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
Check the Office of Court Administration’s website for court closures or delays reported to the OCA
Law firms working remotely during the coronavirus shutdown — As we face the reality of widespread office shutdowns, self-imposed quarantines, and government mandates designed to slow the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread, lawyers equipped to practice away from the office—and at home—find themselves at an advantage. — Texas Bar Blog
How law firms can harden their data security during COVID-19 crisis — Law firms, already an attractive target for cybercriminals, now face a workforce operating from informal home environments. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Court via YouTube? Amid COVID-19 closures, Texas judges ponder public access — The Texas Constitution mandates that Texas courts remain open to the public. As the coronavirus continues changing court operations, and more hearings move to telephone or video conference, judicial leaders are brainstorming ways to allow the public to listen or watch. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Commentary: 10 ways to continue biz development during coronavirus — During this strange COVID-19 scare, professionals are finding their typical interactions with clients, prospects and referral sources abruptly halted, postponed or altogether canceled. — Law360
Expert: TX law firms face financial hits, opportunities in crisis — Corporate law firms in Texas are going to take a financial hit from the one-two punch of the coronavirus and plunging oil prices, according to one of the nation’s leading law firm management experts. (Subscription required) — The Texas Lawbook
Immigration judges, ICE attorneys, and experts are calling on the Trump administration to close the courts to stop the novel coronavirus from spreading — Tuesday, the group that represents the nation’s immigration judges was joined by public health experts and the union that represents employees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement — a rare display of unity — in making that call for an emergency closure of the courts. — Business Insider
Texas county judge calls neighboring county’s restaurant closures illegal — A Texas judge says his county won’t follow in a neighboring county’s footsteps regarding the closure of bars and restaurants. — KTRK – Houston
Commentary: 7 keys to keeping your firm inclusive in the coronavirus era — In this challenging and unusual time, it is crucially important that law firms remain steadfast about fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. In fact, it is precisely during times like these when we must double down on our commitment. — Law360
Working from home? ABA Free Legal Answers offers pro bono opportunities — As more attorneys are working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ABA Free Legal Answers offers one way to do pro bono and avoid cabin fever at the same time. — ABA Journal
Texas Attorney General has received 255 consumer complaints about coronavirus price gouging — Matt and Noah Colvin bought almost 18,000 bottles of hand sanitizer with the intention of reselling them for profit during the coronavirus pandemic. — San Antonio Express-News
‘Isolation compounds violence’: Abuse victims more at risk during coronavirus quarantines — As more Houstonians self-quarantine to quell the spread of the new coronavirus, domestic and sexual violence victims are becoming more vulnerable to brutality by their abusers, advocates say. (Subscription required) — Houston Chronicle
March LSAT canceled and National Conference of Bar Examiners monitoring July bar exam — The decision was announced March 16 on the Law School Admission Council’s website. The test had been scheduled for March 30. — ABA Journal
County sheriff says deputies are stationed at home of man with COVID-19 — The sheriff in Nelson County, Kentucky, says his deputies are stationed at the home of a man with COVID-19 to enforce a quarantine order. — ABA Journal
ATL founder David Lat announces on social media that he has the coronavirus — David Lat, the founder of the law blog Above the Law and ABA Journal Legal Rebel who now works as a legal recruiter, says he has COVID-19. — ABA Journal
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