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
Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program Well-being Resources page — Texasbar.com/remote-well-being
OCA: Attorneys are ‘essential’ but should work remotely if possible — Attorneys are “essential” workers during the COVID-19 pandemic because they support the operations of the judicial system, but they still should work remotely from home if possible. — Texas Bar Blog
How small law firms in Texas can benefit from the $2T stimulus package — The recently passed CARES Act, a $2 trillion stimulus package, provides access to $349 billion in capital to small law firms and businesses, much of which can be forgiven if handled correctly. — Texas Bar Blog
The coronavirus small business loan program: What you need to know — Starting today, small businesses can apply for the nearly $350 billion in loans available through the economic rescue plan from Congress. — NPR
Laredo residents who enter a building that is not their home must cover their nose, mouth — Laredo City Council has mandated that anyone who enters a building that is not their home must cover their mouth and nose with a mask, bandana, scarf or any fabric, or else face a fine of up to $1,000. — Laredo Morning Times
Business is booming for mediators as COVID-19 cools courts — Civil mediators are working nights and weekends to handle increasing numbers of cases from litigants seeking to sidestep courthouse slowdowns from the COVID-19 pandemic. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Effective mediation during COVID-19 — Faced with this unprecedented disruption, attorneys must prepare themselves and their clients for inevitable changes in mediation practices. — Texas Bar Blog
BigLaw pay cuts and layoffs are likely to multiply, experts say; which firms are doing it? — Large and midsize law firms responded to economic pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic this week with pay cuts, layoffs and lower partner payouts. And it’s not over yet, observers say. — ABA Journal
Defense attorneys blast DA for decision to limit court activity to one day a week — McLennan County District Attorney Barry Johnson recently announced he was closing down his office, directing his staff to work from home and that his assistants would be available to handle court activities on Fridays only. — Waco Tribune-Herald
Federal judge clears the way for portion of border wall lawsuit to proceed — Environmental groups can move forward on a central challenge in their lawsuit: whether the president can divert $3.6 billion in military funds to build a border wall. — Courthouse News Service
Migrants and advocates call to close detention centers as COVID-19 spreads — A new lawsuit argues that an outbreak in detention could overwhelm local health care systems. — Texas Observer
Houston Bar adapts LegalLine service in response to COVID-19 — The Houston Bar Association is unveiling a new, weekly LegalLine process to replace its bimonthly call-in service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. — Texas Bar Blog
‘Lock up and leave’: Dallas authorities shut down Hobby Lobby stores — Sheriff’s deputies arrived at store locations in North Dallas and Garland within minutes of the announcement and taped the cease-and-desist order onto the front doors. — Courthouse News Service
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