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
First post-COVID-19 shutdown jury trial underway in Dallas federal court — U.S. District Chief Judge Barbara Lynn began the first jury trial to be conducted in Texas – and only the third federal jury trial in the entire U.S. – since courts shutdown at the end of March due to the COVID-19 crisis. (Subscription required) — The Texas Lawbook
The Zoom boom: How videoconferencing tools are changing the legal profession — Long before social distancing entered the global lexicon, Zoom, the videoconferencing platform, touted its capabilities for lawyers. — ABA Journal
Amid COVID-19 uncertainty, law firms continue their march into Texas — After a lull in new office announcements, D.C.’s Ivins, Phillips & Barker landed in Dallas this week with the GC of a former client who used the firm for employment work. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Texas death row inmate seeks stay citing coronavirus pandemic — The next death row inmate scheduled to be executed in the United States asked a Texas court for a stay Tuesday, citing disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. — UPI
Commentary: The future of driving and Texas personal injury law firms after COVID-19 — Is the quarantine making us rethink the way we are driving and using our roads? — Lawyers.com blog
Dallas Bar Association offers LegalLine E-Clinics on Wednesdays in June — Volunteer attorneys will answer legal questions from 4 to 8 p.m. each week. — Texas Bar Blog
St. Mary’s Law helps launch housing hotline for those facing eviction — The St. Mary’s University School of Law is launching a hotline for South Texas residents experiencing housing issues — especially renters — as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. — St. Mary’s University
Most employers will reopen over the summer, expect uptick in lawsuits — They are bracing for an increase in lawsuits involving sick and family leave, workplace safety and workers’ compensation coverage, according to a recent survey. — Reuters
Millions of Americans skipping payments as tidal wave of defaults and evictions looms — Americans are skipping payments on mortgages, auto loans and other bills. Normally, that could mean massive foreclosures, evictions, and cars repossessions. — NPR
Two states introduce COVID-19 waivers for July bar exams — The in-person exams come with assumption of risk language regarding the coronavirus. — ABA Journal
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