Pandemic Woes: How Lawyers are Coping During the Unprecedented Health Crisis

COVID-19 Presents Hardships and Prospects for Law Firms Across the Country

Traditionally, the legal industry has been slow to adapt, but the incredible spread of the coronavirus has forced many law firms to evolve overnight. Mandatory shutdowns required many law firms to go virtual, allowing employees to work from home. While attorneys are required to stay up-to-date with technology, many were unsure in the first few months. As the initial shock of the pandemic and shelter-in-place mandates have begun to wain, broader fears have emerged. What does the post-COVID legal industry look like? Can firms survive the looming economic crisis? What opportunities will be presented as the world reels from an unparalleled health catastrophe?

The Coronavirus and Mental Health

For some attorneys, the pandemic and forced lockdowns have made a stressful profession, nearly unbearable. COVID-19 has put immense pressure on an already fatigued career. Many lawyers have struggled with mental health issues as the future remains uncertain. At the outbreak of the virus, as reported in “Lawyers face anxious mix of opportunity and loss” in the Financial Times, attorneys were concerned about the health risks of going into an office or in-person court appearances. As mandatory lockdowns were enforced, allowing more lawyers to work virtually, the fears became more about finding childcare and job security.

A Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected nearly half of the adults surveyed. Experts believe that in addition to a health and economic crisis, the pandemic may be brewing a less discussed mental health crisis. Attorneys are no exception. In recognition of the potential mental health burden created by the virus, the American Bar Association has enhanced resources available for legal professionals. Lawyer Assistance Programs provided by the ABA help attorneys learn to cope with anxiety, avoid panic, and identify potential substance use disorders.

Providing Support for Employees

In the UK, many attorneys calling into a legal mental health charity reported that there was no support available through their firm. The same is true in the United States. Few small to medium-sized law firms have the resources or budget to offer in-house mental health support for their employees. However, law firms are quickly learning that developing a COVID-19 response plan includes promoting mindfulness and mental health. For firms, this means offering opportunities for employees to interact with one another and openly discuss struggles. Whether it is bringing an outside counselor in to talk about how to handle the added stress of a pandemic, or having a company-wide meditation workshop, remaining operational and continuing productivity require a workforce that is physically and mentally healthy.

An Uncertain Economic Future

As mixed messages muddle the actual state of the economy, law firms wonder whether they can withstand a recession. Some of the country's largest firms announced furloughs, salary cuts, and layoffs in the early days of the virus. Now, as cases continue to surge in some areas of the country, renewing talks of mandatory lockdowns, what was a two-week pause has become an indefinite one. Depending on the type of practice, some attorneys have seen a substantial drop in new clients that cannot be sustained. Staying afloat has meant relying on state and federal aid and trying to find a niche market.

Pivoting Your Practice

For attorneys that were quick to pivot their practice, the pandemic has presented new opportunities. Not all areas of the law were affected equally by the virus. For instance, lawsuits against insurance companies refusing to pay out on business interruptions claims have skyrocketed while driving under the influence cases have dropped significantly. Learning to adapt to change quickly is a must for law firms that are going to survive. Many have risen to the occasion, spending time to educate their staff and finding a new client base.

The New Face of Law Firms

As more law firms look to remote working as a long-term solution, the face of the workforce may begin to change. Women who had taken time off to start a family may be able to return sooner as work and home life merge more efficiently. However, one major obstacle for all parents remains, childcare. With more school-aged kids participating in distance learning, the burden on parents is, at times, insurmountable. Even the most rigorous distance learning programs require a considerable amount of parent support, not to mention when kids are not in school. Finding a balance is difficult and demands law firm support.

A remote workforce also opens the potential for new talent. Firms can seek attorneys that may not be willing to relocate for a position but are eager to join a virtual team. As long as they are licensed to practice law in the state, the possibilities are endless.

For More Insight, Contact Amicus Today

While the challenges of the coronavirus have yet to be fully revealed, new opportunities are emerging for attorneys. For more insight about mental health, law firm financial advice, or how to retain clients without having them come in the office, contact Amicus today. Amicus Capital Group can help you grow your firm even during these exceptional times. Call today at (888) 700-1088 to speak to a case manager.

This blog post does not contain legal or financial advice. Author and publisher disclaim any and all warranties, liabilities, losses, costs, claims, demands, suits, or actions of any type or nature whatsoever, arising from or any way related to this blog, the use of this blog, and/or any claim that a particular technique or device described in this blog.