In recent years, the tone of communication in the legal profession has shifted noticeably. Many practitioners have observed a rise in more aggressive, confrontational, and less civil interactions, not only with clients but with colleagues, opposing counsel, and even judges.
While some may attribute this shift to the inherent nature of litigation or the increasing pressures of modern legal practice, a deeper sociological explanation may lie in the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The combined effect of pandemic-induced social isolation and the rapid rise in digital communication may have contributed to fostering more hostile and less empathetic exchanges in the legal field.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a seismic shift in nearly every aspect of daily life. One of the most profound consequences was the sudden and widespread isolation that individuals and professionals alike experienced. With restrictions on movement, shutdowns of in-person services, and the switch to remote work, people were increasingly isolated from one another, spending much more time in self-contained spaces. While this was necessary for public health, it also had profound psychological and social effects.
For lawyers, this period of isolation not only restricted their social lives but also severely impacted the way they conducted their work. Negotiations, mediations, client meetings, and even legal conferences—traditionally forums for building rapport and cultivating cooperative relationships—shifted to digital platforms. The lack of face-to-face interaction made it harder to read body language, perceive subtle emotional cues, or build the kind of interpersonal trust that helps soften the edges of disagreement, disputes, and distrust.
Over time, this disconnection began to spill over into the profession’s communications. Without the context of shared physical space, lawyers found it easier to engage in more aggressive or less empathetic behaviour. Email, video calls, and other digital communication methods—while efficient—lacked the nuances that can temper harshness in conversation. In written or remote formats, tone can be misinterpreted, and the absence of non-verbal feedback can embolden people to be more direct or even combative.
When the limitations imposed by the pandemic were lifted, many in the legal profession retained some of these less relational practices. It remains common to host meetings by Zoom instead of in person, prefer email over phone calls, attend court virtually, and limit time spent in the office. Continuing professional education is now routinely delivered online.
This trend has resulted in a steady rise in curt, impatient, and sometimes intolerant communications. Social isolation, sparked by the pandemic, has had negative consequences for many people, including increased feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and frustration. Research suggests that prolonged isolation can lead to a decline in social connection, lower emotional intelligence, and a reduced ability to engage in empathetic communication.
In the legal field, these effects manifest in a number of ways. The profession is already known for its competitive, high-pressure nature, where outcomes often have profound consequences. However, in a world where the norm has become remote work, digital communication, and fewer opportunities for spontaneous social interaction, lawyers have become more focused on the task at hand and less attuned to the emotional undertones of their interactions. They are often more blunt, less patient, and quicker to escalate conflicts rather than de-escalate them.
This shift is exacerbated by the culture of “performative professionalism” that is prevalent in many online communications (especially where a client is copied), where lawyers focus on appearing competent or forceful in order to project authority.
The rise in hostility among lawyers has far-reaching consequences, both within the profession and in the broader society. For one, it undermines the ability to resolve conflicts amicably. Lawyers who are more focused on winning at all costs, or who communicate with hostility, may alienate potential collaborators or make negotiations unnecessarily contentious. This is especially concerning in a time when the need for collaboration and finding common ground in legal disputes has never been more urgent.
Additionally, the increase in aggressive communication erodes the fundamental values of justice, fairness, and professionalism. Legal disputes are meant to be resolved in a manner that upholds these principles, but when lawyers communicate in a hostile or demeaning way, it reflects poorly on the entire legal system and can contribute to public mistrust of legal institutions.
If digital communication has been a driver of disconnection in the legal profession, the antidote may lie in more live, in-person interactions among lawyers.
Reconnecting with the human element of the legal process could help temper the growing hostility and promote more civil, cooperative communication.
The shift to virtual negotiations and mediations during the pandemic has undeniably made these processes more efficient in some ways, but it has also created challenges in building trust and understanding between parties. Reintroducing in-person negotiations, when feasible, allows lawyers to engage with opposing counsel in a more personal and less confrontational way. Being able to read body language, pick up on unspoken cues, and interact in real time fosters a more empathetic and constructive exchange.
Legal professionals should also invest in live, in-person professional development programs that focus on building emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, and empathy. Workshops that include role-playing, group discussions, and networking opportunities can help lawyers reconnect with their colleagues and strengthen their interpersonal skills. These programs offer a chance to practice listening, understanding, and cooperating—skills that are crucial for effective legal practice.
Lawyers often attend conferences to stay current with legal trends, but many of these events have become largely virtual. By shifting back to more live conferences, lawyers can engage in more meaningful discussions, share experiences, and build relationships that foster a greater sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. These interactions can humanize colleagues who might otherwise be reduced to mere names and titles on a screen.
Finally, it’s essential to deliberately reduce the amount of digital and online communication within legal practice. While email and video conferencing are important tools, they should not replace face-to-face meetings entirely. Lawyers should be encouraged to seek out opportunities for live interactions whenever possible, whether through direct phone calls, in-person meetings, or small group discussions.
The rise in incivility among lawyers is not just a product of the legal profession itself, but part of a broader societal trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting rise in social isolation. In an era where digital communication dominates, lawyers have become more disconnected, less empathetic, and more prone to adversarial behaviour.
The solution, however, is within reach. By reinvigorating live, in-person interactions—whether through negotiations, professional development programs, or conferences—lawyers can rediscover the human element of their work. As the legal profession moves beyond the shadow of the pandemic, fostering a culture of empathy, cooperation, and meaningful dialogue will not only improve the quality of legal practice but also restore the professionalism and civility that are the bedrock of the justice system.
Editorial note: This article was first published on LinkedIn in November 2025 and is republished here for reference.
Share this article on: