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April 4, 2022

How lawyers act during the war

What does the work of legal companies look like during wartime?

On February 24th, 2022, Russia unleashed a full-scale military assault on Ukraine with shelling, gunfire, and missiles targeting the Ukrainian sky, damaging military and civilian infrastructure. It was the most “cold-blooded” invasion since World War II of an independent, democratic country. Soldiers and brave Ukrainian civilians are “standing as a shield” in front of the authoritarian aggressor, protecting not only their land but the whole European continent. This war grew into the heroic fight for freedom, democracy, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

What does the work of legal companies look like during wartime?

Most of the existing businesses in Ukraine were forced to close their offices and switched to the “air mode” due to Russia’s full-scale assault against Ukraine. The legal business is no exception. International and local law firms in Ukraine took immediate steps to safeguard employees, ensure their safety and protect client work from being lost.

The role of communication is now pivotal as never before. Effective communication strategies and tactics can help save and maintain long-lasting, productive, and coordinated relationships with clients and support the team of lawyers as well as legal practice.

Jusnote team undertook all technical measures to protect our legal business during the war. Our experts implemented security data backup policies for client data and other confidential information. All client-related operations are being carried out securely with no need for physical presence.

We have also compiled some tips on how to effectively communicate with clients and contribute to lawyers’ practice in today’s realities:

• Notify existing clients about your current working status in wartime: days (incl. hours) you’re at work; how you’re going to serve and advise customers in new ways; are there any changes they should expect?

• Create a work schedule and report it to your clients to let them know about your availability for work (e.g., current office, a new office location, remote, hybrid, etc.)

• Check, edit or update your contact information, if necessary. Be sure to indicate that all your internal and external communication channels are active and their details are up-to-date.

• Help your legal customers, provide them with relevant information, and offer free legal advice — particularly for those the worst hit in the war (e.g., who might be seeking immigration assistance, asylum, or resettlement).

• Share your plans and news with clients regularly, factoring into the special conditions (or business) of your customers under martial law.

• Stay connected with customers even if your legal practice is temporarily suspended to ensure your relationship with clients will outlast the crisis.

Jusnote #StandsWithUkraine

According to statistics from the United Nations, more than 3,6 million people from Ukraine have already fled their homes since the start of the war. Several areas stand on the edge of a humanitarian catastrophe with ongoing disruptions of supply chains.

You can become part of a global humanitarian aid community and help the Ukrainian army from any part of the world. The National Bank of Ukraine opened a special account for humanitarian and military assistance.

➝ Donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine

➝ Accumulate charitable contributions to support the Ukrainian people

To get more information on Jusnote legal products and services, contact our team directly or write us an email to office@jusnote.com.

Elena Ivanenko

Author, Content Creator at Jusnote