By Emily Schroll, Paralegal
Everyone has been making sacrifices over the past couple of months and the normal way of life feels like a distant memory. As states reopen and things get back to “normal”, I took a few minutes to reflect on how working remotely from home has shaped my perspective of business as usual for Feher Law.
- We can accomplish practically all the same tasks as before. One of the biggest differences for us is there is not an official “office” where you can drop by to see my lovely face to receive or return paperwork. Clients have been flexible in sending documents by scanning and then email. This new use of technology for clients helps Feher Law become even more paperless than it was prior to COVID-19, and that is good practice for everyone moving forward.
- Hearings and Mediations can now take place telephonically and virtually. Judges, Mediators, and their assistants adjusted to the new technology also. This new system seems more convenient for scheduling, which is great news for our clients who would like a hearing or resolution to their issue more quickly.
- Communication is the key to success. It sounds cliché, but it is essential for the smooth running of a boutique law firm like Feher Law. During this pandemic I have been able to connect on a more personal level with our clients. It is almost like people are doing their own reflecting, and a new ‘social contract’ between individuals is taking place, which is a lovely idea.
I have spoken to clients who are trying to maintain the household, but also tackle their legal issues at the same time. They ask about working remotely. I ask about how they do it all on their end. What I am learning is that people are more apt to give recognition to each other, promote positive mental health strategies, and offer a bit more patience than before.