TLT getting fit for the future
COVID-19 has had a major impact on the economy and our clients, which in turn has had an impact on the legal support our clients need. Some of our clients operate in markets that have faced huge disruption, while others are managing significant changes to their operations as they seek to recover from the impact of this pandemic.
As a firm, we have adapted to meet the changing needs of our clients and people. Since March, we have worked virtually using digital tools to deliver a business as usual service for our clients. Alongside our various sector specific service initiatives, we have also - through our FutureLaw team - developed some practical solutions to help clients through these challenging months. This includes on demand remote legal support, an expanded TLT LegalSifter to provide advice on coronavirus contract risks and a service for managing signatures remotely.
Like many of our clients, we are now looking to the future. We want to build on our recent remote working experience to rethink our working environment. Specifically how we design a workplace fit for the future, and a working environment that delivers more for our clients and our people. To do this we have set up a cross function project team - Project Evolution - to deliver an ambitious change programme for the firm.
That team’s first task is to manage how we start to use our office space again in the short term. How we use that space will be in line with Government guidance in the different jurisdictions where we operate and with a view to our longer term ambitions. Our priority remains delivering a high standard of client service and maintaining a safe environment for our colleagues.
Our offices are gradually being reopened on a restricted basis, starting with Bristol and Manchester earlier this month. This will be for critical business or personal need only and we expect the majority of our people to continue to work remotely for much of the time.
As you would expect, we have in place all the necessary measures to ensure a safe working environment for anyone using the offices. We have also produced a dedicated policy and risk assessment to ensure the risks of COVID-19 are recognised, assessed and controlled. Should you wish to view either of these documents, please get in touch.
For the moment, our client suites are not open. We want to see our valued clients in person again soon, but want to be confident we can do this comfortably and safely. We will communicate with all our clients when we are able to welcome visitors back into our offices for meetings and events. In the meantime, we will continue to work collaboratively with our clients using digital tools and technologies.
We know businesses will continue to face many challenges during this unprecedented time and we will continue to support our clients throughout. We have a dedicated Hot Topic page on our website, which collates our insights and guidance on legal and regulatory issues affecting businesses as we all adjust to new ways of working.
Please do get in touch directly with your Client Relationship Partner if you have any specific queries related to the service we provide, the use of our office space in any of our locations or more broadly how we can help your organisation in the months ahead.
John Wood, Managing Partner
