Legal Trends For 2021

Yeah, it's mid-April 2021. Did any of us think we would still be dealing with remote work, closed or semi-closed offices, and the continuation of the pandemic? I certainly didn't. Our daughter was out of town when it all started hitting the fan. She was literally at the airport, heading home when word came down that her university was going remote for a month. And from there? Well, I loved having her home. Her? Not so much. All for the right reasons.

So how do the continuing effects of the pandemic affect the rest of 2021? Here are the top trends we see that affect the legal profession for the rest of this year... and beyond.

Continued Remote Work

The pandemic taught us all a thing or two about being able to work from anywhere. The reality is that it is very possible. Sure we had to shift a few things. It wasn't easy at first. But ultimately, attorneys and law firms figured it out. Now that we have the option, what does that mean going forward?

With the many wellness issues facing attorneys and law firms, the option to work from home is a great resource. Sometimes just being able to focus on the work of the law, in the comfort of your own home, takes the stress down. Fewer interruptions than are experienced in the office. And maybe it's a work in your jammies thing, too. At least working in your sweats. You get the idea.

A hybrid approach will be the norm. A mix of office days and remote days gives the law firm and the attorneys the option to better control their schedules, too. Going into the office for client meetings or working with fellow law firm team members better delineates the focus of the day. So those work-from-home days are focused on the law itself, not client meetings. Of course, this will vary by region, need, and firm. But there is a definite change post-pandemic.

User-Friendly Functionality

We here at SimpleLaw keep an eye on technology, specifically as it relates to attorneys and law firms. Some of the document automation options out there require a bit more skill than others. That's true for many functionality features.

As the industry continues to evolve, technology will be simplified for the user. More drag-and-drop than copy-and-paste. More automation using existing information on the case management software platform. The goal is to make it as intuitive as possible. Customization at the law firm level is the first step. Creating a library, if you will, of forms, fields, and even automation tools drive efficiency for law firms. And each law firm has its own unique wants and needs. But it needs to be created without the need for any IT or tech professional. 

In fact, we just released our own super user-friendly functionality features of Custom Fields and Custom Client Intake Forms. Literally, it's drag and drop by field type and then customizable in terms of content, description, and more.  Stored at the law firm level, the Custom Client Intake Form is also customizable at the case level. All at the click of a few buttons.

The best bit? What you can do with all that stored information. Coming soon!

Increased Focus on Online Connections

Attorneys are working remotely. So are your potential clients. Sure, potential clients were already looking for an attorney online. The power of the internet, for good and bad, has changed how people look for everything, from the latest rumors about Game of Thrones to finding an attorney.

What does that mean for attorneys and law firms? You've got to be findable online. From your website to how to make it easy for potential clients to connect with you. Chat features will explode. The reason? You need to connect with that potential client while they are on your website. Sure a phone and email are key. But let's face it, having the option to connect immediately, using an online chat tool just is easier. And it's all about making that online connection easy.

Review sites, attorney directories, blogs, social media, and more are all driving online connections between potential clients and attorneys. That has been true for a while now. But the rate of use and request by potential clients rose dramatically over the pandemic. And it isn't going back. 

Of course, the ongoing opportunities continue beyond the above. Clients want transparency in their cases. Billing adaptation to the ongoing needs of clients, including subscription pricing, monthly payments instead of the upfront flat fee, and others will continue to be in demand. Client portals are really, at this point, standard. What other trends do you see for 2021? What needs still remain unaddressed? Let us know what you think.