May Edition 2020

Law Firms Adapting Well Since the pandemic began, have clients’ expectations and demands changed? everyone at the firm these days is staying alert and doing so by sharing information. We were able to understand very quickly that clients will now be faced with legal issues for the first time, some very significant,” adds Greenberg Traurig’s Shabot.” Kobre&Kim’sBressman pointedout: “Thedialoguebetweenour legal teamsand the firm’s commercial armhasmeant that everyone has been kept up-to-date on the latest firm initiatives, whilst the firm as a whole can be driven by intelligence gathered fromwhat our lawyers are seeing happening in their cases.” As DWFs Reif says, “clients – more than before are looking for an aligned legal, tax, financing and accounting solution in order to navigate through the crisis.” As Kaplan of DLA added, “it’s very important that we are not just filling the basic needs of being available and responsive, but also providing them with the legal guidance and pragmatic solutions that address not just what they’re experiencing right now, but also what we anticipate will be around the corner. Many employers will be thinking outside of the box and questioning assumptions that everyone had previously taken for granted concerning issues such as physical distancing in the workplace, required business travel, flexible work schedules and the ability to work from home, and a renewed focus on employee mental health and wellbeing.” Having come through these challenges, many of the law firms have adapted well, learning lessons in the process. “Ultimately, the COVID-19 crisis has re- affirmed the adaptability that defines our client service,” said Sweet. “Our attorneysare leadinginformativewebinarson local,stateandfederalpandemic- related orders and legislation as well as assistance programs, authoring critical industry resources that have been featured in national media, and, most importantly, responding to client needs with agility and actionable counsel.” Nachman agreed. “We have managed to convert to smart working in a very speedy and efficient manner all across our network and I am confident that many of the newly acquired working methods will stay with us going forward.” And forward is where these law firms are looking.