By Noreen Braman, New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program Communications and Technology Manager
Since at least March 2020, lawyers have been faced with varying workplace conditions and scenarios. Ranging from full off-site work, to hybrid accommodations — not only for the office but anywhere else lawyers do business — including courts, schools, client premises, and others.
Recently, New Jersey has been considering loosening some of the restrictions, and vaccinations are making in–person contact increasingly possible. However, individuals may feel confused based on contradictory information, personal health and family health status, continued use of masking and social distancing, and many other important factors.
Law practice articles and advice for lawyers written early in the pandemic may now be out of date, especially if they are not specifically targeted to a lawyer’s home state. It is important that law firms of all sizes keep everyone informed about “return to work” requirements, and solo practitioners also need to be aware of what others are doing. Court procedures could change at a moment’s notice, so keeping up with regulations and recommendations regularly is imperative.
Managing this level of stress can cause anxiety, depression, and substance use issues. NJ Lawyers may be feeling overwhelmed. Below is information from NJLAP about how we can assist you build back the resilience that has been depleted during this year. Below that is a link to our YouTube Page, where you can view Lawyer Well Being Videos from both 2020 and 2021’s Well Being in Law Week. And finally, there are links below with general advice on lawyers “getting back to the office.”
Articles on "Getting Back to the Law Office"
More law firms set office return dates
https://www.reuters.com/business/legal/more-law-firms-set-office-return-dates-big-law-weighs-flexible-future-2021-05-06/
Why Continuing Remote Work Options After the Pandemic Will Support a More Diverse and Inclusive Work Culture
https://harrityllp.com/why-continuing-remote-work-options-after-the-pandemic-will-support-a-more-diverse-and-inclusive-work-culture/
What Women Lawyers Want in a Post-Pandemic Law Firms
https://www.2civility.org/what-women-lawyers-want-in-a-post-pandemic-law-firm/
Lawyering Through COVID-19 One Year Later
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/lawyering-through-covid-19-key-practice-changes-one-year-later
COVID-19 Can Cause Lasting Damage to the Legal Profession
https://abovethelaw.com/2021/04/covid-19-can-cause-lasting-damage-to-the-legal-profession-if-were-not-careful/
The Pandemic Is Pushing Change Into Law Firms
https://www.globest.com/2021/02/26/the-pandemic-is-pushing-change-into-law-firms-workplace-strategies/?slreturn=20210410124328
Creating Post-Pandemic Sustainable Workforce Strategies
https://conradobrien.com/news-insights/law-firms-creating-post-pandemic-sustainable-workforce-strategies
Post-Pandemic Planning
https://www.burfordcapital.com/insights/insights-container/post-pandemic-planning/
Do You Even Need A Traditional Office?
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/do-you-even-need-traditional-office-8581782/
Setting Up a Lawyer Home Office
https://www.clio.com/blog/lawyer-home-office/