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
Attorneys raise alarm on long lines into Harris County courthouse after Memorial Day — Several defense attorneys raised concerns about possible health implications for themselves and their clients. (Subscription required) — Houston Chronicle
Dallas law firm accused of filing ‘predatory’ lawsuits against patients to collect medical debt — A Johns Hopkins study says 28 Texas hospitals have aggressively pursued judgments against patients, many of whom live ‘paycheck to paycheck,’ for unpaid bills. — The Dallas Morning News
The COVID crisis law firm tracker: What’s your firm doing to survive? — The latest updates on the salary cuts, furloughs, and layoffs that are taking over the legal industry. — Above the Law
Bankruptcy attorneys may have the hottest job in the downturn — Bankruptcy attorneys are the new rock stars in the legal world, an ignominious consequence of the coronavirus pandemic decimating the economy. — Fortune
Grand jury reindicts 59 after challenges to virtual grand jury process — Since several defense attorneys filed challenges over the manner in which local officials conducted the last grand jury session on May 6, McLennan County District Attorney Barry Johnson decided to reindict all 59 criminal defendants again. — Waco Tribune-Herald
Off-price retailer Tuesday Morning files for bankruptcy, plans to close 230 stores — Dallas-based Tuesday Morning Corp. filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday saying the pandemic’s “forced prolonged closure” of its almost 700 stores put it into financial distress. — The Dallas Morning News
Coronavirus pandemic prompts wave of ‘business interruption’ lawsuits by restaurants — Although the policies in most restaurant lawsuits were silent on viruses, some other business interruption policies do have viral exclusions. — ABA Journal
SCOTUS refuses to block order to move at-risk inmates at prison with high COVID-19 rate — The U.S. Supreme Court refused Tuesday to stay a judge’s order requiring the Federal Bureau of Prisons to release or transfer inmates at an Ohio prison who face greater risks if they contract COVID-19. — ABA Journal
Since remote MBE won’t be available for July bar, Nevada plans for essay-based test — Considering social distancing requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nevada is going forward with a remote, open-book bar exam, which will be administered in July. — ABA Journal
Law office to distribute 10,000 face covers in McAllen & San Benito — Herrman & Herrman, a law firm based in Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley, announced they will be giving out free face covers. — KGBT – Brownsville
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