On March 23, 2020, Premier Doug Ford announced that all non-essential businesses would no longer be allowed to run in Ontario for 14 days starting Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 pm. The Government of Ontario posted a list of what is considered an essential business which includes grocery stores and pharmacies.
Law offices and paralegal offices have been deemed to be essential businesses. While several law firms and paralegal firms have closed their physical offices, they continue to still run business electronically. Thanks to technology, lawyers and paralegals can access files and draft motions on their personal computers and communicate with clients by phone or email.
One thing about the legal field is that it will always be an essential business. Laws change continuously and the average person requires the assistance and expertise of legal professionals to navigate the system. Immigration law, particularly refugee matters, will always be an important practice in Canada since this is a humanitarian country that welcomes refugees. For refugee claimants and asylum seekers, it is no question that they have a better case when represented by a competent lawyer or paralegal.
Although COVID-19 has temporarily resulted in restrictions on entry into Canada and halted pending applications, lawyers and paralegals continue to be a great resource to their existing and future clients.
The Law Society of Ontario ("LSO") which regulates lawyers and paralegals in Ontario has posted an informative page on their website on how to go about professional management practices amidst Covid-19:
Communicating with clients
The Government of Canada has implemented social distancing in response to how fast the virus is spreading. The LSO has outlined alternatives to communicate with clients including routine meetings with clients by phone or using video-conferencing options such as Zoom, Skype, Facetime and other platforms.
Working from home
While law offices and paralegal offices are permitted to remain open in order to address instances when remote business practices are not feasible, the LSO encourages lawyers and paralegals to work remotely and virtually where feasible. In fact, effective March 16, 2020, the LSO implemented a work at home plan for its own employees.
Tips for working from home
Maintain work hours
Create a designated workspace (keep client files locked away!)
Don’t discuss client matters with friends or family members
Communicate with clients by phone or other platforms away from others
Follow the Rules of Ethics and normal work practices
Find ways to delegate and properly supervise staff and non-licensees
Mental health
These times can be difficult for those who struggle with mental health and legal professionals are not exempt from having a difficult time. The Member Assistance Program (“MAP”) provides secure, single sign-on or telephone access to counselling, coaching, online resources and peer volunteers for professional help with issues related to mental or physical health and other related issues.
For more information on COVID-19 and how it affects legal professionals and their business, visit the Law Society of Ontario’s official page: https://lso.ca/news-events/news/corporate-statement-re-covid-19.