As lockdowns start to be eased in many countries, attention is turning to life after the pandemic. And there are many signs that it will not simply be a return to normal.

Consumers (even those previously averse to using technology) have got used to online ordering, working from home and virtual communication. Will they want to return to retail stores when they can order on the internet? Will they go out to restaurants when they can get deliveries via their smartphone? 

Businesses in all fields will have to adapt. And that includes the legal sector. One observer predicts this will be "the turning point for lawtech" while another argues that "this is an opportunity to consider which areas of legal services really do benefit from the human touch".

Many aspects of legal work may never be the same, including the ways that law firms communicate with their clients and promote their services. Paper journals and newsletters, face-to-face meetings and seminars followed by drinks receptions will all be less common.

Like it or not, webinars and Zoom calls are here to stay - but these are just the tip of the iceberg. Expect to see innovative firms push the boundaries further in their use of communications tools, social media and marketing.

Those that are successful will recognise that it's not enough just to adapt old habits, but instead you need to develop new ways of working and in some cases take risks. In this, as in many other areas, the legal market is ripe for disruption.

We look forward to seeing what works - and what doesn't.