With reference to the Doug Hargrove article How Legal Firms Can Break Remote Working Barriers, Gizem Akilli offers her views on WFH.

 

 

Technology: Historic resistance to recent reliance, but remote working barriers remain

 

The legal sector, owing to its historic resistance to technology and the immediate effects of the global crisis, has experienced severe disruption. Casedo inventor and practicing barrister, Ross Birkbeck, found it easier than most to work from home in a rapidly accelerating industry, still responding to the pandemic. Given his background, Ross has helped steer the ship during a turbulent time. It is these remote working barriers that are hindering progress in the legal sector.

 

The recent reliance on innovative tools has enabled lawyers to operate remotely. Those who have used digital solutions before, have undoubtedly boasted better adaptation to the new normal. As a case management tool, Casedo gives users the ability to work paperlessly.

 

The constructive feedback from hundreds of legal professionals, has in no small part, enabled hundreds of barristers feel better equipped to deal with remote practice. The software was initially developed as a user-friendly case management tool, by a barrister for barristers. Two years later, is now being utilised by the UCL Law Society. For UCL Law Society, Casedo is its sole platform for the junior and senior mooting competitions

 

 

Security issues need to be recognised

 

We have also recognised the issues with cybersecurity, both as a difficulty of cloud storage and a barrier to wider tech acceptance in the legal sector. That is why Casedo we designed to operate outside the cloud, with users storing their files locally. Users are able to take complete control over their data, and share casefiles using any external tools they wish. Moreover, the silver linings behind the pandemic are unavoidable.

 

Prior to 2020, the choice between paperless and paper files was balanced. Going forward, it seems that this approach has forever changed, and there is no looking back. The HMCTS, law firms and various organisations are already implementing expectations around paperless workflows, and this will surely continue in a post pandemic world. Law firms in the UK have already established regulations to prevent reliance on paper. This reformed approach will likely resonate with competitors, and before long, managing a paperless workflow will be the standard procedure for legal professionals.

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

Doug Hargrove has really hit the nail on the head with his analysis on remote working in a post pandemic world. The changes brought about have been sudden, but have momentously changed our understanding of existing solutions to long overlooked problems.

 

Why not read our ‘Working from home 2.0’ article on Legal Futures? Click HERE to read the full text.

 

UPDATE: 2022.11.08