
The COVID-19 or Corona Virus continues to disrupt law firms globally with law firms continuing to take radical measures to control the spread of the virus.
In New York, Quinn Emanuel Urquart & Sullivan kept its offices closed following the positive testing of a partner, while Simmons & Simmons and Latham Watkins both suspended partner conferences.
In London, Reed Smith sent its staff home and Taylor Wessing closed its office after a staff member tested positive.
A spokesperson for Reed Smith said in a statement: ‘With the uncertainty and the rapidly evolving situation around the COVID-19 outbreak, Reed Smith has decided to take additional preventative steps to protect our people, our clients and the firm’s business continuity.’
Taylor Wessing also cancelled its international partner conference which was planned for later this month.
A number of other law firms have also announced measures to respond to the pandemic.
Hogan Lovells is testing large-scale remote working for its UK and US offices to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Half of its US employees worked from home this week.
The transatlantic firm has already got its staff in China, Italy and Spain to work from home as these countries imposed stringent measures to contain the spread of the virus.
But Growing legal demand
But the Corona Virus has seen a surge in demand from commercial clients seeking advice on how to handle the issues stemming from the pandemic.
The Financial Times reported that Lawyers said they were experiencing increases in calls and client queries of 25 per cent or more as a result of legal issues stemming from the outbreak.
“We’re in uncharted territory here,” said Aoife Keane, a disputes partner at Seddons. “As far as I can remember nothing has had the same ramification for business to business contracts and the supply chain.”
Recently on LawFuel
- Top 6 Questions You Must Ask a Car Accident Lawyer Before You Hire Them in 2025Image source: Shutterstock The aftermath of a car accident can be a disorienting and… Read more: Top 6 Questions You Must Ask a Car Accident Lawyer Before You Hire Them in 2025
- NZ Law – Turner Hopkins partners with Beijing firm to ramp up China‑NZ legal workMandarin‑speaking team powers Kiwis’ legal access to China Takapuna’s Turner Hopkins—established in 1923 and… Read more: NZ Law – Turner Hopkins partners with Beijing firm to ramp up China‑NZ legal work
- HWL Ebsworth Expands South Australian Presence with Botten Levinson AcquisitionAustralia’s largest legal partnership has just grown even bigger. HWL Ebsworth is adding serious… Read more: HWL Ebsworth Expands South Australian Presence with Botten Levinson Acquisition
- 5 Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Austin, TXArticle source: FVF Law, Austin TX Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in… Read more: 5 Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Austin, TX
- Law Firm Marketing – The 27 Invisible Places Where Clients Recommend Your Law FirmFrom Behind The Shadows – The ‘Invisible’ Law Firm Marketing Secrets 71 percent of… Read more: Law Firm Marketing – The 27 Invisible Places Where Clients Recommend Your Law Firm
- Beyond the Billable Hour: The KPIs That Truly Define Law Firm SuccessLaw Firm KPIs Lani Medina Navigating the complexities of a modern law practice requires… Read more: Beyond the Billable Hour: The KPIs That Truly Define Law Firm Success
- New Zealand Lawyer News – Meredith Connell Promotes 20Meredith Connell has announced promotions of 20 associates, eight senior associates and 12 associates,… Read more: New Zealand Lawyer News – Meredith Connell Promotes 20
- Legal Disruptor Hits Growth Spurt with Lloyds-Backed Investor on BoardEntrepreneurial Law Firm Like The Netflix of Law A private equity investor with Lloyds… Read more: Legal Disruptor Hits Growth Spurt with Lloyds-Backed Investor on Board
- NZ Law – Old Law Firm Shows New GrowthHow A Country Law Firm Continues to Expand >> In-House Role? Public Defence Work?… Read more: NZ Law – Old Law Firm Shows New Growth