Posted ByFrankThe rise of remote working has created unprecedented flexibility for lawyers who want to work part-time or explore part time attorney jobs. However, with this newfound freedom comes the need for lawyers to ensure that their work habits don’t jeopardize their legal careers. Here are five key areas to be aware of and how to avoid making mistakes that could damage your reputation and future prospects as a lawyer.
1. Not sticking to a schedule
When working remotely, it’s easy to forget deadlines and commitments when there’s no one around to remind you or hold you accountable. This lack of structure can quickly lead to missed deadlines and an overall decrease in productivity, which doesn’t look good on your CV or portfolio. To ensure this doesn’t happen, create a schedule and stick to it like clockwork. Take regular breaks throughout the day to keep you focused and alert when you’re working, but don’t forget to take a break every now and then – it will help keep stress levels down and increase productivity over time!
2. Not communicating properly with clients
Communication is key in any professional relationship – but especially when it comes to legal matters. It’s important that clients know what’s going on with their case at all times and feel that they can trust you, even if you’re working remotely. Make sure you respond promptly and appropriately to emails, phone calls, texts, etc., and provide timely updates on the status of their case as often as possible (without disclosing confidential information). Try to arrange weekly check-in meetings with clients via video conference if possible – this will also help to build rapport between both parties, which is essential to any successful client-lawyer relationship!
3. Neglecting cyber security and data protection protocols
Working from home comes with its own set of security risks, particularly when dealing with sensitive or confidential information relating to legal cases or clients. It’s important to keep all data secure by using encryption methods such as virtual private network (VPN) services or file sharing platforms designed specifically for lawyers – this way only authorised personnel can access electronically shared documents from anywhere in the world! In addition, make sure that all devices used are password protected (or better still, use two-factor authentication) so that hackers cannot easily access your systems, either directly or via public wifi networks where available – and always keep your anti-virus software updated, just in case any malicious code somehow manages to get through!
4. Ignore professional development opportunities
Although many law firms have gone remote as a result of the pandemic, there are still plenty of opportunities for lawyers looking to develop their careers while working remotely – such as attending free webinars/seminars offered online by leading legal professionals, or reading up on new developments in your field through blogs written by experienced practitioners in your field, etc. Taking advantage of these resources will not only help you keep your knowledge up to date, but will also demonstrate your commitment to professional development, which is highly valued by employers!
5. Forget about self-care and mental health
Just because you’re not physically present in an office doesn’t mean your mental health should take a back seat – quite the opposite, in fact! Working from home can be mentally draining, both because of the increased workload (which may come without extra pay) and the limited human contact throughout the day – not exactly conducive to a healthy lifestyle! So make sure you find ways to relax away from work, such as regular outdoor exercise (as long as local regulations allow), daily meditation before starting each day, etc… This will help to improve concentration during working hours while reducing overall stress levels – both of which are much needed if you want to succeed within part time lawyer jobs!