Instant Insights ›

Making It Work: The Legal Profession in the Age of COVID-19

Chances are your life has been upended by the coronavirus pandemic, whether you’re a partner, associate, in-house counsel, student, professor or legal tech professional. As part of that legal community, you're also resilient, with inventive ways of getting the job done despite very difficult times. In this collection, Law.com reports on what you need to know to keep it all going and how you’re helping others during the crisis. You'll also find a roundup of the latest COVID-19 news affecting legal professionals.

News

With Return to Offices Still Uncertain, Big Law Shifts From When to How

Samantha Stokes | May 15, 2020

Law firms are reimagining office life and planning for a slow return. Among the lawyers themselves, attitudes range from impatience to "see you in 2021."

News

Michigan Is the Latest to Move July Bar Exam Online

Karen Sloan | May 19, 2020

Michigan's pared down online test will consist only of state-specific essay questions.
News

COVID-19 Legal News Roundup

ALM Staff | May 12, 2020

Here is a regularly updated lineup of breaking news and ongoing coverage impacting the profession.
'Quiet. Mom’s in Court': Akerman Miami Partner Describes Taking Part in Historic High Court Virtual Hearing

Michael A. Mora | May 19, 2020

Chief Justice Charles Canady has made a push to restore more court operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and is exploring long-term remote court concepts as part of a task force he created.
News

What Reopening Law Offices in Milan Looks Like

Varsha Patel | May 18, 2020

Social distancing floor markings and lift restrictions are just some of the actions being adopted by Italy's top law firms.

Analysis

Can Firm Tech Help Corporate Legal Bring Employees Back to the Office?

Frank Ready | May 15, 2020

Corporate legal may be more comfortable dealing with flesh and blood attorneys than technology, but as COVID-19 restrictions ease, the rush to prepare for employees' return to the office may favor the speed and cost-effectiveness of a tech assist.
News

Online LSAT Makes Its Debut—With a Few Glitches

Karen Sloan | May 19, 2020

About 10,000 aspiring attorneys are taking the LSAT Flex at home this week, which was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
News

Juror Walks Off to Take Phone Call as Texas Tests First Jury Trial Via Zoom

Angela Morris | May 18, 2020

In what may be a first across the United States since the coronavirus pandemic canceled jury trials, Texas judges on Monday invited a jury pool to a court proceeding over video teleconference. Monday's hearing in an insurance dispute was actually a "summary jury trial," which is an alternative dispute resolution process.
Podcast

Hold the Phone! The Supreme Court Is in (Virtual) Session

Vanessa Blum Leigh Jones | May 08, 2020

Wilmer Hale partner David Bowker, whose case was one of the first to proceed by telephone, gives a behind-the-scenes account of preparing for and delivering arguments in the new environment.
News

‘Rolling With the Punches’: Litigators Use Creativity to Manage Their Cases Without Jury Trials on Tap

Jane Wester | May 11, 2020

While several major court functions are still shut down, including the filing of new cases, jury trials and unrestricted access to courthouses, attorneys acknowledged that the reopening process is not entirely in the hands of court leaders.

News

From Canceled to 'Business as Usual,' Law Firms Go Their Own Way on Summer Associate Programs

David Thomas | May 05, 2020

Big Law firms tend to stick with the pack, but Latham & Watkins, Nixon Peabody, Wilson Sonsini and others are charting their own paths on summer programs.
News

In a First, Indiana Will Hold 1-Day, Online Bar Exam in July

Karen Sloan | May 08, 2020

Indiana is now the first state to say it's customizing the bar exam to address the health and safety issues posed by COVID-19.
Podcast

Summer of Our Discontent: Big Law Associate Programs Get Major Overhaul

Leigh Jones Vanessa Blum | May 01, 2020

For those law firms still conducting summer programs amid the coronavirus pandemic, the challenge is to make the experience meaningful.
A Few Pauses, and 'Sorry, Chief,' But Supreme Court Pulls Off Historic First

Marcia Coyle | May 04, 2020

Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. directed the arguments from the U.S. Supreme Court building, which has remained closed to the public for weeks amid the pandemic.
News

Demand for Contract Lawyers Is Rising From COVID-19 Business Disruptions

MP McQueen | May 01, 2020

Currently much of the hiring is for corporate legal departments who need more lawyers to fill specific niches, or because of reduced productivity from COVID-19-related issues. But increased demand from law firms is anticipated for later this year, recruiters say.

