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The coronavirus has made us all adjust the way we work as lawyers. These are unprecedented times. Presently, most lawyers are working from home. Some lawyers excel at that, but others, like me, find such an arrangement challenging. I had to take steps to ensure my work gets done in a timely and efficient manner while working from home, so that I can be the best lawyer I can be.
First, if possible, set up a dedicated workspace in your home or apartment. Defining a space where you can concentrate and get work done is good practice. Ideally, try to set up a home office, but if you do not have the space, try to set up a mock office at your kitchen table or coffee table. There are many distractions, such as television and streaming services, in the home. If you have a dedicated space, avoiding those distractions will be easier, helping you to get your work done.
Second, I find it’s best to structure your day. Make a schedule and stick to it. Make time for work and for downtime. Even more importantly, break up and schedule your day around your cases, meetings, and calls. Making lists and scheduling times to accomplish these tasks is a very beneficial practice.
Next, I think it is extremely important to take breaks while working from home. As it is very easy to succumb to the distractions of television or other entertainment, if you have scheduled breaks, you can take that time to indulge in something that makes you happy, like Netflix. Mental breaks are also important. But even more important, you should take time to exercise. Even if you are not working from home, exercise is so key to producing good work product. I find that exercise clears the head and improves work efficiency.
As more lawyers are forced to work from home, the technology that connects us to our colleagues and clients is more and more important and necessary for us to do our jobs. Instead of viewing technology as a burden and just another thing to learn, embrace it. My firm has encouraged and required us to use applications like Skype for Business and Zoom. Using such technology will enable you to keep in touch with other members of your firm or company. Although I found the tech awkward to use at first, I now enjoy seeing my colleagues and clients while speaking to them, instead of just having calls with them.
Finally, when working from home, don’t get complacent. It is easy to fall into the trap of not keeping a schedule or not concentrating as well as you would have if you had been in the office. Keep working and billing. All lawyers have a professional responsibility to continue to represent their clients in a zealous manner despite the current conditions. Coronavirus has made the practice of law challenging to say the least. But like so many other industries, the practice of law will go on, and the work needs to be done.
The most important thing, however, is to stay safe and stop the spread of this virus. Working from home is a new reality that we all must address and accept. If you follow some of my suggestions, I think you will be able to get as much done as if you were in the office and continue to be able to practice law effectively and efficiently.
Peter S. Garnett is an attorney at Balestriere Fariello who represents clients in trials, arbitrations, and appeals. He focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation and contract disputes from pre-filing investigations to trial and appeals. You can reach Peter at peter.s.garnett@balestrierefariello.com.