Tech Tools for the Modern Lawyer: A Look at the FBA’s Mediating in the Era of Coronavirus Webinar and Expanded Webinar Series

“Necessity is the mother of invention. We’re homebound, and as a result, what we’re doing is not just learning about technology; we’re thinking about how technology is going to apply to the practice of law,” remarked Simeon H. Baum during the FBA’s inaugural session of its newly expanded webinar series.

Mr. Baum, along with Henry M. Quillian III and Alexander J. Zimmer, provided a lively assortment of safety, security, mediation, technology, and communication tips during their recent webinar, Mediating in the Era of Coronavirus: Effectively Conducting A Zoom Mediation—Tips & Considerations for Mediators & Representatives.

Transformation and technology go hand in hand. Nowadays, both are particularly vital to the practice of law. The FBA is assisting lawyers nationwide in responding to the coronavirus outbreak using an expanded and expansive webinar series to help lawyers improve their practices. FBA webinars are available on an ongoing basis to members for FREE. These sessions are led by knowledgeable and experienced attorneys, and the information can be implemented quickly and easily to improve one’s own personal productivity and skill set.

These webinars help lawyers navigate their law practices through these unique times, when they might be transitioning their normal practices to remote or virtual operations. Sessions will focus on expanding one’s substantive law knowledge, and they are also helpful because they tackle a multitude of skills, like running a successful practice, active listening, cooperation and collaboration, and legal entrepreneurship.

The FBA is excited to offer webinars on such timely topics as the Payroll Protection Program, IRS Enforcement During COVID-19, COVID-19 Healthcare Update, and Coronavirus/COVID-19 Business Disruption and Contract and Insurance Claims, among others. Sign up now at fedbar.org/continuing-legal-education/covid-19updates!

Understanding the benefits of technology is one of the keys to running a remote law firm. In the age of social distancing, mediation doesn’t have to be isolating.  Mediation, a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), can be performed using video conferencing to help lawyers authentically, cost-effectively, and efficiently resolve disputes.

On April 10, experienced mediators Simeon H. Baum, Henry M. Quillian III (of Taylor English and BAY Mediation & Arbitration Services), and Alexander J. Zimmer led participants through a nuts and bolts presentation, Mediating in the Era of Coronavirus, on how to conduct a mediation via Zoom or other alternatives to in-person sessions. The program helped attendees to identify issues and challenges in participating in mediation without the benefit of an in-person presence; offered recommendations for offsetting these challenges; analyzed how to make video conferencing secure, private, password-protected, and confidential; and walked participants through the mechanics and components of an online Zoom mediation session.

A lawyer’s ability to pivot and adapt to new technologies, platforms, and processes is essential to not only survive but thrive. Webinar series speaker Alexander Zimmer echoed Simeon Baum’s sentiments about the interconnectedness of law and technology. “The miracles of technology can help us all. Video conferencing platforms help us communicate through document and whiteboard sharing and breakout rooms.”

Like Mediating in the Era of Coronavirus, upcoming FBA webinars will offer attendees guidance on the latest laws, tools, and timely topics relevant to these extraordinary times. Now is the time for lawyers and law firms to innovate. The core concept of the FBA’s newly expanded webinar series is to create a safe space to learn while using digital meeting software so that attorneys are fully prepared to tackle new challenges and be successful. Reserve your “seat” and register today for an FBA webinar at fedbar.org/continuing-legal-education/covid-19updates.

About the Author

Stacy Slotnick, Esq. holds a J.D., cum laude, from Touro Law Center and a B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She performs a broad range of duties as an entertainment lawyer, including drafting and negotiating contracts; addressing and litigating trademark, copyright, patent, and other IP issues; and directing the strategy and implementation of public relations, blogging, and social media campaigns.

About the FBA

Founded in 1920, the Federal Bar Association is dedicated to the advancement of the science of jurisprudence and to promoting the welfare, interests, education, and professional development of all attorneys involved in federal law. Our more than 16,000 members run the gamut of federal practice: attorneys practicing in small to large legal firms, attorneys in corporations and federal agencies, and members of the judiciary. The FBA is the catalyst for communication between the bar and the bench, as well as the private and public sectors. Visit us at fedbar.org to learn more.