The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been widespread. We have all been impacted one way or another by the virus—whether directly or indirectly—physically, mentally or even financially. For those who have been fortunate enough to retain their jobs in the midst of mass layoffs, the challenges of working remotely for an extended period of time have been unprecedented. The lack of organic human interaction takes a toll psychologically, and the normalization of the home office has left many feeling burnt-out because the line between work and home has been brutally distorted. Acknowledging this reality is important, but even more important is the way that we handle what the world has thrown at us when navigating the storm: maintaining a positive outlook along with the will to work outside of our comfort zone.

Working Efficiently

Working as a young associate is challenging enough without office closures. But these challenges also present opportunities; namely, the chance to shine. The lack of immediate access to supervising attorneys forces you to make decisions in a bind and attack drafts more aggressively. Working remotely allows for more independence in day-to-day decision-making, and less deferral to more senior attorneys for issues that arise on your files.