News

Cuomo Offers 4-Phase Plan to 'Reopen' NY, With Professional Services in Step 2

Ryan Tarinelli | May 04, 2020

Phase two would include the reopening of "professional services," a definition that appears to include law firms and could dictate when attorneys start to return to in-office work. Hank Greenberg, president of the New York State Bar Association, described the announcement as welcome news for law firms.
News

Federal Judicial Clerkship Hiring Process Revamped Due to COVID-19

Karen Sloan | April 30, 2020

Law students hoping to land a prestigious federal clerkship typically take last-minute flights to interview with judges in person, but the coronavirus pandemic is forcing the judiciary to rethink how it hires clerks.
News

Judiciary Prepares for Gradual Reopening During COVID-19, but Tells Courts to Heed Local Officials

Jacqueline Thomsen | April 27, 2020

Guidelines given to federal courts Monday lay out how they might gradually reopen after closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
News

Texas Moves Forward With July Bar Exam, Adds September Option

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | April 29, 2020

In an order Wednesday, the Texas Supreme Court said the July bar exam will take place as scheduled, under guidance of public health authorities.
News

As Texas Reopens, Most Law Firms Stick With Remote Work

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | May 01, 2020

One Houston trial firm is moving back into its offices on Monday, but most Texas firms are still in the early stages of planning their eventual return.

News

NY Law Grads Can Do 'Limited' Legal Work Under Supervision, Chief Judge Says

Jack Newsham | April 28, 2020

As a result of bar exam delays, recent law graduates will be authorized to engage in the “limited practice of law” under the supervision of a more experienced lawyer.
News

How Can Law Firms Safely Reopen? New York Bar Group to Make Recommendations

Jack Newsham | April 29, 2020

The New York State Bar Association's president says law firm lawyers and staff should be among the first allowed to return to their offices.
News

2nd Circuit to Weigh Reopening In-Person Operations in Summer, Katzmann Says

Tom McParland | April 30, 2020

Any determinations about how to proceed would be based on conditions in June, and he would not try to forecast further developments down the line, given how quickly circumstances can change, the chief judge said.
News

Cheers! Law Professor Pairs Wine With Zoom to Bring Students Together

Karen Sloan | April 28, 2020

Christopher Buccafusco, director of the Intellectual Property and Information Law Program at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, has been hosting weekly wine tastings on Zoom where he discusses the law of wine.
Q&A

My Weekday Workout in the COVID-19 Era: DLA Piper's Marc Samuel

Tasha Norman | April 23, 2020

"I’m a big believer that you can balance family, friends and outside interests in even the most intense of big law jobs."

Analysis

'That's Not My House!' Legal Tech Eagerly Tackling Zoom Backgrounds

Zach Warren | April 24, 2020

From beach scenes to Prince, legal tech has embraced the Zoom background. Here's some favorites, as well as how to make yours stand out from the crowd.
News

WilmerHale’s Matthew Martens on Religious Liberty, More Hours and 'Drowning in Email' During COVID-19

Jacqueline Thomsen | April 23, 2020

The former SEC litigator discusses Judge Justin Walker’s ruling for a Kentucky church’s Easter services and what happens when your dog interrupts your Zoom client call.
Analysis

As States Move to Reopen, Law Firms Exercise Caution

Samantha Stokes Patrick Smith | April 23, 2020

Even though most are deemed “essential services,” law firms are in no rush to reflood their offices with lawyers and staff.
Commentary

Worried You Look Awful on Zoom?

Vivia Chen | April 20, 2020

In this age of remote work and Zoom calls, can lawyers finally rid themselves of the tyranny of appearance?
News

As Workforce Scatters, Onus Falls on Practice Group Leaders to Keep Firm Culture Intact

Dan Packel | April 21, 2020

Practice heads are serving as "mini-managing partners" and "front-line lieutenants" as law firms fight to maintain business continuity and ensure cohesion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

News

After 3 Years at a Buddhist Retreat, This Lawyer is Ready to Roll

Raychel Lean | April 17, 2020

Anthony "Tony" Recio spent three years and five months with no phone, Internet or television.
Commentary

3M's Ivan Fong From the COVID-19 Bunker: Trump's Tweet, Masks and Bundt Cake

Vivia Chen | April 16, 2020

The former GC of Homeland Security under President Barack Obama, Fong is well-versed in the art of crisis. Still, the pandemic presents its own brand of challenges.
Be Honest: Who's Litigating in Pajamas?

Raychel Lean | April 15, 2020

They used to be in the courthouse. Now, after COVID-19-related closures, they're on their sofa.
Analysis

The Law Firm Disrupted: Our Remote Future

Dan Packel | April 16, 2020

The office won't be off limits forever. But it won't be the same.
Expert Opinion

What To Do About the First-Year Class of 2020?

