CoronaHub, Webinars, Virtual Drinks: European Law Firms’ Response to Coronavirus

Lawyers on Lockdown: Teleworking as the new status quo

While most firms agree that the pandemic has only had a slight impact on the legal sector, one issue raised by Swiss firm Aceris Law   is the difficulty to reorganize and reschedule physical hearings and client meetings. The firm explained that they also had to temporarily suspend all non-essential travel, adjusting their habits and holding as many meetings as possible via videoconference.


When asked about how they adapted to the new working standards, William Kirtley, arbitration partner at Aceris Law assured that their transition had been very smooth as they had already made significant use of remote technologies, prior to the lockdown. “The lockdown remains unpleasant for our staff, so we are trying to lighten the workload a bit,” he added.


Belgian firm Lydian told Leaders League that their IT systems were already set up to maximize teleworking prior to the crisis, which allowed them to make the switch to a fully virtual work environment rapidly and efficiently. Others, including French firms BG2V Avocats Associés  and Jeantet or Luxembourg-based firm DSM avocats, had just purchased work laptops for all their employees, which allowed them to implement and almost effortless and smooth transition towards teleworking.


On a lighter note, some law firms, such as Lydian and Jeantet, have also been organizing regular virtual drinks between their employees to maintain a much-needed social contact.

 “One of the biggest challenges has been and still is the wellbeing of our people (physically and psychologically), we have therefore been organizing virtual drinks to keep everyone in touch and keep the spirits up.” Lydian  

From digital Coronavirus hubs to pro bono work for SMEs: How law firms are adapting their services

While the current pandemic has had an unprecedented economic impact on many industries and businesses, most law firms have had their hands full advising clients, mostly SMEs, on how best to navigate the current situation. Relaying information on the impact of the coronavirus on businesses and issuing legal advice to address this crisis have become some of the most necessary services provided by law firms. 

Firms such as DSM avocats, Lydian, Brucher, Thieltgen & Partners, Jeantet, Bird & Bird or Gleiss Lutz, to name a few, have understood the key role they have to play in helping European businesses stay afloat during the crisis and are dedicated to offering the best possible solutions to their clients.
“We aim to keep our long-term relationships with clients, and to strengthen our ties in this crisis by being at their side and helping them navigate these difficult times.“ commented Mario Di Stefano, managing partner at DSM avocats. 

Accordingly, many firms have responded to the current situation by establishing a “Coronavirus Hub” on their website, offering continuously updated advice on the legal consequences of the pandemic for the different practice areas. 

Swiss firm Pestalozzi has set up a multi-disciplinary team to address the wide range of legal issues businesses are currently facing and to ensure that companies receive fast, practical and efficient advice. Another such example is Luxembourg based law firm NautaDutilh,  offering accessible legal support, on a pro bono basis, to small businesses and independent contractors with questions related to the ongoing pandemic. Like many of its peers, the firm also established a Covid-19 section on its website relaying information about the current situation, updated daily.

Some, such as Luxembourg firm Wildgen or Lydian have even found creative ways to keep their clients updated on the legal implications of the coronavirus, with a set of Covid-19 related webcast series or Q&A Webinars. Wildgen’s Coronavirus Toolkit also allows its clients to sign up for a newsletter specific to the Coronavirus crisis, a service that seems to be highly valuable, as other law firms have been providing similar services.

“We give free advice. We did a number of Q&A webinars which anyone could follow. We are not limiting ourselves to just our clients.” Lydian

In light of the ongoing pandemic, European law firms have been extremely present, continuously engaging with their clients and emphasizing the strength of digital communication. Offering much needed support to the business world, most have vowed that they would remain fully operational and reachable during those difficult and uncertain times.

“We are taking appropriate actions to protect everyone from Covid-19, but we remain fully operational. Let’s keep in touch.” Brucher, Thieltgen & Partners

Coline Choraine