It is hard to take positives from the previous year during the pandemic, but there has been opportunity to learn lessons after being forced to work and live very differently;

Communication
All aspects of life during the pandemic saw the need for group chats, phone and video calls becoming a necessity. Almost as soon as the Country went into lockdown our family team at Farleys held a conference call with all the team, it was something that we as a team looked forward to each week. It was not only updates on family law matters but a real chance to catch up with colleagues, particularly when we were all working remotely.

Wellbeing
For many the dining table or spare room became a home office and with that came a blur of the line between home and work. The chance to let go of the day on the commute home was lost and the hours of work became longer. The past year has seen a focus on mental wellbeing and an increased need to check on family, friends and work colleagues. Farleys had resources in place to support colleagues prior to the pandemic and continued to have those resources in place throughout which was greatly appreciated.

Technology
I do not think that any of us can say thank you enough to our IT department. The pandemic has highlighted just how essential technology and IT services are to all professions. With our IT department quickly, and by quickly, I mean overnight, arranging for us to work from home successfully we were capable of continuing to advise and represent our clients.

The pandemic saw ‘remote hearings’ taking place by various platforms of video link or telephone. It is unlikely that remote hearings will replace in-person hearings for good in the Family Courts due to the nature of the cases. Our family team quickly had to become used to electronic bundles and electronic documents, I think most would say that we have found not only a new, but better way of working.

As we enter into the next phase of the pandemic where restrictions are being eased it is vital that we do not forget the lessons learnt and continue to implement them in our working lives and home lives.

At Farleys, the safety and wellbeing of our clients, colleagues and communities is our number one priority. Our offices are now open, in line with Government guidance and our team are here and fully committed to supporting our clients, as we have done for the last 60 years.  You can call us on 0845 287 0939 or send your enquiry by email and a member of the team will get in touch with you.