Coronavirus: LAW360 Jun 24 Briefing
From Media & Entertainment Law360
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
TOP NEWS
Clients’ Speed Paying Bills Could Make Or Break Law Firms
A report out Tuesday shows law firms have fared “surprisingly well” financially during the coronavirus pandemic so far, but experts say there is still a danger that some firms could run out of cash because of difficulty collecting payments from struggling clients.
Legal Industry’s Metrics In 2020 ‘Not Bad’ Despite Pandemic
The legal industry has so far done better than expected amid the economic downturn brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, due in part to a strong start to the year, but the future remains uncertain, according to a new survey by Wells Fargo’s Private Bank Legal Specialty Group.
Holland & Hart Latest To Cut Pay As Virus Persists
Holland & Hart LLP is the latest law firm to implement austerity measures as coronavirus cases continue to increase across the globe, confirming pay cuts and reductions of partner distributions.
Coronavirus: How Law Firms Are Handling The Downturn
UPDATED June 24, 2020, 12:59 PM EDT | The spreading coronavirus pandemic has upended the legal industry, forcing firms to cut salaries, lay off attorneys and make changes to summer associate programs. Here is a roundup of how law firms are responding.
Susman Godfrey Founder Diagnosed With COVID-19
Susman Godfrey LLP founder Stephen Susman has been diagnosed with the coronavirus while recovering from serious head injuries sustained in a bike crash, his wife said Tuesday in a social media post.
Jenner & Block Says Landlord, Not Firm, Owes In Rent Fight
Jenner & Block LLP’s Chicago landlord actually owes the firm $840,000, and the landlord’s claim that the firm is more than $3.7 million behind on its rent is false thanks to a rent abatement provision triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jenner & Block said Tuesday in response to the landlord’s Illinois state court lawsuit.
GNC Falls Into Ch. 11 Due To COVID-19 With $1B-Plus Debt
Weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic, global health and nutrition product retailer GNC Holdings Inc. sought Chapter 11 protection in Delaware with more than $1 billion in debt, seeking to restructure or sell the company through a possible auction led by an affiliate of China’s state-controlled Harbin Pharmaceuticals.
CLOSINGS AND RESTRICTIONS
Coronavirus: The Latest Court Closures And Restrictions
UPDATED June 24, 2020, 2:06 PM EDT | As courts across the country take measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, some are restricting access and altering their procedures. Here is a roundup of changes.
Coronavirus: The Latest EU Court Closures And Restrictions
UPDATED June 23, 2020, 11:15 AM GMT | As courts across the region take measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, some are restricting access and altering their procedures. Here is a roundup of changes.
Courts In NYC To Begin Phase 2 Of Reopening Plan
The New York State Unified Court System announced Tuesday that New York City courts will on Wednesday begin Phase Two of the state’s reopening process, increasing the presence of nonjudicial staff in courthouses, though most cases will continue to be heard virtually.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR ATTORNEYS
Coronavirus Regulations: A State-By-State Week In Review
As a regional surge in COVID-19 prompted states like Florida to step up enforcement of restrictions, over the past week other regions continued to advance reopening plans amid signs the virus’ spread is slowing.
Life Insurance Group Leaders Talk Impact Of COVID-19
American Council of Life Insurers CEO Susan K. Neely and Senior Vice President Paul S. Graham recently spoke with Law360 about how the COVID-19 pandemic has created underwriting challenges for life insurance carriers and exacerbated the persistent low interest rate environment that has vexed the industry for years.
McDonald’s Sued Over Virus Outbreak Ordered To Stay Closed
A California state judge instructed an Oakland McDonald’s on Tuesday to stay closed until he decides whether to order the franchise’s owners to improve their COVID-19 safety protocols after employees claimed they were forced to work while contagious and given face masks made from dog diapers.
5th Circ. Says Bankruptcy Court Overstepped In Biz Loan Suit
The Fifth Circuit has told a Texas bankruptcy court it exceeded its authority when it ordered the U.S. Small Business Administration to review a coronavirus small-business relief loan application filed by an emergency services company despite its Chapter 11 status.
Minor League Baseball Teams Fight For COVID-19 Coverage
A slew of Minor League Baseball teams sued their insurance companies in Pennsylvania federal court Tuesday, saying the insurers have wrongfully refused to pay their claims for financial losses caused by the indefinite postponement of their season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DOL Tells Group Health Plans When To Cover COVID-19 Tests
The U.S. Department of Labor’s latest coronavirus guidance, released Tuesday, outlines when group health plans must cover workers’ COVID-19 tests and when they don’t have to.
Banking Oversight To Include ‘Flexibility’ During Pandemic
Federal and state banking regulators released guidance on Tuesday outlining their approach to examination and supervision of the banking industry as the economy struggles to deal with fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a focus on “consistency and flexibility.”
Mnuchin, Senate GOP Mull More Stimulus Checks
Creating jobs and caring for children are priorities for the next pandemic relief bill in the Senate, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said Tuesday after meeting with Republican lawmakers to discuss economic recovery from the crisis.
WTO Says Virus Trade Decline Not As Bad As Predicted
Government policies stopped global trade from sinking to predicted lows not seen since World War II as the coronavirus pandemic kept countries’ economies on lockdown, according to a World Trade Organization analysis released Tuesday.
Watchdog Finds Big Rise In COVID-19 Cases In ICE Facilities
COVID-19 cases in U.S. immigration detention facilities shot up sixfold from April to May, with facilities reporting challenges to maintaining social distancing, acquiring protective equipment and ensuring adequate staffing levels, according to a report published Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General.
EXPERT ANALYSIS
Tips For Crafting The Perfect Law Firm Alert
As lawyers have had more time to write in recent weeks, the number of law firm alerts has increased massively, but a lot of them fail to capture readers and deliver new business, says Richard Torrenzano at The Torrenzano Group.
7 Things To Know When Bringing Employees Back To Work
Arlene Switzer Steinfield at Dykema explains the latest reopening guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, how employers can determine which workers to recall, whether pay and benefits can be changed, and more.
