Recently, the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) conducted a survey of its members in order to explore and identify new trends, needs, and sentiments that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey gathered insights from a wide variety of legal professionals working in varied practice sizes and organisation types, ranging from private practice to sole practices, partnerships, those in the public sector, and those working in-house. 

They also covered ages ranging from 18 to those over 70. 

The survey found that 77 per cent of those surveyed agreed that they had the need to develop more skills and knowledge as a result of COVID-19.

Skills development was rated as one of the biggest issues members felt the need to respond to in their professional lives. 

It was ranked as the third-most important issue, behind change in workload and change in working environment. 

LIV chief executive Adam Awty said the findings reflected a level of proactiveness from members of the legal profession to adapt to drastically changing workplaces in the wake of the pandemic. 

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“The pandemic was undeniably a big disruptor in the way we live and in the way we work,” Ms Awty commented. 

“We’ve seen Victorian lawyers adapting rapidly to this new environment in the last few years, particularly the use of technology and hybrid working. 

“This survey indicates that these pandemic-related changes continue to be top of mind for the profession.”

Mr Awty continued: “There is clearly a recognition among our members that to deliver the best outcomes for clients and the community, new skills are needed in a post-COVID world.”

Among the changes anticipated in members’ professional lives is the increase in the use of technology. Seventy-two per cent of respondents expect this to be a permanent feature moving forward. 

Sixty-two per cent of respondents anticipated the option of working from home to remain permanent. 

Overall, the majority of those surveyed welcomed the opportunity for a hybrid working model, while just 16 per cent were not comfortable with this. 

Insights from a Law Society of NSW survey, conducted in 2021, noted several negative impacts members from the legal profession found from the new hybrid working model.

Namely, many experienced negative impacts on professional networking, the ability to mentor junior lawyers, and maintaining client relations. 

The LIV survey found that participants generally preferred the flexibility of either online or in person for their professional development and networking activities.

This survey reflects the general sentiment observed broadly across the legal profession that the flexibility afforded by the COVID-19 pandemic is the new preferable mode of working. 

“While that face-to-face connection with colleagues and members of the profession is still important, it’s clear our members want flexibility both in the way they work and the way they learn,” Mr Awty explained.