University News

School of Law to Present Law Practice in 2021: Learning from COVID and Looking Forward

Published: March 17, 2021 | Categories: Law, All News

March 23 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (EST)

Gavel resting on a sticky note "Covid 19"

The Western New England University School of Law will present Law Practice in 2021: Learning from COVID and Looking Forward on March 23 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (EST). This is Part one of a three-part virtual series titled Law Practice Beyond 2020: How to Adapt and Implement Technology in Your Practice. The presentation will feature Affinity Programs Managers at Clio, Heidi Alexander and Nefra-Ann MacDonald.

The pandemic brought a significant drop in the number of new cases for law firms, leading to overall drops in caseload volume and as a result, a negative impact on revenues, as demonstrated by findings by Clio practice management software company and its study of data from tens of thousands of users. While revenues sustained shortfalls, some firms fared better than others. According to Clio's own user data, those firms that took advantage of electronic payments, client portals, and online intake, saw an overall greater volume of casework and revenue on a per-lawyer basis than those firms who did not use these technologies.

While no one law firm has come out ahead during this period of time, many have evolved at an exponential pace, thus setting certain standards for current practice and setting the stage for additional advancements in the future.

This session will cover some of the lessons learned during COVID-19, how practices have evolved, and trends moving forward. Attendees will come away informed and prepared to adapt to a continually changing legal landscape to ensure relevancy and effectiveness for years to come.

To register, visit wne.edu/law/law-practice-beyond-2020.cfm.

This three-part series covers Virtual Practice: The Next Generation on April 20 and Automation for the Everyday Lawyer (date TBD). Discounts are available for those attending more than one session.