Anthony Pierce Speaks with NLJ on Coronavirus’ Impact on Legal Practice

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Anthony Pierce, partner in charge of Akin Gump’s Washington, D.C. office, spoke with The National Law Journal for its article “In Washington, Big Law Partners Bring a Spirit of Resilience to the New Normal.” The article features interviews with several lawyers in the capital, who provided glimpses of how their work has been affected by the coronavirus and whether there are any silver linings that they see.
Pierce responded to the following questions:
How is this “new normal” in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic impacting your practice? “With the courthouses closed or nearly closed there isn’t much courtroom time, which is the best part of what we do as litigators, but cases still have to be litigated so briefs, discovery disputes and counseling to help avoid litigation continues. And a lot of COVID-19 questions!”
What has been the most difficult aspect of adjusting? “Not having face time with your clients and colleagues. Video is great, but it is not the same. We are learning that direct human interaction at work and play will always be valuable.”
What are you learning the most? And what’s the silver lining for you? “You certainly get closer to your family when working remotely, and that’s important to a well-balanced and successful life.”