Editor’s Note: The State Bar of Texas is providing this collection of important links, blog posts, and media stories to keep its members and the public informed of the latest news and resources related to the novel coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the legal community.
Important links
State Bar of Texas Coronavirus Legal Resources Page — Texasbar.com/coronavirus
State Bar of Texas Coronavirus Public Resources Page — Texasbar.com/COVIDHelp
Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program Well-being Resources page — Texasbar.com/remote-well-being
2020 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting is canceled — After careful consideration, the State Bar of Texas has canceled the 2020 Annual Meeting scheduled for June 25-26 in Dallas. — Texas Bar Blog
Amidst COVID-19 uncertainty, Texas Bar cancels largest CLE gathering of the year — “It’s putting common sense and safety first and foremost, and I’m not sure anybody is going to disagree with that,” said State Bar of Texas President Randy Sorrels about cancelling the bar’s annual meeting in June. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
As Texas reopens, most law firms stick with remote work — Many firms in the Lone Star state have chosen to wait a bit longer to move their remote workforces back into offices. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Remote work during COVID-19 has law firms wondering: How much real estate do we really need? — Some midsize firms are realizing they don’t need to expand office space, now that they’ve been forced to work remotely. (Subscription required) — Law.com
Some small businesses that got aid fear the rules too much to spend it — Requirements for using federal coronavirus loans are complicated and confusing for owners. “It’s chaos,” one lawyer said. — The New York Times
AG Ken Paxton warns against expanding vote by mail — The move comes as many counties prepare for an expected massive increase in absentee ballot requests due to the coronavirus pandemic. — Houston Public Media
Lawyers address problems with estate planning document signing during coronavirus crisis — Many lawyers across the country are now using online video meetings to help senior clients arrange their affairs. — ABA Journal
Like virus itself, future of malpractice liability is uncharted — Under normal circumstances, with malpractice suits and doctors’ Hippocratic oaths in mind, hospitals take great lengths to prevent patient infection. — Courthouse News Service
Analysis: Does property insurance cover COVID-19 damage in Texas? — Business interruption claims have led the news about COVID-19 insurance disputes. Ahead though could be property claims made pursuant to homeowners’ policies. (Subscription required) — Law360
70% of Texas prisoners tested have the coronavirus. Experts say it’s time for more testing and fewer inmates. — Some of the nation’s biggest COVID-19 outbreaks have been in prisons and jails, and they can quickly spread to surrounding communities. — The Texas Tribune
Texas death row inmates ask to join lawsuit over prison health conditions during COVID-19 pandemic — The Texas Innocence Network on Friday filed the class-action motion on behalf of the 208 death-sentenced men at the Allan B. Polunsky Unit. (Subscription required) — Houston Chronicle
Refuse to work and collect unemployment? Gov. Abbott lists 6 reasons you can do so. — Unemployment claimants may continue to receive benefits while refusing suitable work for six reasons. — Houston Chronicle
CLEAT wants to legally enforce Line of Duty Death benefits for COVID-19 related deaths — The largest police labor organization in Texas announced that it will work pro bono to legally enforce Line of Duty Death benefits for all Texas first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. — KXAN – Austin
Houston strip club wins fight to reopen as restaurant (video) — A Houston strip club that tried to open early Friday morning and was later shut down by police has been granted a temporary restraining order against the city of Houston by a federal judge. — KHOU – Houston
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