The spread of COVID-19—also called the coronavirus—is impacting how people interact with one another around the nation. You may be concerned about your options for handling legal matters during the ongoing epidemic.
Fortunately, attorneys are taking advantage of technology to talk with clients during COVID-19 in many ways. These technologies may allow you to coordinate legal tasks or cases with an attorney remotely.
Attorneys Are Using Phone Calls to Communicate with Clients
Many areas of the country are still shut down as we work to control the spread of the coronavirus. During this time of lock-down, you may still be able to reach out to a lawyer for assistance. Many legal teams are handling attorney-client communication through phone calls.
Phone calls may allow for communication even if a law office is currently closed. Calls may be routed to attorneys who are working remotely from their homes. This may allow you to easily handle many of your legal needs without coming into contact with others.
Video Conferencing Allows Attorney-Client Conversations
Many businesses, including law firms, are relying on video conferencing technology to communicate remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. This can allow you to see your attorney face-to-face, quickly show them a document, or easily view a legal form in their possession.
There are a number of applications that offer secure video conferencing services for law firms. You may be able to access any of the following apps if you have a computer, laptop, or handheld device with a camera:
- Skype
- Zoom
- Google Meet
- Slack
Many of these apps offer free services that allow you to speak with someone else while looking at them and sharing information. Some apps offer screen-sharing services, which may be useful as you deal with legal matters. Additionally, apps like Skype and Zoom allow multiple people to share a conversation all at the same time.
While it may be confusing to conduct a conference call with multiple people, video conferencing allows you to see exactly who is talking. Video conferencing with multiple people may be especially useful if you need to resolve a legal issue with someone else. You may be able to speak with the other party, your lawyer, and their lawyer, all at the same time.
The exact apps in use may vary depending upon the needs of the law firm you are working with. An attorney may be able to communicate with you using your app of preference, or they may already have a specific system in place to handle these conversations.
Sharing Legal Documents With Technology
The legal field has a reputation for using lots of different documents. You may need to sign forms and waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many people are concerned about the possibility of transmitting the coronavirus while handing off files or documents.
Fortunately, there are technological applications that may allow you to sign documents online. Attorneys may scan in the document they need you to sign. Once they have an electronic copy of the document, they may email it to you or place it in a shared folder on applications like:
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
Once you have access to the document, you may be able to print it out, sign it, and re-upload it. Additionally, there are apps that allow you to electronically sign documents, which may be used to simplify the process.
Options to Talk to Attorneys Without Technology
In some situations, you may want to pursue a face-to-face conversation with an attorney. You may be able to work to keep these meetings safer by:
- Staying at least six feet apart when you speak
- Keeping your meetings outside in an area that is very well-ventilated
- Cleaning all surfaces before and after the meeting takes place
You may want to wear a mask when meeting with an attorney in person, or to wear gloves while handling documents or signing any forms that are necessary.
Cordisco & Saile LLC Has Technology in Place to Communicate Safely During COVID-19
Cordisco & Saile LLC prioritizes the health of our clients and our staff, which is why our attorneys are taking advantage of technology to talk with clients during COVID-19. We are currently offering consultation by phone and video conference.
To schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, call us at (215) 642-2335 today. We are still taking on new clients and look forward to discussing your case and any logistical concerns you