As we move into the second quarter of 2021, the world is slowly emerging from the pandemic. Of course, the pandemic brought about many changes to the way we live and work. Some changes are likely short term. Others will potentially last longer. Law firms and in-house legal departments are increasingly evaluating what the post-pandemic workplace will look like for their teams. Below are predictions about five pandemic-era legal developments that are likely here to stay.

• The Use of Digital Collaboration Tools Will Continue and Grow

Communication and collaboration are at the core of legal practice. Beginning in 2020, many law firms embraced video meeting apps and other digital collaboration tools, such as web-based applications, that allow teams to share documents and information through online portals. In addition to the use of video meeting apps, many law firms and legal departments have also explored team chat apps as part of their remote work ecosystem. In addition to these more traditional collaboration tools, emerging virtual collaboration tech continues to be developed and can assist law firms and legal departments striving to maintain cohesive culture and engagement.