Hugh A. Simons | April 16, 2020

Hugh A. Simons argues that the incoming first-year associate class for the fall of 2020 should be deferred. He offers historical perspectives from the Great Recession and guidance on when and how to implement these decisions.

News

Chicago Plaintiffs Firm's Donations Help Local Restaurants, Businesses Fighting Virus

David Thomas | April 16, 2020

Edelson PC, known as a scourge of Silicon Valley, says a business model accustomed to dry spells and windfalls is helping it weather the pandemic and make a difference close to home.
News

Don't Forget About Diversity and Inclusion During COVID-19: A Q&A With NAMWOLF CEO Joel Stern

Dan Clark | April 15, 2020

"When crises hit, diversity and inclusion take a back seat if it is not embedded in the DNA of the corporations or the law firms. It is an easy thing to not focus on when you have 50 other priorities," Joel Stern, CEO of the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms, said.
News

Summer Associate Programs and COVID-19: How Law Firms Are Responding

ALM Staff | May 20, 2020

A firm-by-firm guide to how Big Law is shifting its summer plans in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Commentary

So Your Gym's Closed? You Got This, Counselor.

Jonathan Jordan | April 13, 2020

Though your routine may be shot, it’s not too late to create a new one.
US Supreme Court Sets Audio Arguments for Select Cases in May

Marcia Coyle | April 13, 2020

Among the cases the justices said they would hear in May include the dispute over Trump's financial records, an Obamacare case and the controversy over "faithless electors."

Podcast

'Take Heart. Be Strong': David Lat On How COVID-19 Has Changed His Life and the Legal Profession

Leigh Jones Vanessa Blum | April 10, 2020

The Above the Law founder-turned-legal recruiter talks about his brush with death and what he's learned from the ordeal.
In-House Hiring Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A New Reality

Phillip Bantz | April 10, 2020

In-house and executive recruiters say the coronavirus has altered the hiring landscape, perhaps forever, but it's not all bad.
Commentary

My 2L (Remote) Life in the Grand Scheme

Renee Griffin | April 10, 2020

The desire to blame someone is widespread. Faulting a person or institution is much easier than accepting the tragic reality, much of which is beyond anyone’s control.
News

Law School Clinics Across the Country Offer Coronavirus Help

Karen Sloan | April 09, 2020

From helping vulnerable clients get out of prison to assisting small business acquire government aid, law students are finding ways to pitch in amid the pandemic.
News

Utah Poised to Let Law Grads Skip the Bar Exam Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Karen Sloan | April 10, 2020

The change would make the state the first to embrace an emergency diploma privilege due to COVID-19, and it could prompt other states to follow suit.

Q&A

My Weekday Workout in the COVID-19 Era: Becker & Poliakoff's Scott Marcus

Tasha Norman | April 09, 2020

"Due to the unfortunate reality we are facing, COVID-19 has posed some hurdles to maintaining a group or gym workout routine."
News

With Bar Exam in Limbo, Momentum Builds for Supervised Practice Programs

Karen Sloan | April 08, 2020

Permitting law grads to skip the bar exam for full licensure looks increasingly unlikely. At least three jurisdictions have unveiled programs to allow 2020 law graduates to practice under supervision while they wait to take the test.
News

'A Pro Bono Boom': Doctors, Inmates & Immigrants Get Big Law Help as COVID-19 Spreads

Jacqueline Thomsen | April 08, 2020

Counsel at firms with top-ranked pro bono programs say they're seeing an increase in both the demand for pro bono work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in attorneys at their firms wanting to offer free legal services.
News

At-Home LSAT Set to Debut Next Month Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Karen Sloan | April 07, 2020

The April LSAT is canceled. But for the first time ever, aspiring lawyers will be able to take the admissions exam at home, on their own computers.
Analysis

COVID-19 Pushed Legal Toward Tech, Remote Work. There May Be No Going Back

Frank Ready | April 07, 2020

Remote work and the move toward more workflow automation could be sticking around as firms continue to cut overhead and bolster efficiency in an increasingly competitive market.

News

1 Family Has 5 Cases of Coronavirus: How a Connecticut Lawyer Is Coping

Robert Storace | April 07, 2020

A Connecticut attorney discusses the impact of COVID-19 on her family.
News

'There Isn’t Going To Be a Magic Formula': How One Am Law 200 Firm Is Calibrating Cuts

Patrick Smith | April 07, 2020

Sullivan & Worcester managing partner Joel Carpenter said the firm's actions—including temporary pay cuts and some furloughs—is based on a 40% drop in revenue that he hopes won't come to pass.
News

Aiming for 'Some Sense of Certainty,' These Firms Committed to No Layoffs, Pay Cuts

Brenda Sapino Jeffreys | April 06, 2020

While many firms are keeping their options open, a few have expressly announced that they have no plans to let people go or reduce their pay.
News

As Remote Work Brings Isolation, How Can Firms Keep Lawyers in the Fold?

