Technology has long been at the forefront of our lives, both at home and at work. From the telephone, fax machine, dishwasher, toaster, and television to the work computer, microwave, personal computer, and cell phone; the arrival of modern conveniences has been employed to enhance both our personal and professional lives.
As technology grew and evolved new and innovative uses began to emerge that crossed the divide between work and home. Computers used in the office were now available at home. TV’s found their way out of the living room and into the workplace. Phones used at work and home were now portable and personal. And, what office kitchen doesn’t have a microwave?
But that wasn’t all that was changing. As the lines between personal and business use for technology began to blur so did the lines between home and work life. With the erosion of boundaries between the two, the office no longer held dominion over the work effort. Add in the trend of companies promoting work-from-home programs and one begins to see a seamless migration from the office to the home, all courtesy of technology.
Enter COVID-19
Arguably, one of the most significant occurrences in recent memory, COVID-19 is providing yet another means to further cloud the borders between the spaces. By default, many homes have become office buildings, schools, gyms, and more. People and companies are finding creative ways to maintain relationships and conduct business. With this transition comes the need to maintain normalcy and the old adage, “The show must go on,” has never rung truer.
As a Knoxville law firm, we are tasked with a multitude of personal appearances. Thankfully, technology has once again provided the means for us to do that – and more.
Electronic platforms such as Zoom, Skype for Business, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, ezTalks Meetings, and others provide a conduit so all necessary parties can virtually attend client meetings, court appearances, board and committee meetings, conferences, and facilitate electronic court filings. As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, distance meetings and hearings may now become the mechanisms that allow the show to continue without interruption. In fact, considering the United States Supreme Court’s penchant for precedents, they recently made history when they heard an argument via conference telephone for the first time ever!
Electronic tools also have the ability to generate cost savings for clients in both money and time. Being able to virtually appear in court, file documents, attend depositions and hearings, etc., all without ever leaving the office, can amount to significant savings in attorney travel expenses alone. Additionally, the time savings to clients of them not having to travel to attend meetings or deliver documents provides additional financial rewards and savings.
While many of these high-tech resources are not new to the legal profession, they are sure to become more widely used in our post-pandemic society due to their convenience and cost-saving capabilities. Because “necessity is the mother of invention,” innovative technological advances will surely arise out of the COVID-19 crisis to create new businesses, industries, ways of thinking, and perhaps even a new way of life for some or for many.
For the legal profession to advance in this environment and beyond it is incumbent on us to embrace technological change, understand it, and become proficient in its use. The more technology continues to assume a dual role in our society the more opportunity we have to serve our clients timelier and more efficiently.
Long before people were sequestered at home because of COVID-19, we had been using virtual technology to conduct business and communicate with clients, the courts, and others. It saved time. It saved money. It made sense. We believe one of the hallmarks of excellence, regardless of the business or industry, is being at your best when you’re needed. For our Knoxville law firm, that means technological proficiency.
Photo by Conny Schneider
