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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused radical changes to our way of life. People feel isolated and hopeless right now. But the isolation does not have to be limiting. Let's take this time to turn a negative into a positive.

Many lawyers feel anxiety over the inability to generate business during this time due to offices being closed. It's time for the legal profession to see what IT companies have recognized for years—you can be just as efficient working from your kitchen table as in a brick-and-mortar office. Technological advances can be used to reduce the effects of self-isolation. Here are the top five things to do in a pandemic to be a more productive lawyer and advance your career:

1. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Skype, Facetime, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams can help you stay in contact with your colleagues. These platforms, and others, provide a way for you to stay connected and still see the person with whom you are interacting. Many of these platforms let you connect with multiple people at the same time. Watch an online video on how to use the platform, then invite your connections to "lunch" to keep in touch. You do want to make sure that whichever technology you choose has protections against being hacked. Make sure if you use the technology for confidential communications that the connection is secure and that the data is not transmitted to a third party inadvertently. The best referrals come from those with whom you have a personal relationship. So spend the time now to build a strong foundation for your referral source. Using technology is not just limited to keeping in touch, though. Think about other ways technology may help your efficiency, such has having two monitors. You should also check with your IT/phone provider to see if there is a way your office line can ring on your cell phone, or having your voicemails sent to your email. Even figuring out a way to scan documents right from your home will help you to be a more efficient lawyer.

2. Build Your Reputation

Use this time to become a specialist in an area of law. Now that everyone is home and staying connected through social media, it is a good time to create a blog, vlog, or simply a newsletter that you share with your contacts. People have more time now to read articles, so be the source for them to learn. This will build your reputation, which will payoff in the long run. If you consistently write short articles about one area of law, then you will build your reputation. By the time the pandemic is over, you will have a library of resources that potential clients and referral sources can utilize. As a result, you will become the source for that area of law. You can also reach out to CLE providers to give a CLE about this area of law. As explained below, many CLE providers are offering virtual CLEs. If you have a program ready to go, spend some time and reach out to providers who are looking to increase their offerings now that people are home.

3. Gain Knowledge

Many CLE providers are using this time to offer video CLEs. Now is the perfect time to get your CLE credits while also learning a new area of law. Or use this time to better hone your knowledge as to your own area of law. Use the internet to find CLE courses that interest you and will help you when the pandemic subsides. Some bar associations may offer free CLEs with membership. Post on bar listserves to find out about offerings and discounts during the pandemic. Also use this time as an opportunity to read treatises or other books to help you refine your attorney skills. For instance, as a trial lawyer, reading the Gann Rules of Evidence cover-to-cover will help you strengthen your trial skills. Utilize the lack of commute time to your advantage.

4. Check in on Your Clients

It only takes a few minutes to reach out to your clients to make sure they are surviving the pandemic. Your clients will appreciate that you took a few minutes to reach out. Check with your IT department to see if there is a way to send a mail-merge email to each client. Even mail-merged correspondence mailed to the client will be appreciated. Clients will be happy to know that even though they cannot see you in the office, you are still reachable for any issues the client experiences.

5. Go Through Your Files

Now is the perfect time to make sure that you are serving your clients in the best means possible. Take some time to look at all your files to see if there is anything that you should have done, but you did not do due to the lack of time. Make lists of things that must be done urgently, things that should be done soon, and things that could be done to enhance value. Then tackle your list in a prioritized manner.

Don't let the bleak nature of the pandemic interfere with your professional progress. Use this time now to lay seeds for future success. Moreover, let's use this time of isolation to bring us together through the benefit of modern technology.

The NJLJ Young Lawyers Advisory Board is a diverse group of young attorneys from around the state. Follow them on Twitter, @YoungLawyersNJL.