Canada Post strike 2024: advocacy for cloud-based law firms

On November 15, 2024, approximately 50,000 Canada Post workers began a national strike after more than a year of negotiations between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and their employer.

This strike disrupted most mail and parcel services nationwide, with the exception of payment of government benefits (including the Canada Pension Plan and the Child Tax Benefit). As of publication, the strike is still ongoing and significant delays are expected after the strike ends, further complicating the situation.

What is the impact of the Canada Post strike on law firms?

Every law firm operates differently and will face different consequences due to the Canada Post strike and subsequent delays. Here are some of the issues facing law firms operating in Canada.

Delay in delivery of documents and communications

Businesses that rely on Canada Post to send documents, checks and correspondence will experience significant delays in sending and receiving information. Likewise, businesses that rely on mail from customers or third parties (for example, when receiving excess deposit checks from a real estate agent’s office) will find themselves waiting for information.

Increased costs of sending documents and communications

If companies agree to send documents and communications by mail, they will likely have to rely on private courier services until the strike ends. While the change itself may require additional time and effort, the traditionally higher cost of private mail services could result in higher expenses, especially for businesses that rely heavily on mail delivery.

Impact on billing and payments

Businesses that use Canada Post to send invoices or receive payments may experience cash flow delays due to the Canada Post strike. While some businesses may be better positioned to deal with delays in sending and receiving payments by mail, waiting for payments could have a significant impact on businesses with limited cash flow.

Service of documents

Many law firms use certified mail delivery as proof of service, and with the ongoing Canada Post strike, this option is no longer available. Additionally, if certified mail has already been sent, it will be delayed or potentially impossible to deliver, making it difficult to prove that a document was served within the required time frame.

Given exceptional circumstances, courts may grant deadline extensions, but businesses must be proactive in communicating with courts and opposing counsel in order to manage their obligations and avoid procedural issues and non-compliance. -respect deadlines.

How law firms can deal with future Canada Post strikes

Regardless of the impact of the 2024 Canada Post strike on your law firm, you’re probably wondering: What can I do to minimize the impact of Canada Post strikes or service interruptions in the future? ?

The best way to reduce reliance on traditional mail services is to adopt various technology solutions that streamline communication, document delivery and customer management. Here are some possibilities, keeping in mind that cloud-based legal practice management software can help businesses complete their daily tasks anytime, anywhere.

Adopt secure customer portals

Leveraging client portals can help law firms stay in touch with their clients without relying on traditional mail methods. For example, Clio for Customers is a secure digital portal for legal clients to communicate and collaborate with their attorney. Customers can view communications, documents and calendar events; communicate privately with their lawyer; and view and pay your bills in seconds, all from one place.

Transition to electronic signatures

Asking customers to sign documents electronically is not only convenient: it also helps you navigate times when traditional mail methods are unavailable and wet signatures are not required. Clio’s electronic signature functionality allows lawyers to create, sign and store legally binding documents online simply and securely. In the Clio Suiteyou can use electronic signatures to easily sign documents online, both as part of Clio Grow customer reception and legal CRM software, and as part of Clio Managedocument management functionality.

Switch to online payment systems

Firms can get paid faster and avoid potential mail service interruptions by accepting payments online – a win-win for law firms. And, with Clio PaymentsBusinesses can create personalized invoices in minutes that are sent to customers via email or through a secure customer portal. Customers can pay by credit or debit, or set up automated payment plans.

Final thoughts on the 2024 Canada Post strike and the transition to a cloud-based law firm

The 2024 Canada Post strike highlights how important it is for law firms to be prepared for any eventuality. Businesses must plan ahead to deal with possible service interruptions. Fortunately, by embracing technological advancements, such as cloud-based legal practice management softwareBusinesses can protect themselves against future disruptions while improving efficiency and better serving their customers.

Want to learn more about becoming a cloud-based law firm? Book a demo to see Clio in action!

We published this blog post in November 2024. Last update: November 26, 2024.

Categorized in: Technology