Nine great industry news stories from this week you may have missed.

How COVID-19 is already transforming legal profession

Via Business in Vancouver

The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting many industries — the legal profession included. Seemingly overnight, many lawyers are needing to collaborate with their colleagues and firms like never before in order to support their clients. Jack Newton, CEO of Clio civil litigation software, argues the transformation is, "forcing many lawyers to try things that they may have never tried or would have only tried many years in the future." Read Business In Vancouver's recent article to learn all the details.

Relativity offers free resources to keep your eDiscovery skills up

Via Relativity

As a way to help our community connect with one another and continue to grow during a period when everyone may need it most, Relativity is now offering free training, exams and self-guided learning. The training classes, which will run from March 23 through May 10, include everything from review fundamentals to analytics and email threading. Check out the full list of offerings here. 

Canadian legal experts worried about coronavirus court

Via Global News

Some legal experts are warning that the COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting effects on the Canadian justice system. According to Global News, Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench is adjourning all scheduled trials for at least 10-weeks and will limit hearings to urgent matters. While some argue whether ten weeks will be enough time, one thing is certain: the disruption will cause lasting effects on the courts and it will take quite some time for the legal system to catch up on backlogged cases. 

Want to work in eDiscovery? Join a band.

Via Law.com

While raw creativity may not be the first thing that jumps to mind when people think about eDiscovery, artistic outlets may be helping to create better practitioners. It turns out that many of the pros look to their creative outlets for inspiration, including Ricoh Legal's own David Greetham. Check out Law.com's recent article to learn how David bridges his passions for photography and legal tech.

Rethinking Cloud Automation Amid Coronavirus Disruption

Via Forbes

IT professionals are facing new challenges as the new [temporary] reality of working through COVID-19 sets in. While some organizations are well-versed in automating repetitive tasks, others are not. If you're looking for ways to speed up your organization's processes, Forbes has shared the top three applications to consider for pipeline automation, security and business continuity. See the full story here. 

AI is changing work — and leaders need to adapt

Via Harvard Business Review

The advent of AI poses new and unique challenges for business leaders. They must continue to deliver financial performance, while simultaneously making significant investments in hiring, workforce training, and new technologies that support productivity and growth. According to Harvard Business Review, the key to unlocking the productivity potential while delivering on business objectives lies in three key strategies: rebalancing resources, investing in workforce reskilling and advancing new models of education and lifelong learning. Get all the details here. 

New initiative launched to keep women in legal profession

Via Canadian Lawyer Magazine

Lawyers from Harper Grey LLP in Vancouver have created a new forum, LifeInLaw.ca, to counter the attrition rate of female lawyers and offer a confidential, independent mentoring service outside of a law-firm setting. Launched on March 4th, the website aims to help women succeed in their legal careers while juggling personal priorities and family responsibilities outside of work. Learn more about the new initiative on Canadian Lawyer's website.

Number of lawyers using AI tech remains low

Via Legal Cheek

According to a study conducted by Oxford University, the adoption of artificial intelligence-based tech among lawyers remains low. The study found that 27 per cent of respondents used AI-based tech for “legal research” tasks, 16 per cent for “due diligence” exercises and just 12 per cent for “e-discovery/e-disclosure/technology assisted review”. See the detailed findings of the UK study via Legal Cheek. 

OK, Zoomer! How to become a videoconferencing power user

Via Wired

While many of us are facing quarantine during the global pandemic, one upside is the fact that we're now more connected than ever. Thanks to tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, we're able to meet virtually. If you're new to video conferencing or are looking for some tips on how to make the most of it, Wired has published some great tips to help you through.