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
Texas conservatives ask court to strike down Abbott’s coronavirus orders — The emergency petition argues that the law granting emergency powers to the governor during declared disasters violates the Texas Constitution’s Bill of Rights. — Austin American-Statesman
Supreme Court rejects church’s challenge to California’s coronavirus rules — The Supreme Court has rejected a California church’s attempt to overturn the state’s coronavirus restrictions on in-person religious services. — NPR
Most Houston lawyers don’t want jury trials back before fall, survey says — Most trial lawyers in Houston do not want jury trials to return before the fall, and they widely oppose the idea of remote jury trials. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
The bimodal salary of starting lawyers — Thanks to the coronavirus, the vast proportion of graduating lawyers will only shift further left on the salary distribution. — Above the Law
Analysis: COVID-19 has hit lawyers’ income—hard — The economic disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic have hit lawyers by decreasing their incomes. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Now trending: ‘Zoom kiosks’ to breach digital divide between public and remote courts — In what could be the start nationwide trend, two Texas counties are among courts in at least four states that are creating public computer stations for litigants to connect to video conference court proceedings. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program hosts virtual legal clinics — The Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, a joint initiative of the Dallas Bar Association and Legal Aid NorthWest Texas, and local Dallas law firms are hosting virtual clinics every Thursday in June. — Texas Bar Blog
COVID-19 pandemic expected to have ‘massive’ impact on El Paso court system — As court hearings are postponed because of COVID-19 and trial dates remain up in the air, some El Paso defendants could be waiting more than a year for their cases to be heard. — El Paso Times
Criminal justice system should consider public health during COVID-19 pandemic, groups say — Several national organizations issued joint recommendations for how the criminal justice system can incorporate public health approaches when responding to the novel coronavirus crisis. — ABA Journal
Domestic abuse can escalate in pandemic and continue even if you get away (audio) — The pandemic and its economic fallout have made it harder for those who experience domestic violence to escape their abuser, say crisis teams. — NPR
Sign here first: US salons, gyms, offices require coronavirus waivers — Many U.S. businesses have been posting coronavirus disclaimers or requiring employees and patrons to sign waivers before entering. — Reuters
Justice Department says Maine’s 2-week quarantine rule discriminates against tourists — The DOJ is siding with campground and restaurant owners in Maine who sued the state over a two-week self-quarantine policy for out-of-state visitors. — NPR
Lawyer certified as emergency medical technician calls on his experience during COVID-19 crisis — It’s easy for Christopher Jennison to trace how he became an EMT and a lawyer. — ABA Journal
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