With the approval of the Pfizer vaccine I, as I believe many others are doing, are contemplating a return to our “normal” professional lives. But what does a return to “normal” look like? For me, there have been certain changes that occurred during the pandemic-which significantly changed the manner in which I operate- that I believe will remain in place.

First, prior to the pandemic court filings in divorce case were the only filings that were still done by hand, in order to preserve confidentiality. All other case filings were submitted electronically. Immediately upon the statewide shut down, that changed, and we were required to convert all pending divorce cases to electronic filings. And while I was heard to loudly complain at the time, I have come to accept the electronic filings as a more efficient way in which to file court documents as well as to serve documents on my adversary. It is good that I got used to the system as it is clearly the manner, in which all case filings-including divorce cases- are going to continue to be submitted.

Second, within a month of the shutdown, most court conferences and hearings were heard on virtual platforms. Again the virtual platform took some getting used to. Early on, one particularly difficult judge, during a virtual conference, admonished me and told me I needed to look up into the camera of my iPad. I then raised the notepad I had on my lap-that was out of view of the camera-so he could see that I needed to look down to refer to my notes. Clearly, at some point in court conferences and hearings will be reinstated. I do believe, however, that certain court conferences will continue to be heard virtually and it is a change that will stay with our court system.

Lastly, I learned that I can work from home just as efficiently as I do in the office. Prior to the shut down, I rarely worked from home. Currently, I am in the office approximately three days a week and work from home approximately two days. I do not believe that will change for me. I believe, moving forward, I will be working from home one to two days a week, especially on days when I do not have any appointments scheduled in my office.

What does the other side look like for you?