Lawrence Stephens

We are a *knowledge business

COVID-19: Business Operations

March 2020

It is clear that Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be a public and personal threat, creating many challenges for families and businesses worldwide. We want to reassure you that we are here to help you with any ongoing matters that you have with us, and any other issues you currently are faced with. We are here to help.

In order to minimise any disruption to the way that we work with you, we have the following measures in place:

  • Working remotely – For the time being our office in Farringdon will remain closed. This is a measure that we have taken following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 23 March 2020 with new nationwide measures to fight this pandemic. We will continue to follow Public Health England’s (PHE) advice and that of the Government and will be guided by both of these sanctioning bodies.
  • No interruption to your matters – We have a tried and tested agile smart working policy that has been in operation at the firm for nearly 12 months, and most of our lawyers work remotely for at least one day a week. In this way, lawyers are able to access all of the firm’s systems as if they were still in the office. We have everything in place and we will be working from home until we have been advised by authorise government bodies not to do so.
  • Communication through various channels – Where necessary, our meetings are taking place via Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp video calling or simply a conference call. All phone lines will operate as normal. You will be able to get in touch with your frequent contacts here and we are available to continue to assist you.
  • Witnessing signatures requirements – A host of regulations require people to do certain things in person. Understanding the current circumstances it may not be possible for proposed signatories to be physically present to provide ‘wet ink’ signature on documents. However, under English law, electronic signatures can generally be provided in place of wet ink signatures. We will continue to monitor any changes here, if in the meantime this affects you, please get in touch.
  • International travel – The majority of our staff have now cancelled any up and coming travel plans, at their discretion, regardless of whether there is an outbreak of the virus at their intended destination. There are also no planned business trips.

We continue to follow and adhere to the sanctions and guidelines communicated by the Government, Public Health England (PHE) and W.H.O. in relation to COVD-19 and are take the necessary steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of our staff and clients alike. If additional protocols or changes in the way we conduct business become necessary, we will implement them immediately.

Understandably these are testing times. However, we will do everything within our power to continue to service the needs of our clients so as to ensure as little disruption as possible to your matters and your business. If you would like to discuss any matters with us, please get in touch with your contact at the firm so that we can talk you through the practicalities. 

In spite of everything, we are committed to providing you with the best service that you can rely on.