For lawyers near the start of their careers, the current business climate is causing limitations as well as creating opportunities.

As the U.K. lockdown due to COVID-19 continues, two lawyers at U.K. firms share their experience of it and tips on how they have managed to cope working from home so far. Megan Lafferty is an associate at Clyde & Co., and Emma Dyson is a senior solicitor at Brodies.

How have you adjusted to working remotely?

Emma: I was working from home one or two days a week prior to lockdown so the change wasn't so drastic for me. I think the first difficulty for many firms was getting everyone set up working remotely and once that was done, there were other issues to address. I have found there are some days where you feel that you can't be nearly as productive as you would like to be, but at the same time, I am also embracing the slower pace of life. It won't last forever!

Megan: I also had some experience working from home every so often, but usually with a house to myself. It was definitely an adjustment to find a rhythm that works well for me in terms of taking breaks and not being glued to a screen all day. I also had to source a desk, which was apparently as high in demand as pasta in the early weeks of lockdown.

 

What works?

Emma: I had a virtual appeal hearing in April which went wonderfully well with both counsel, the court and clients on a video conference. The Scottish courts are starting now to deal with the backlog of work and assigning telephone conferences and video meetings to handle hearings where appropriate. I think that does assist you to keep momentum with various actions. At my firm, we have also utilised Microsoft Teams to emulate our "Friday post-work drinks" which is a great way to stay in touch with your colleagues.

Megan: My team has a weekly meeting which we've maintained via Zoom. It has been really helpful touching base with my team on a regular basis as it can feel quite isolated working in lockdown alone. The courts are also making progress in getting civil work back up and running. I've had an increase in motions being dealt with over the past couple of weeks which is helping in terms of progressing existing litigated actions.

What is challenging?

Emma: Initially there was some uncertainty and inconsistency with how the courts were treating ongoing actions. The court continued to issue guidance regularly which then assisted us to have some idea of how actions might progress and to advise clients. The other issue was the fact that government guidance and legislation was developing and changing almost daily, and staying on top of the advice for clients was important. There is also just the general fatigue that comes with lockdown and some days you feel more motivated than others!

Megan: I had a virtual hearing in a regulatory case, which in the end went well. However, we did have some technical difficulties, which was a whole new type of stressor. Losing connection in the course of your opponent's submissions, for example, then trying to log back in, was something I wouldn't have been concerned about in the usual course of proceedings.

What are your coping mechanisms?

Emma: I think it is really important to have down-time away from your desk and screen at regular intervals. I have a scruffy little rescue dog who needs to be walked at least twice a day so that makes me get out and about, no matter the weather. On top of that, I have been making sure I always have something really delicious to look forward to eating for dinner every day!

Megan: Keeping in touch with colleagues, clients, friends and family has really made a difference, although I will be glad of the day I don't have to do another zoom quiz! I've also found taking an hour-long lunch break to do an exercise class in my living room or go outside, and to eat away from a computer screen, helps with the feeling of a normal routine.

Both Megan Lafferty and Emma Dyson are members of a branch of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) for members with less than 5 years' PQE.

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