Davis Wright requires COVID-19 vaccination before a return to work
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Davis Wright Tremaine is the first Am Law 200 firm to publicly announce that it will require a coronavirus vaccine for its lawyers and staff members to return to work at the office.
Davis Wright announced the new guidelines on Thursday, report Law.com and Bloomberg Law.
A press release described the policy this way: “Allowing for a reasonable period of time to get vaccinated once eligible, only those who have been vaccinated will be allowed in the office or to attend firm-sponsored events. (In the coming months, proof of vaccination will also be required.)”
The policy allows paid time off to get vaccines and to recover from any side effects, if needed. Employees and lawyers should speak with human resources about reasonable accommodations if they can’t get vaccinated because of a disability, medical advice or religious beliefs.
The law firm said people shouldn’t return to the office, absent a specific need, until a significant portion of the population receives vaccines. And when lawyers and staff members do come to work, they will have to observe health protocols, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
The firm also said it will provide vaccines at work, if it is possible.
Most law firm leaders who have spoken with Law.com have said they will encourage vaccines but did not announce any decisions about requiring them.
