New priorities – How law firms can adjust in a post-COVID world

Law - 07/10/2021

Covid has changed the way we work, the way we socialise and the way we communicate. In an industry rooted in tradition, law firms have had to face up to the challenge of readjusting to the new normal. Increased remote working and changing demands have led to a rejig in priorities for the legal industry. 

We’ve come up with a few key things for law firms to prioritise in a post-covid world, so that they can continue to stay ahead of the game.

A proactive, personal approach

As access to face-to-face contact decreased, law firms had to come up with ways to stay connected to their clients. Client-care is essential for law firms to build trust. And in these changing times, clients are facing more new and dramatic challenges than ever. 

As client agendas and priorities shift, be ready to pivot your client-service agenda to match them. For example, introducing new partners or expertise in a pertinent area, or investing in new services and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. Being proactive and really listening to client needs will help firms stay on top of demand and keep their clients happy.

Many firms have started to send proactive, personalised emails to their clients. They’re demonstrating their willingness to stay in touch with what their clients need. We may be working from home, but that doesn’t mean the relationships we have with our clients have to suffer for it.

Employee well-being

Just as firms need to focus on client-care, employee care has become an increasingly important priority in the post-covid age. Legal professionals are facing longer hours, higher workloads and ever-fluctuating demands. 

Make sure you’re keeping communication open and honest with your employees to avoid burnout. Support employee flexibility, collaboration, and connectivity through technology and frequent communications from firm leaders.  After all, your employees can’t deliver their best if they’re not being looked after themselves. We talk more about well-being in law here.

The future is digital

Digital working has thrived during lockdown, and it’s no surprise that it’s here to stay in some capacity. While law firms are able to see clients face-to-face again, they need to consider the preferences and needs of their clients and employees. Do clients prefer online meetings? Do employees prefer to work from home now and then? It’s important to be flexible.

Investing in technology will also hold law firms in good stead. For example, implementing new tools and channels to get relevant data and advice to clients quickly will help firms to cut through their information clutter and deliver something valuable.

Staying in the know

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the Covid-19 crisis, it’s that nothing is for certain. The figures are always changing, as are the rules and regulations. Law firms need to stay in the know, so that they can keep their clients in the know and advise accordingly. It will also inform them how to best meet their client’s needs.

Short-term problems, long-term solutions

For law firms, near-term issues of cash management for liquidity and solvency are clearly paramount. Effective accounts management is essential if firms want to continue to grow, learn and most importantly, help their clients. 

But as this blog has made clear, law firms have got plenty to think about. That’s why outsourcing your accounts could be the long-term answer. Leave the experts to manage the financial side of things, while your firm manages the rest. It’s a win-win solution for all. 

That’s where Numero can help. For more information about our legal cashiering and accounts management services, get in touch with us today. Let’s work together to thrive in the new normal.