Latest News

• Resources for Financial Assistance

  Banks, lenders, and service providers are offering flexibility in payments, special loans, and more to help during the COVID-19 crisis. Solo and Small Firm Management Committee Cochair Kristine L. Calalang compiled the following list of resources for financial assistance. She recommends reaching out directly to individual companies, as they can address specific needs and may have more programs and offers available outside of what they advertise online.

• PA Allows Remote Notarization of Some Documents During COVID-19 Pandemic

  The PA Department of State requested and received a limited, temporary suspension of the statute requiring the physical presence of a notary for notarial acts relating to a signature or statement. The temporary suspension was put in place to ease the burden on parties, witnesses, counsel and notaries who may be exposed to COVID-19 while preparing and completing essential documents.…

• Suburban County Courts Extend Judicial Emergency Declarations

  Bucks County has extended the judicial emergency for all courts to May 15, 2020. Chester County, Delaware County and Montgomery County Courts have extended their declarations of judicial emergencies to April 30, 2020.

• Coronavirus Courses for Your Practice

  During this difficult time, the Philadelphia Bar Association has you covered with CLE courses available to help you understand the new legal landscape and how to best continue to service your clients…

• Philadelphia Declaration of Judicial Emergency Extended to May 1

• Hearing and Process Changes for Workers' Compensation Practitioners

  Joseph DeRita, Director of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication, has issued a message to practitioners setting out the protocol for processing disputes and permitting parties to litigate pending cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• PA Supreme Court Extends Judicial Emergency - All Courts Closed to Public Through April 30

  The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has directed that the general, statewide judicial emergency declared in March is extended through April 30, 2020, and all Pennsylvania courts shall remain generally closed to the public, subject to the exceptions set forth in the Supreme Court's order of March 18, 2020.

• Philadelphia Bar Association Statement on COVID-19 and Racism

  Chancellor Hon. A. Michael Snyder (ret.) issued the following statement regarding COVID-19 and racism…

• Solo Practitioners, Small Firms Encouraged to Apply for Grants and Loans through New City Fund and SBA

  Many solo and small firm practitioners are suffering severe economic challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Philadelphia has teamed up with PIDC to create a new fund that will provide grants and loans to small businesses, including law firms, that have been impacted by COVID-19.

• Governor’s Office Clarifies Exceptions to Law Office Closures

  The Governor’s Office, in consultation with AOPC, has updated the exceptions to law office closures on its chart of life-sustaining businesses.

• First Judicial District of Pennsylvania Notice to the Bar Re: Postponement of Civil Jury Trials Date Certain Scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2020

  Please take notice that all civil jury trials, currently scheduled for a trial date certain on Monday, April 6, 2020, are postponed and will be rescheduled by the Court.