COVID-19

Legal industry loses 1,700 jobs in March

The legal industry lost 1,700 jobs in March, before law firms began to announce layoffs and furloughs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apr 3, 2020 12:10 PM CDT

Some law firms delay start of summer associate programs because of novel coronavirus

Some law firms have announced that they are delaying the start date of their summer associate programs and shortening their length because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apr 3, 2020 9:54 AM CDT

Legal aid programs likely to be hard hit by drop in IOLTA funds, group warns

The National Association of IOLTA Programs is sounding the alarm about an expected drop in funds from Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts and other sources that support legal aid programs.

Apr 3, 2020 9:41 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Seyfarth withdraws after controversial filing; law firm scammer seeks release

Seyfarth Shaw withdraws from suit after controversial argument Seyfarth Shaw is seeking to withdraw from representing the U.S. Soccer Federation in an equal-pay case after a controversial court filing. The law firm had argued players on the U.S. Women’s National Team had less “skill” than male players. The argument has…

Apr 2, 2020 5:01 PM CDT

BigLaw pay cuts and layoffs are likely to multiply, experts say; which firms are doing it?

Large and midsize law firms responded to economic pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic this week with pay cuts, layoffs and lower partner payouts. And it’s not over yet, observers say.

Apr 2, 2020 12:08 PM CDT

As exposed health care workers seek legal remedies, who’s liable for lack of personal protective equipment?

Doctors and nurses across the country are asking about legal remedies they may have because of exposure to COVID-19 and a lack of personal protective equipment, or PPE. Invariably, their main concern is the dangers to which they’re being exposed.

Apr 2, 2020 11:35 AM CDT

Above the Law founder David Lat is being discharged after COVID-19 battle

Above the Law founder David Lat tweeted Wednesday he is being discharged from NYU Langone Hospital where he was treated for COVID-19.

Apr 2, 2020 10:26 AM CDT

Coronavirus cancellations mean revenue loss, potential liability

The designation of COVID-19 as a pandemic has affected tens of thousands of business and consumer contracts. Lawyers were suddenly swamped with questions about contractual provisions for delays or cancellations, and they found themselves immersed in force majeure provisions, common law doctrine and specifics on business interruption tucked away in insurance agreements.

Apr 2, 2020 9:46 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Athletes aim for law school; lawsuits target Zoom over Facebook sharing

Pro basketball players shoot for law school Imani McGee-Stafford, a center with the Dallas Wings, is leaving the basketball court and headed to the Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. McGee-Stafford, who is 25, also played for the Chicago Sky and the Atlanta Dream. Meanwhile Garrett Temple, a guard with…

Apr 1, 2020 4:55 PM CDT

How can employers stop discrimination during the coronavirus pandemic?

As COVID-19 spreads rapidly across the United States, it carries with it accounts of discrimination and xenophobia that several lawyers say they haven’t seen since the years following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Apr 1, 2020 3:13 PM CDT

Pryor Cashman furloughs some associates during coronavirus crisis

Pryor Cashman has furloughed some associates whose workflow was affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Apr 1, 2020 12:49 PM CDT

Baker Donelson temporarily cuts pay, furloughs some employees because of COVID-19

Baker Donelson is imposing temporary pay cuts, reducing partner draws, and furloughing some employees because of the financial impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Apr 1, 2020 10:27 AM CDT

5th Circuit allows Texas to enforce abortion ban during pending appeal

A federal appeals court is allowing Texas to enforce its pandemic-related abortion ban until the state’s arguments can be considered.

Apr 1, 2020 10:04 AM CDT

New York bar exam planned for September; Hawaii postpones exam, too

The New York Court of Appeals announced Tuesday that the bar exam will take place shortly before or after the Labor Day holiday. Also, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore is looking into supervised practice for law school graduates.

Apr 1, 2020 9:38 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Ex-BigLaw partner gets home jailing for COVID-19 risk; lawsuit sees immigration-court safety risk

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…

Mar 31, 2020 4:58 PM CDT