Patrick Smith | March 31, 2020

“The kind of interpersonal communication that people have on a coffee break or in the lunchroom is now gone," said one behavioral scientist who's also a Big Law alum. "Firms are going to have to work to keep their people committed and engaged.”
News

New Jersey Will Allow Law Grads to Practice Temporarily Amid COVID-19

Suzette Parmley | April 06, 2020

The 2020 bar exam, originally scheduled for July, has been postponed until the fall due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Letter to the Editor

The Case for Saving Summer Programs

Grover Cleveland | April 06, 2020

In response for calls to do away with law firm summer associate programs this year, consultant Grover Cleveland explains why firms should keep them.
Podcast

Zoom GC Aparna Bawa Opens Up About Big Gains and Some Growing Pains

Vanessa Blum Leigh Jones | April 03, 2020

Bawa, who joined the video conferencing company in 2018, shares what it’s been like as Zoom has gone from business tool to virtual lifeline and come under scrutiny for security vulnerabilities.
Commentary

How to Practice Law Remotely Without Appearing Remote

Jamie Moss | March 27, 2020

Tips and strategies for communicating effectively from your home office during the coronavirus crisis.
Q&A

Here's What Lawyers Need to Know About Student Loan Relief

Karen Sloan | April 01, 2020

Derek Brainard, the director of financial education at AccessLex Institute, unpacks the student loan relief provisions within the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package and how lawyers borrowers should proceed.
News

'Be Kind' During the Pandemic, and That’s an Order

Katheryn Hayes Tucker | March 19, 2020

“Be kind to one another in this most stressful of times,” U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg said.

Commentary

From the COVID-19 Bunker: Sullivan & Cromwell's Frank Aquila

Vivia Chen | April 01, 2020

Here's the first in a series looking at how big names in the legal world are dealing with the impact of coronavirus—including the impact on their jobs, what's driving them nuts and what they're watching on Netflix.
News

Paul Weiss Mobilizes Army of Lawyers to Help Navigate Coronavirus Relief

Dan Packel | March 16, 2020

Chairman Brad Karp wants "thousands" of lawyers across the U.S. to join what he expects will be an unprecedented effort.
Commentary

To Laterals in the Covid-19 Era: Be Ready for Your Close-Up

Vivia Chen | March 25, 2020

Videoconferencing is how some laterals will land at their next job if the coronavirus persists, recruiters predict. Laterals will likely sign on with law firms that they've never set foot in and whose partners they've never met.
Q&A

Homebound by Coronavirus, Lawyer-Parents Bear Extra Burden

Samantha Stokes | March 18, 2020

For mothers in particular, the demands of remote working can be intense, and the coming weeks will hold lessons for law firms that go beyond the current crisis.
Commentary

At Least You Can Quit Shaving Your Legs

Vivia Chen | March 18, 2020

Working from home means your appearance no longer matters, so you can let your work speak for itself and dispense with the superficialities.

Commentary

How Does He Do It? Kirkland Partner at Home With 11 Kids

Vivia Chen | March 20, 2020

Any normal person under similar circumstances would be going bonkers.
News

$5M Coming to Law Students Struggling Financially Amid COVID-19

Karen Sloan | March 31, 2020

AccessLex Institute will give every ABA-accredited nonprofit law school $25,000 to distribute to students facing financial hardship.
Commentary

Law Firms Need to Say It’s OK to Be Human Right Now

Patrick Krill | March 31, 2020

Whether through small gesture or large effort, now is the time to audition for the role of the person we’d want others to say we are.
Podcast

How We’re Surviving as a Shut-In Workforce: ‘Know Where Your Mute Button Is’ and Be Patient

Vanessa Blum Leigh Jones | March 20, 2020

As the country combats the COVID-19 crisis, lawyers are settling into a new work reality. We checked in to see how they’re coping.
News

With Law Students Jittery, Profs Try to Engage Them Online

Karen Sloan | March 19, 2020

From amusing lecture videos to daily video chats with the dean, law schools are scrambling to provide student support and foster interaction amid the quick shift to online classes.

