How COVID-19 Has Affected Attorney-Client Communications
How we communicate with one another has drastically changed ever since the onset of COVID-19. We are now dependent on technology more than ever to connect with our family, friends, work, and even when needing medical or legal services. We recognized our clients needed a way to safely communicate their legal matters digitally, which is why we adopted several changes to ensure quality personal service.
Using Technology to Maintain Personalized Legal Services
Setting expectations early in the attorney-client relationship is very important. Just because you are not filling out an appointment card for a time to meet in our office does not mean you cannot set an appointment. With digital invitations, it is easier than ever to share calendar invitations to set appointments. With a click of a button, you can accept your appointment request straight to your phone or email. You can also add special notes with reminders for the purpose of the call or any legal documentation you may need to come prepared.
Texts and emails are a less personal form of communication. While beneficial in that you can quickly reach someone, send attachments with important information, and even schedule your communication, they lack the personal feel of an in-person conversion or a phone call. However, they do allow attorneys and clients to communicate in between scheduled calls and appointments.
In the last six months, video conferencing, like Zoom, is the new norm. According to a Lifesize study, 87% of individuals prefer video communications because it helps them feel connected to the conversation. Because legal transactions can sometimes be overwhelming, individuals needing legal assistance are worried their needs may not be met via a telephone or email conversation. At Shulman Zale Legal Group, we ensure all of our clients have the option to connect with our team through video conferencing.
Ensuring Client Privacy and Protection Virtually
Legal documents are personal and private. Many clients are apprehensive about sharing their documents via email or a website. Pre-COVID-19, most clients prefer to personally drop off or even send documents through a carrier or secure mail service. Unfortunately, many businesses opted to go entirely remote to maintain safety, meaning their offices are closed to walk-in visitors. Thanks to software designed specifically for legal services, clients can safely and securely review, sign, and send their documents through a secure and encrypted site.
In addition to using special software, we ensure client files are only accessible by employees. All technology is password-protected, and any original documentation sent to our remote offices is safely filed in locked cabinets, just like they would in the office.
Safely Meeting Clients In-Person
When a client prefers to meet in person, client and staff safety is the number one priority at Shulman Zale Legal Group. When you take advantage of our mobile services and safely meet in a mutual location such as your home or a coffee shop, we will maintain a safe distance while wearing proper PPE. Clients can either provide hard copies of their documents or sign virtually. We can even quickly and securely scan each document to our encrypted cloud server.
When restrictions are in place that may prevent individuals from conducting “normal” legal transactions in person, law firms need to meet client satisfaction. Additionally, it is crucial to make the process easy and safe for all parties involved. We adapt to the latest technology, social distance guidelines, and the highest standard to meet the needs of our clients.
If you have questions about our virtual or in-person legal procedures, please contact us.