Afternoon Briefs: Ex-BigLaw partner gets home jailing for COVID-19 risk; lawsuit sees immigration-court safety risk
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Ex-BigLaw partner released from prison for COVID-19 risk
A Manhattan federal judge has ordered former Locke Lord partner Mark Scott to be released to home confinement because he has a greater risk of serious illness if he contracts COVID-19. U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos said Scott will spend two months in home incarceration. He is awaiting sentencing following his conviction for helping launder $400 million in a cryptocurrency scam. Scott’s misconduct happened after he left Locke Lord. (Law360)
Suit challenges in-person immigration hearing policy during coronavirus pandemic
A lawsuit filed Monday says the federal government has failed to prioritize the health and safety of immigration lawyers and immigrants with pending cases. The suit calls for suspension of in-person immigration hearings for detained immigrants, with the option of remote access, as well as personal protective equipment for meetings between the immigrants and their lawyers. In the alternative, the suit seeks release of detained immigrants. (Press release by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild and the Immigration Justice Campaign; the Washington, D.C., federal lawsuit)
Virtual legal conference will support charities
Legal practice management company Rocket Matter has announced a virtual legal conference that will benefit people affected by the novel coronavirus. The Rocket Aid conference, slated for April 16 and 17, will cover topics such as remote lawyering, cybersecurity and setting up an ergonomic home office. The $25 registration fee will benefit United Way’s COVID-19 Fund; Pro Bono Net; and Feeding America, a network of more than 200 food banks. (Rocket Matter press release and registration page)
