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
Analysis: COVID-19 downturn likely won’t impact health of law firm billable hour — Corporate legal may be seeking out more predictable pricing from their law firms in the wake of COVID-19, but the billable hour will likely continue to endure even though law firms are using more tech with less staff. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Law firm worker fired after posting threat about face mask requirements — The Thompson & Knight law firm fired a Dallas-based administrative manager Friday after he allegedly posted a threat on social media against businesses with Covid-19 face mask requirements that had references to a handgun and hollow point-bullets. — Courthouse News Service
Could Zoom jury trials become the norm during the coronavirus pandemic? — As criminal courts grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, some in the legal industry wonder whether a virtual jury trial could be next. — ABA Journal
Businesses face threat of liability, 63 COVID-19 lawsuits filed in Texas (video) — According to a COVID-19 lawsuit tracker developed by the law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth, 895 COVID-19-related complaints have been filed in the United States, including 63 in Texas. — KXAN – Austin
Williamson Co. District Attorney shares prosecution strategy during COVID-19 (video) — The Williamson County District Attorney said he’s become stricter on the cases he’ll take to court during the pandemic, often rejecting cases like drug offenses to save resources for more serious crimes. — KXAN – Autin
New lawsuit alleges age discrimination amid COVID-19 upheaval at Shearman & Sterling — The firm denies the allegations in the lawsuit. — Above the Law
Severance agreement checklist — Unfortunately, the Coronavirus and COVID-19 layoffs are going to continue. — Texas Labor Law blog
These North Texas businesses bought insurance, only to learn coronavirus-related losses aren’t covered — Restaurants are among those suing insurers for denying their claims, but the insurance industry says viruses were never included. — The Dallas Morning News
JC Penney to file for bankruptcy soon, sources say — The Plano, Texas-based company, which employs nearly 85,000 people, is in discussions with creditors for a so-called debtor-in-possession loan. — Reuters
Out of the pandemic comes an alternative courthouse — In the wake of a statewide shutdown, lawyers in San Diego started an extraordinary program to stand in for their paralyzed courts. — Courthouse News Service
ABA legal ed section contemplates rule change in light of novel coronavirus — A proposal to change an ABA law school accreditation rule, which would allow for temporary relief in regional and national emergencies, is now being considered. — ABA Journal
Texas legal aid providers ready to help renters, provide FAQs — Texas legal aid organizations are at the forefront helping low-income individuals and families navigate issues created or worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. — Texas Bar Blog
How one legal aid clinic has gone virtual — The coronavirus pandemic has presented walk-in legal aid clinics with an existential crisis, but with the assistance of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, one clinic in Dallas is using a new virtual platform to press forward and seeing more attorneys volunteering to help. (Subscription required) — Law360
They just want someone to talk to: This mental health hotline is helping Texans navigate the pandemic — The Harris Center and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission joined forces and provide the hotline service to callers statewide. — The Texas Tribune
