Well, nothing in 2020 has turned out has we expected. It has been a time of massive change for everyone, not just for those of us in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Almost overnight, the world changed unrecognisably. We have changed what we do and how we do it at a rapid pace and in a very short space of time. And all this has happened at a time when there have been huge changes in our own circumstances in the face of personal loss or significant difficulties.
In the legal profession, we have had to respond to unprecedented demand for our services in the most difficult of circumstances, putting additional pressure on an already strained justice system and an exponential growth in the existing backlog of cases. Many firms have furloughed members of staff, which has put great pressure on those continuing to work. Many other firms have had to close their doors and shut up shop. We have had a sharp learning curve on how to adapt to this situation. (I wonder how many people had even heard of Zoom this time last year?)
Personally, I would like to thank absolutely everyone in our area for all you continue to do for the legal profession and for your clients. We value your skills, your effort and your dedication. COVID-19 has affected us all regardless of geography, class, qualification or personal circumstances. I extend our particular gratitude to Bhavni Fowler, who is our Law Society’s Relationship Manager, and all her colleagues at The London & South East Relationship Management team. We would not have seen our way through the maze that is the coronavirus without you.
But it was with great sadness and heavy hearts that we took the difficult decision to cancel our entire programme of events until at least next summer because of COVID-19. This included the ambitious Annual Dinner and Legal Excellence Awards evening that we had planned to take place in Oxford in June. The only possible survivor might be our inaugural Legal Skills Triathlon at The University of Law this autumn/winter, but nothing has been decided on this as yet. Watch this space!
There are positives to draw from this situation, however. Many court cases are now occurring over the phone or by video, and this is likely to continue. Journals, bulletins and magazines are going digital, which helps both the finances and the environment. Businesses are discovering online tools and software to help them to make a seamless shift to virtual office spaces, and remote working has turned mainstream. Skies are bluer, fewer cars are crashing, crime is falling, and some other infectious diseases are fading from our hospitals’ A&E departments.
This pandemic is also teaching us to recapture real, genuine moments with our loved ones, rather than running around to make ends meet, with busy schedules and urgent meetings. As life slowed down, we have found ways to stay connected with people, even if that is virtually.
Here at the BB&O Law Society, we have moved all of our training programme online, and we are launching an exciting new online webinar series in September. You can find details of these in this edition of BiBliO. We are also planning some online social events so that we can reconnect with each other again.
We are going to survive this and, when we do, it will be a different world that is waiting for us. As your local law society, we are here for you and with you.
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