One hallmark of this pandemic has been distancing—social distancing, physical distancing, personal isolation. Pandemic lockdown requirements led immediately to 100% remote work arrangements for lawyers and law firms. The physical 180º shift involved a mix of emotional and practical rearrangements in both life and work. These kinds of disruption have both human and work-related consequences. Respondents from this column’s panel of solos and lawyers in small to midsize firms discussed the impact for their firms and practices.

Moving to Remote

When the Governor ordered people home, most firms transitioned almost immediately. About half of the firms were already set up for remote work. Douglas Singer, member, Singer Law PLLC said: “For our firm, the shift was easy. We had been set up to work remotely since 2017.”