The novel coronavirus has transformed the legal landscape in ways lawyers likely still have not fully comprehended. For some, the coronavirus has adjourned summer internships, volunteer opportunities, or the coveted summer associate jobs. Others fortunate enough to still have an opportunity this summer are seeing the position transition into a virtual environment. Although the transition will not be easy or ideal, young lawyers or law students will have to draw from their existing skills to succeed in uncharted territory of the virtual law office. The board offers the following advice for those braving the unknown and seeking to excel in the virtual practice:

• Stay focused on etiquette. Despite the fact this new virtual world lends itself to informalities, stay focused on maintaining professionalism in the comfort of your own home/apartments. Situations will inevitably arise where you need clearer direction or will need to ask for help— try to make an appointment or send an email or message to your supervisor requesting to speak at a mutually convenient time. Remember that supervisors are also adapting to this new landscape and giving your supervisor advanced warning will allow him or her to better help you. Similarly, stay professional—including your dress and appearance—on telephone and video conferences. Treat the experience as if you were in person, in the office or courtroom. Similarly, be cognizant of background noise on phone and video calls. Although your patio might be a suitable location to take morning calls, background noise might be disruptive to your colleagues.

• Understand that law is one of the few professions where the majority of your day is recorded by "the billable hour" or equivalent. Take comfort in the fact that your supervisor will be able to observe your output, even if they cannot see you sitting in an office at 7 p.m. long after the office has packed up for the night.

• Treat the hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. as traditional working hours. That is, if you have to be "at work" at 9 a.m., wake up with enough time to get ready and be in front of your computer/desk at 9 a.m. Similarly take a full 30-minute to an hour lunch break as you normally would at work. Try not to extend the workday into the evening or early morning unless necessary.

• Try to have a standing call with senior supervisor/partners each week at the same time. Bring a prepared list of questions or concerns from the previous week to this call that need to be addressed. You should be recording your questions/concerns during the week and addressing them all at once. Addressing questions in an ad-hoc fashion is not efficient for the supervisor.

• Don't be afraid to contact other associates/employees at the firm/organization to network and ask for help/guidance. Remember that law is a social profession and talking with other lawyers is a great way to work through complex situations. The coronavirus has not changed the congenial nature of the profession.

• Take advantage of your student discount to bar association events. Attending bar association events can help you meet attorneys outside of your firm. It is also a good way to explore practice areas outside of your field. Often it is helpful to attend these events with one or two acquaintances to help alleviate some of the inherent social awkwardness.

• Offer to write a blog for the firm/organization's website, newsletter, or otherwise participate in marketing. The coronavirus has forced firms to reconsider internal and external marketing opportunities. Getting involved demonstrates how you can add value to the firm/organization and can help you explore a topic or practice area. Pitch an idea that matches the interests of someone at the firm you want to get to know better, and work with said person to draft/create the content.

• Seek out your fellow summer associates. It's helpful to connect with your peers and share information with one another as you are all in this brave new world together. If the firm/organizational culture allows, offer to set up a virtual happy hour or other type of event where people can get to know each other.

Even though the coronavirus has created unprecedented issues in the legal community, technologically savvy law students are in the best position to adapt the quickest. Having the discipline to maintain traditional social and professional norms in a virtual environment will be key to your success.

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