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Future is virtual too

29 September 2020
Issue: 7904 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
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The COVID-19 lockdown will result in a long-term shift in attitude among solicitors towards technology, research indicates

A survey by Manchester chambers St John’s Buildings found 97% of more than 120 solicitors expect home-working to become commonplace post-pandemic, while 87% said they expect online court hearings to continue.

Technology will provide an acceptable alternative to face-to-face meetings after the pandemic ends, according to 87% of respondents, and 84% said they will be quicker to embrace technological solutions in future. 

David Anderson, head of corporate services, St John’s Buildings, said: ‘This survey demonstrates just how resilient our sector can be, but also how essential technology has been throughout this period. In March when the courts closed it’s fair to say there was a level of uncertainty regarding how to proceed, but to see so many of our solicitor partners embracing technology and continuing to work closely with our barristers is very encouraging.’

Issue: 7904 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
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Ceri Morgan, knowledge counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd, which reshapes the law of fiduciary relationships and common law bribery
The boundaries of media access in family law are scrutinised by Nicholas Dobson in NLJ this week
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Geoff Dover, managing director at Heirloom Fair Legal, sets out a blueprint for ethical litigation funding in the wake of high-profile law firm collapses
James Grice, head of innovation and AI at Lawfront, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal sector
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