permanent feature
Tech adoption: Familiarity with legal tech and automation tools is a career advantage
Strategic influence: In‑house lawyers are more involved in risk planning and business continuity

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