CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
Practicing During a Pandemic
Date:
May 5, 2020
Time:
Please join us for WSBA’s "Practicing During a Pandemic" live webinar series geared to assist our members during these unprecedented times. In this two-session installment, specialists in digital forensics, information security and practice management will address how to work remotely and securely plus how to maintain lawyer wellness while navigating difficult economic times.
In the first hour, "Working Remotely and Securely: What Lawyers Need to Know," faculty will discuss the tech and security issues raised by working remotely. Topics will include the equipment you need, collaboration and video conferencing software, how to access the law firm network securely, making sure you have sufficient bandwidth, checking the security of your home router, virtual private networks (VPNs), remote access through LogMeIn and other software, the dangers of home machines vs. firm-issued devices, handling mail and telephones, video conferencing security and tips, using the cloud to help out and how cybercriminals are attacking home networks to get into law firm networks.
In the second hour, "COVID-19 and a Troubled Economy: How to Maintain Lawyer Wellness," faculty will grapple with the effects of these recent events on legal professionals. In a matter of weeks, the legal world was upended as law firms sent their lawyers home to work remotely and scrambled to find new solutions to practice law in “the new normal.” As has been said many times, “to be a good lawyer, you have to be a healthy lawyer.” COVID-19 and the troubled economy have created enormous pressure on lawyers and law firms.
The effects of “the new normal” varies from lawyer to lawyer, but some report increased alcohol usage, sleeping less, feeling anxious/stressed all the time, having headaches, gaining weight as they stay at home, obsessively watching the news or being distracted by everything at home to the point where they can’t focus on their law practice, worrying over whether they will have enough money to retire - or ever being able to retire, being frightened of contracting COVID-19, feeling overwhelmed by trying to learn new technologies to adapt to the current crisis, feeling lonely or depressed, taking tranquilizers/depression medication/sleeping pills and the list goes on. For many, the most pressing worry is that they will not be able to save their law practice.
There is no magic cure to restore lawyers to wellness, but there are resources available to help lawyers navigate their way through challenging times. Our presenters have gathered coping mechanisms shared by lawyers to assist others in understanding that they are not alone, that there are self-help measures to get them through troubled times, and that there are lawyer assistance programs which can provide confidential help. To maintain competence, lawyers must maintain wellness.
The "Practicing During a Pandemic" webinar series is free to all, and will be offered live at noon on various dates from late April to mid-May. Please check the WSBA CLE store page to register or for other topics in the series. You will also find free on-demand programs curated specifically to assist with issues relevant to COVID-19.
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