COVID-19

Some attorneys liked parts of their pandemic lifestyles so much, they’ve made some changes permanent

Attorneys across the globe pivoted during the pandemic, bringing their work home, shifting their hours and slowing down—for the most part. Their happy hours moved online, their meetings were held on Zoom, and their documents were signed electronically.

Oct 1, 2021 2:20 AM CDT

There’s a decrease in signing bonuses for 2021 summer associates, new survey says

Summer associates who recently wrapped up their work say they had ample networking opportunities, received clear instructions on assignments, and found the experience affirming. But few were offered signing bonuses, according to a survey released Monday by Law360 Pulse.

Sep 29, 2021 11:21 AM CDT

2nd Circuit allows vaccine mandate to take effect for New York City teachers and school staff

Lawyers representing New York City school employees who oppose a vaccine mandate say they will ask the U.S. Supreme Court for emergency relief after a federal appeals court allowed the requirement to take effect.

Sep 28, 2021 9:58 AM CDT

6th Circuit rules against restaurant seeking insurance coverage for losses after shutdown order

A shutdown order that barred in-person dining was not a direct physical loss or damage to property covered by a "business interruption" insurance policy, a federal appeals court has ruled.

Sep 24, 2021 11:45 AM CDT

Few federal courts report that they require COVID-19 vaccines for court employees

Few federal courts have reported that they are requiring COVID-19 vaccines for court workers, although an order this week requires the employees to report their vaccination status.

Sep 24, 2021 11:05 AM CDT

ABA’s inaugural Equity Summit will highlight importance of inclusion; guests include Justice Sotomayor

Throughout the summit’s four days of programming, registrants can attend five CLE programs; four TED-style talks; three workshops on critical diversity equity and inclusion issues; and a fireside discussion Sept. 29 with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Sep 22, 2021 11:51 AM CDT

Newly minted lawyer challenges COVID restrictions in ‘impenetrable thicket’ of arguments

Ohio lawyer Thomas Renz quickly gained prominence in conservative circles by challenging COVID-19 mandates in a series of lawsuits filed after he passed the bar exam in November 2019 on his fifth try.

Sep 20, 2021 6:10 PM CDT

California is poised to permit remote court hearings through at least mid-2023

The San Diego Superior Court system has utilized remote hearings amid the COVID-19 pandemic to keep court business moving forward. Under a bill the California legislature approved unanimously last week, courts across the country’s most populous state would be permitted to continue hosting remote hearings in civil proceedings.

Sep 16, 2021 2:10 PM CDT

National mean scaled score for August MBE slightly decreases compared to 2019

For the July 2021 Multistate Bar Examination, which had 45,872 test-takers, the national mean scaled score was 140.4, according to a Wednesday news release from the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Sep 15, 2021 2:54 PM CDT

Will employer vaccine mandate survive? OSHA would act under little-used statutory provision

President Joe Biden’s plan to require businesses with more than 100 workers to require vaccinations or testing relies on a little-used provision of a 1970 law.

Sep 13, 2021 4:18 PM CDT

Jenner & Block settles with landlord in dispute over rent payments during pandemic

Jenner & Block has settled a rent dispute with the landlord for its Chicago building that stemmed from unused office space during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sep 10, 2021 11:48 AM CDT

Lawyer accused of drawing gun in social distancing tiff should get 9-month suspension, hearing board says

A Vermont lawyer accused of trying to knock down a social distancing sign and pulling out a gun should be suspended from law practice for nine months, according to the Vermont Professional Responsibility Board.

Sep 9, 2021 12:10 PM CDT

Supreme Court will resume in-person oral arguments, but the public can’t attend

The U.S. Supreme Court announced Wednesday that it will resume in-person oral arguments when its term begins Oct. 4, but members of the public will not be allowed to be there.

Sep 9, 2021 10:35 AM CDT

New York extends eviction protections in wake of SCOTUS decision blocking federal ban

New York has become the first state to extend its eviction moratorium since the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the federal ban on evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic late last month.

Sep 3, 2021 3:14 PM CDT

Where in the world is John Pierce? Lawyer for Jan. 6 Capitol riot defendants goes missing

A lawyer representing 17 defendants charged in connection with the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol has made no contact with federal prosecutors since Aug. 23, and there has been conflicting information about his health, according to recent court filings from the acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia.

Sep 2, 2021 9:51 AM CDT