More and more lawyers are starting to work remotely, these tips will help you work more effectively from home.
Just ten years ago, it didn’t seem like it was possible for lawyers to work remotely. Anyone pushing such ideas than would have appeared out of touch with reality. Fast forward to today, and arguing against it sounds a bit ridiculous.
Working remotely as a lawyer is different from other professions such as marketing and eCommerce sales reps. But you can still work successfully from home as a lawyer. Here are some advice and best practices to help you out.
1. Adopt goal setting and time management strategies suitable for working remotely
The right goal setting and time management strategy are critical to the success of remote workers. To achieve this, you might want to consider dividing your daily tasks into three lists of different levels based on their order of importance. This helps you to be more productive with your time and ensures everything still gets done while working remotely.
2. Choose the best work time for you and agree with the people around you.
According to numerous EduBirdie reviews on the research paper writing service, productivity is enhanced by creating a work time at home and inform your partner and kids of this schedule. That way they will know to not disturb you at this time. Make sure you are choosing a realistic time that all of you can stick with. Discipline is important to achieve this.
3. Learn to delegate and supervise better
Delegation, communication and supervision skills are crucial to the success of remote working. You must be clear on the task you are delegating and also realistic with your supervision. There are many resources by a number of law firms to help you improve on these aspects if you need to.
4. Set clear protocols for your team
You might be in charge of leading a team while working remotely. In order to avoid mishaps, you need to lay down rules for everyone to follow. Be sure that everyone is clear on what to do and when. Also, make plan B for everyone in case someone is unavailable. Not having a second plan for every remote worker under you can lead to a lack of productivity or time-wasting when they’re unable to meet up, says Paul Gibbons, an essay writer at EssayUniverse in one of his articles.
5. Note real-life constraint
The truth about working remotely is that you might have it all planned out but at the end of the day, things happen. This is something that you have to note, especially if you are leading a team or working with other colleagues. There are real-life constraints that might affect your work. It does not only happen with you and your colleagues, it might as well be the client. You have to learn to deal with these constraints and remain productive as much as possible.
Regular check-ins and personal calls are a must.
6. For lawyers working remotely, it is impossible to overcommunicate.
This is even more important for big law firms. If you are in charge of a working team, be sure to personally call every team member. Be sure that they are fine and also discuss their workloads. Let them mention any personal constraints that they have and get feedback from them. The primary mode of communication should be calls – video or voice. Avoid using emails as much as possible.
7. Manage expectations properly
There are many positives to working from home such as working in a relaxed environment which enhances productivity and traveling less which gives more time to be productive. But it has its demerits too, especially for people just starting. They will need a transitional period. So, if you work with such persons, you have to manage expectations properly. And if you are that person, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
8. Subordinates want to speak to their leaders directly
Without face-to-face interaction, it is easier for runners to spread, especially during times of uncertainty like this COVID-19 pandemic. If you are in charge of other colleagues, try to not leave any information dangling that may cause uncertainty. Communicate with people under you and be transparent with happenings in the firm. And make sure that it is easy for them to get in touch with you as well.
9. Talk about your constraints
Whether you have been a practicing lawyer for a long time or you are relatively new in the profession, if you are working from home and you have constraints, be sure to let your associates know about it. It will not make you unprofessional, it will make you more transparent.
10. Ask for feedback and learn from them
The learning never stops. As an associate, you must learn to develop yourself by asking for feedback, especially from more senior lawyers, to learn and act on the feedback. This will help you add value to yourself and work better.
Conclusion
There is a lot that needs to be learned if you are just starting to work from home as a lawyer. But it is not beyond you to work on your constraints and be more productive.
Author Bio
Author BioIsabell Gaylord is a resume writer and dissertation writing help expert at several assignment writing services. She is also a part-time writing services blogger with a corporate finance degree and a strong background in law. Isabell is the mother of two toddlers and a dedicated yoga practitioner.
