The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic over on May 5, 2023. For over three years before its long-awaited end, we lived differently. We traveled less, dined in more, became more glued to our computers and televisions, and stopped interacting in person. Now that the pandemic is behind us, it’s worth reflecting on some of the changes that were implemented and their lasting impact on the legal profession.
A Google search on how the pandemic has changed the practice of law produces the response that attorneys suffered from increased substance abuse, alcohol consumption and stress. Sadly, this is true. But the intent of the search wasn’t to read about the pandemic’s immediate effect on trial lawyers, but how their daily professional lives have changed. The few articles that address this often delve into hybrid work schedules that have undeniably altered society. There are, however, other noteworthy changes.