Coronavirus and the law

The coronavirus epidemic has disrupted operations in the legal sector if only temporarily. The Government slow down on non-essential services has seen a substantial slowdown of services in the legal services sector. Court activities are on a go slow such that hearing of non-urgent matters has been suspended. The courts will only hear urgent matters. The effect of this has been felt on businesses and individuals whose cases may face further delays. The effect of the court go slow has been felt in law firms that provide litigation services. Some law firms have also opted to go slow and many have sent their staff home especially the staff who handled litigation. Some law firms have opted to have their staff work remotely.

The importance of digitisation of legal services is enhanced now more than ever. Highly digitized law firms are able to continue offering services with minimum disruptions. For example, instead of having face to face meetings, digitised law firms are able to hold video conference meetings with clients and therefore are able to provide their services regardless of the go slow. This season may form a learning experience for law firms and even the courts on the need to be digitized. We hope a time will come when court sessions for example delivering of judgements and rulings, can be done remotely through video conferencing.