The ongoing pandemic has triggered a different set of concerns for law firms and in-house legal departments. One of these issues centers on nurturing relationships with ‘Zoom Associates,’ the new cadre of legal practitioners who have onboarded and are operating in a substantially remote work environment.
Certain partners have expressed dissatisfaction with the current skill levels and communication style of these virtual associates. This has reportedly exacerbated tensions between different generations within the legal sector. Paul Schmidt, chair of BakerHostetler, agues for adaptivity on both ends. He suggests that seasoned legal professionals reach out to these younger associates, not necessarily through traditional channels, but through mediums they are more familiar with, such as text messaging. Law.com illustrates this evolving dynamic.
Despite grave threats such as an active shooter on campus at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, some law professors continued their scheduled classes. Ed Kellermann, a student at the university, documented the unfolding scene via a TikTok post, which subsequently went viral. Above the Law sheds light on this incident.
Wayne Barnes, a UK partner at Squire Patton Boggs, found time in his busy legal schedule for an impressive side-hustle. He is refereeing for the Rugby World Cup, a testament to his ability to juggle legal work with personal interests. Legal Cheek has more on his story.
In other news, the University of Michigan Law School is tackling ‘ghost-writing’ by AI. It recently requested applicants to certify that their admissions essays were not written by AI software, warning severe consequences for false declarations. ABA Journal further explores this innovative preventive measure.
On career moves, John Coogan of Ballard Spahr has transitioned to FisherBroyles as a partner, as originally reported on Bloomberg Law.