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

Frequently Asked Questions — Coronavirus safety measures at SBOT

Check the Office of Court Administration’s website for court closures or delays reported to the OCA

Updated coronavirus guidance released for Texas courts, clerks — The Office of Court Administration has released updated guidance for Texas courts, clerks and staff on novel coronavirus (COVID-19). — Texas Bar Blog

Texas Chief Justice Hecht on coronavirus: ‘We still have to do justice’ — Texas judges need to weigh the health and well-being of individuals with the requirement that the courts remain open and accessible to those who seek justice, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht said. (Subscription required) — The Texas Lawbook

Dallas civil juries canceled for the next month amid coronavirus concerns — The decision only applies to citizens called for jury duty at the George Allen Civil Courthouse and J.P. Courts. It does not apply to criminal trials at the Frank Crowley Criminal Courthouse. — The Dallas Morning News

Jefferson County postpones jury trials amid coronavirus concerns — Jefferson County will postpone civil jury trials effective Monday, Jefferson County 58th District Court Judge Kent Walston said Thursday. — Beaumont Enterprise

Working with remote employees: what you need to know in a crisis and beyond — Twenty years ago working remotely meant taking home a briefcase full of documents. The internet made that easier. Instead of a bundle of files, we started taking laptops home instead. Today, with threats like COVID-19 filling our media reports, many of us are considering or already made provisions for having our staffs work from home. — Texas Bar Journal

How will immigration courts handle the COVID-19 pandemic? — The Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review, which oversees immigration courts, hasn’t provided any useful guidance on how immigration courts should respond to the coronavirus pandemic. — Texas Public Radio

SCOTUS and other courts are restricting visitors or canceling proceedings amid coronavirus concerns — The U.S. Supreme Court announced Thursday that it will be closed to public visitors, although the building remains open for official business. — ABA Journal

Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program’s veterans clinics canceled through March — In an effort to be proactive about safety from the coronavirus, DVAP’s March clinics have been canceled. — Texas Bar Blog

Houston Bar Association and Houston Volunteer Lawyers cancel veterans legal clinics in response to coronavirus — All HBA and HVL-sponsored veterans legal clinics scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, as well as Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, have been canceled until further notice. — Texas Bar Blog

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