News

Working Through a Crisis at Home: What 5 General Counsel Are Learning

Sue Reisinger | March 27, 2020

"Having video makes a huge difference and it should be used for a virtual cup of coffee or a substantive meeting," advised Richard Nohe, general counsel for BT Americas Inc. in Dallas.
Commentary

In a Year Full of Worry and Division, How to Protect Your Mental Health

Patrick Krill | March 16, 2020

Just as you can do things to safeguard yourself from the coronavirus, you can also takes steps to avoid the mental fallout.
Commentary

Advice to Law Students in the Time of Covid-19: Your Path to Big Law

Hugh A. Simons | March 21, 2020

Law school grads are about to face a very different hiring climate in Big Law than they expected a few months ago. Hugh A. Simons gives insight into what is happening in the minds of those making hiring decisions and what law grads should do to improve their situation.
News

COVID-19, Remote Work and Cybersecurity Threats: 7 Pointers for In-House Counsel

MP McQueen | March 17, 2020

The surge in inexperienced remote workers is creating a host of potential cybersecurity threats that in-house counsel need to quickly address, cybersecurity lawyers said. "Hackers love exploiting weakness and they know the entire world is distracted," said Jena Valdetero, partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.
News

NY State Bar Association, Courts to Launch Pro Bono Network to Help With Pandemic Response

Jane Wester | March 29, 2020

The "pent-up demand" for legal services will be enormous, said Hank Greenberg, president of the NYSBA. Former New York Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, who is now of counsel at Latham & Watkins, is leading the effort to organize the new network.

News

Law Firm Coalition Launches National Pro Bono Campaign to Support Small Biz

Dan Packel | March 27, 2020

Kirkland & Ellis and others are joining the City Bar Justice Center to roll out a pilot in New York, and the Lawyers for Good Government Foundation will provide national assistance in the effort to guide small business owners on how to access government support.
'It’s Going to Be Extraordinary': Predictions and Advice From Neil Barofsky for Coronavirus Recovery Oversight

C. Ryan Barber | March 27, 2020

"The potential number of companies or recipients is vast, to put it mildly, which makes certain things more important and certain things very different," Jenner' & Block's Neil Barofsky, former special inspector general under the Troubled Asset Relief Program, says. "It’s going to be extraordinarily important what processes and procedures surround the determination of who gets money and who doesn't."

Featured Firms

Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates P.C.

75 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Ste 101

Atlanta, GA 30308

(470) 294-1674

www.garymartinhays.com

Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone

2 Oliver St #608

Boston, MA 02109

(857) 444-6468

www.marksalomone.com

Smith & Hassler

1225 N Loop W #525

Houston, TX 77008

(713) 739-1250

www.smithandhassler.com

Presented by BigVoodoo

More from ALM

Legal Speak is a weekly podcast that makes sense of what’s happening in the legal industry.

What the Global 200 Rankings Say About Big Law's Past, Present and Future

1 minute read

How and Why Davis Wright Built Its Own GenAI Chatbot

2 minute read

How Husch Blackwell's Virtual Office Prioritizes In-Person Connections

1 minute read

Resources

Explore the results of an extensive survey conducted in 2023 across 4,000+ professionals to help legal and business leaders better understand the use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in the workplace.

Generative AI & the Legal Profession: 2023 Report For In-House Counsel and Compliance Professionals

Brought to you by LexisNexis®

Download Now

Navigating the intricate world of financial management is an additional burden for law firm partners that are already engrossed in demanding legal careers. Your financial situation is inherently complex. This guide provides 4 actionable strategies to help you increase wealth and minimize your tax liability.

Tax Planning for the Present and Future: A Guide for Law Firm Partners

Brought to you by ONE Advisory Partners, LLC

Download Now

The future of legal work is changing and law firms must adapt. This research examines the different views of partners and associates on topics including hybrid work, training junior lawyers, technology, and more, highlighting the various tensions and opinions.

The Future of The Legal Workplace

Brought to you by Williams Lea

Download Now

Losing clients can be especially damaging in today’s competitive law firm environment. This white paper outlines three ways you can sharpen your competitive edge as a lawyer to stave off the risk of clients leaving and create enduring relationships.

Rescue Law Firm Revenue: Mitigate Clients Silently Leaving

Brought to you by Lexis Nexis, InterAction+

Download Now

Browse More Resources

Browse More Resources

Legal Newswire

Powered by Law.com

eDiscovery Leader PageOne Welcomes New VP of Strategy

Sep 25, 2023

ECFX Welcomes Six Exceptional New Team Members to Drive Innovation and Growth

Sep 22, 2023

Addition of Two New Partners Continues Sterlington s Expansion: Jennifer Czeisle...

Sep 20, 2023

TITAN ASSET MANAGEMENT GETS DRAGGED INTO MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR TORTIOUS INTERFERE...

Sep 19, 2023

Submit a press release

View More Press Releases → Submit a Press Release →