We have witnessed some significant changes in the way the justice sector operates overall during the current health crisis, but in navigating this shifting terrain lawyers have also made myriad adjustments to the way they practice in the day to day. We asked members which of these tools, techniques and provisions they will continue to employ going forward.
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“Instead of hosting telephone conference calls, I started and will continue to rely more heavily on video conferencing. While not as good as an in-person meeting, video conferencing provides far more context and seamless communication opportunities than voice alone, and is much better for building relationships with colleagues and clients.” - Vitali Berditchevski, TELUS
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“I’ve really become accustomed to relying on my iPad for everything (from being a simple notepad to a full-on remote desktop), and see this continuing – including at court.” - Eric Sadvari, Goldhart & Associates
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“As chair of the Sole, Small Firm and General Practice Section, I can say that membership hopes that the temporary executive orders allowing for remote real estate and will commissioning remain in place as it has created immense efficiency and convenience for all parties involved, particularly for the large number of sole/small firm practitioners who work from home.” - Aaron Grinhaus, Grinhaus Law Firm
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“I think being out of the confines of traditional office space has led to more practical, efficient and creative problem solving. It has shaken loose complacency and ended the practice of doing things we have always done because we have always done them. My challenge will be to keep that creativity alive when we return to the bounds of our physical office." - Elizabeth Hall, Ontario Bar Association
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“I will continue using collaborative tools (e.g. One Drive or Google Documents) so that multiple people can view and edit a document at the same time.” - KJ Chong, Broadgrain Commodities Inc.
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“Investing in a really (ridiculously!) huge HD screen and high quality Bluetooth earbuds (Sony WF-1000XM3) has truly made working from home a pleasure. Luckily, my legal practice is very portable so has not been greatly impacted by the current circumstances.” - Adrian Ishak, Salesforce
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“I will be conducting a lot more meetings using a Zoom conference facility and document sharing. The video meetings save time and money (less time travelling and waiting around) and are efficient and effective for many meetings that used to occur in person.” - Colin Stevenson, OBA President, Stevenson Whelton Barristers
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“The intentionality behind communication has soared. I’ve seen more colleagues daily over Zoom during this pandemic than I normally would tucked away behind the closed door of my office. Without face-to-face collegial interactions in an office setting, our in-house team has sought to connect more often than usual, solidifying professional relationships and staying connected despite the confines of remote work. I’m grateful for it.” - Barbara De Dios, Canadian Dental Services Corporation