IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON LAW PRACTICE

Abstract

Covid-19 has created various problems around the world and the legal profession has faced them too. The virus has had an adverse effect on the legal professionals and law firms by putting across unprecedented challenges and disarrays. These challenges are not restricted to the courts and bars but also to the independent practitioners, contract drafters, and the legal consultancy service providers. It can be stated that the impact of Covid-19 has been felt hardest at the courtrooms. With the lockdowns and ban on gatherings, most courtrooms were shutdown. This has a large impact on litigation trials which take place primarily in packed courts. Several hearings have repeatedly postponed, depositions have been cancelled, and deadlines have been extended. Social distancing norms have been strictly enforced. Instances are aplenty. It’s pandemic days. The courts are often packed like sardines with court room having 40 seating capacity swelling to 400. The scene of jam-packed court rooms, corridors, bar libraries, roads and pavements leading to court houses is common notes. But the world has changed amidst the pandemic heath crisis and necessarily so. The judiciary proceedings have undergone transformation with utmost emphasis on health and well-being of humans.