Life as we know it has changed immensely over the past month, with us all adapting to a ‘new normal’, We have a new way of working, whilst balancing the many other tasks we are required to do. Personally, I feel like a part-time Teacher, a Cook, a Cleaner as well as being a full-time Litigation Solicitor. All of a sudden, our personal and professional lives have merged.
Video calls via Zoom, Facetime, Teams and Skype are part of our daily life; whether it’s catching up with family and friends, attending a team meeting for work (perhaps with a child or two dangling from your arms) or a virtual quiz! In this uncertain time, I’ve found that everyone is trying harder:
– trying harder to stay in touch with family and friends,
– trying hard to follow the government guidelines and protect our NHS,
– trying harder to be kinder to one and other, and
– generally, becoming more aware of what is important in day-to-day life in the short and long term.
Those of us that are fortunate enough to be able to continue working are thankful to be in that position, being all too aware that there are many people across the country that have been ‘furloughed’, are too poorly to work or have been forced to close their business and wait patiently for this storm to be over. My area of work is contentious. In my department, we fight tooth and nail to secure the maximum compensation for our clients and to defend our clients where claims have been brought against them. Despite Claimant and Defendant Solicitors generally working against each other, using tactics to progress their claim to the benefit of their client; I have found that in the current climate all parties (with the exception of a couple) are working together to make life easier in these challenging times. We have all been forced to slow down our usually hectic daily lives and we now appreciate the difficulties we are all going through. Calls are friendlier and email signs off contain messages such as ‘stay safe’ or ‘keep well’. There’s one thing I’m sure of – I prefer these kinder exchanges.
Our clients can feel reassured that we are signatory to the APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) endorsed ABI (Association of British Insurers) Covid-19 Personal Injury Protocol which extends the current Protocol by mutual agreement. This gives us greater flexibility and is just one way that Litigation Lawyers are pro-actively managing the current situation.
Farleys has been around since 1958 and has stood the test of time through many a difficult situation. We are still able to provide the same quality legal services. We are known for our no nonsense, down to earth, clear and personable approach. Using the latest technology, we are able to progress existing claims as usual and also, to take on new work as we always have. Other parties are also utilising and embracing technology, for instance the Courts are holding many more hearings remotely and medical experts are holding video-appointments where appropriate.
It is an unfortunate reality that not all businesses will survive this crisis and if you are seeking legal representation, please choose carefully and seek a firm with a long-standing reputation that can stand the test of time. Our Litigation Department are continuing to take enquiries. Call the team today on 0845 287 0939 or send your enquiry through our online contact form.
