The last year has brought significant challenges to every industry. Like many other sectors, law firms and court systems across the country have adapted to pandemic restrictions, shifting many of their services remotely and adjusting their services accordingly. As we move into the second half of 2021, let’s take a look at some of the emerging business litigation trends to get a better sense of what law firms can expect in the months and years ahead.
An Uptick in Litigation Activity
The pandemic slowed down most court proceedings for several months, with many litigants deciding to postpone any legal action until it was safer to do so. According to data from the summer of 2020, 67 percent of legal clients reported that they would delay taking legal action during the pandemic. However, as the economy starts to ramp back up, many companies are moving forward with old legal battles. Additionally, several businesses are taking the opportunity to renegotiate contracts to protect themselves from future threats.
Businesses Are Investing in Legal Services
In preparation for upcoming legal disputes or negotiations, many companies are increasing their legal spending. One estimate projects that businesses will increase spending on outside counsel by five percent—the largest increase in ten years. While some businesses are allocating funds to help them navigate upcoming litigation, others are seeking outside counsel to review contracts, employment policies, and other aspects of the company to reduce their risk of potential litigation.
Employment Litigation is Gaining Momentum
One of the most significant areas of contention is between employers and employees. The pandemic exposed tensions and vulnerabilities between these groups, prompting disputes relating to remote work, furloughs, layoffs, and other tense issues. As employees across the country seek to renegotiate or redefine their employment contracts and work conditions, we can expect to see a rise in employment litigation cases. Additionally, commercial litigation cases and contract disputes are also projected to increase.
For reliable and trusted legal guidance in the Minneapolis area, call Rubric Legal LLC at (612) 465-0074 to get started with a dedicated business litigation attorney.