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An ode to the old normal

17 March 2021 / David Locke
Issue: 7925 / Categories: Features , Covid-19 , Profession
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Not every change to our working lives post-COVID is a step forward: David Locke laments the loss of pre-pandemic positives

Despite the hyperbole, 2020 was neither unprecedented nor apocalyptic; yet the most pernicious phrase to gain traction, first in the media then across the professions, must surely be ‘the new normal’. When spoken, it tastes a bit like surrender. In action, it can look a bit like seizing upon the prevailing situation for commercial advantage. It is certainly not that we cannot learn many lessons from the ways in which the legal professions and institutions have adapted to the current crisis. However, some of those lessons may be that we were doing it rather well before. Consider these examples.

Courts

To generalise, the administrative function of the courts has been grievously affected by the pandemic. Applications are turned around much less efficiently than before, and hearings are being delayed. That is no criticism—it is entirely to be expected. However, the courts have by and large been admirably adept in

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NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
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