March 06, 2020
Philadelphia Bar Association Coronavirus Response
Updated October 7, 2021Recent Updates
- October7, 2021 – Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Fox has issued an order extending the use of Advanced Communication Technology in court proceedings through November 1, 2021.
- September 9, 2021 - The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas, Trial Division, upon consideration of the Order entered by the Supreme Court of the United States in Alabama Association of Realtors v. Department of Health and Human Services, regarding a Residential Eviction Moratorium Pursuant to an Order of the Centers for Disease Control, has issued Administrative Docket Number 34 of 2021, discontinuing the Residential Eviction Moratorium
- September 1, 2021 - In Addition, President Judge Dugan issued Administrative Order No. 30 extending the Landlord Tenant Diversion Program through October 31. In the Court of Common Pleas, Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge Clemons issued a Notice to the Bar setting forth updated Policies and Procedures for the Felony Waiver Program.
- September 1, 2021 - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has authorized Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Fox to suspend Rule of Criminal Procedure 600, as well as state and local rules that restrict the use of advanced communication technology (ACT) in court proceedings, subject to federal and state constitutional limitations, through October 1. President Judge Fox issued Administrative Order No. 29 in conformity with the authorization. Municipal Court President Judge Dugan issued a similar Order that applies to Municipal Court.
- August 25, 2021 – Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Dugan has filed a Request asking the PA Supreme Court to issue an Emergency Order authorizing the suspension of Rules of Criminal Procedure 600 and 1013 and any rule restricting the use of Advanced Communication Technology.
- August 20, 2021 - The First Judicial District has filed with the PA Supreme Court an Amended Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m) to Temporarily Suspend or Modify Statewide Court Rules Regarding Prompt Trials and Utilization of Advanced Communication Technology.
- August 18, 2021 – The First Judicial District has issued revised Protocols and Guidelines for Conducting In-Person Civil Jury Trials in City Hall During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- August 17, 2021 – The Administrative Governing Board of the First Judicial District has requested the PA Supreme Court to temporarily suspend or modify statewide rules to exclude the time from March 17, 2020 through October 31, 2021 from time calculations in criminal proceedings, and to allow continued use of Advanced Communication Technology.
- August 10, 2021 – Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Dugan has issued an Order effective August 14 halting all lockouts where a rental assistance application has been marked “complete.”
- August 6, 2021 – Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge Anders have issued an Order directing that all appeals from Municipal Court in Landlord Tenant matters shall be listed for status conference and, recognizing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, have Ordered that the moratorium on residential evictions is extended through October 31 or until further order of the court.
- July 19, 2021 – Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge Anders have issued Updated
Protocol for the Compulsory Arbitration Program in Philadelphia. - July 12, 2021 - FJD - Trial Division - Civil - Protocols
and Guidelines for Conducting In-Person Civil Jury Trials in City Hall During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Revised July 6, 2021
- July 2, 2021 – Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris has issued an Order setting forth the protocol for the expansion of civil and criminal court operations.
- July 2, 2021 – Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge
Anders have issued an order extending the moratorium on residential evictions through July 31, in conformity with the recent CDC
order.
- July 1, 2011 – PA Supreme Court Chief Justice Baer has issued an Order temporarily granting Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Dugan’s request to temporarily authorize extension of the Municipal Court Landlord-Tenant Diversion Program through
August 31. Judge Baer’s Order is in effect until the full Supreme Court has an opportunity to consider
President Judge Dugan’s request.
- June 28, 2021 – Philadelphia Orphans’ Court Division Administrative Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper has
issued an Order regarding the full reopening of the Orphans’ Court Division on July 6, 2021. See Order for details.
- June 27, 2021 – In response to the PA
Supreme Court Order directing local courts to return to pre-pandemic status July 6, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Idee Fox, on behalf of the Administrative Governing Board of the
First Judicial District, has requested the Supreme Court to
temporarily suspend or modify statewide court rules regarding prompt trials and the utilization of advanced communication technology.
- June 25, 2021 – Philadelphia Family Court Administrative Judge Murphy has issued an Administrative
Order reopening the Family Court Building to the public as of July 6, and directing that all proceedings, except child/spousal support conferences, scheduled on or after July 6 shall be conducted
in person at Family Court.
- June 22, 2021 – Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge Anders have announced updated
protocol for the Civil Trial Division’s Compulsory Arbitration Program, effective July 6, 2021. - June 7, 2021 – Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge Clemons have announced the
launch of the Custody
Accelerated Resolution Program (CARP), a pilot project beginning July 6 and running for six months, designed to accelerate the resolution of custody cases in the Major Felony Program.
- May 28, 2021 – Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Fox has issued an order establishing a process for eligible plaintiffs and/or debtors to be removed from the stay on Sheriff
Sales where the property may not be eligible for relief under the American Rescue Plan.
- May 24, 2021 – The First Judicial District has issued a revised
policy for Public Access to Judicial Proceedings During the COVID-19 Pandemic. - May 13, 2021 – Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Dugan has issued an Order amending Administrative Order #15 of 2021, extending the moratorium on residential evictions and the
terms of the previous Order through June 30, 2021.
- May 5, 2021 – Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge Anders have issued a Notice
to the Bar setting forth the process for providing notices of virtual arbitration hearing dates, effective immediately.
- April 29, 2021 – Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Idee Fox has issued an Order staying all Sheriff's Mortgage Foreclosure Sales and Tax Sales until September, 2021, and advising the
new procedures will be announced.
- April 23, 2021 – Philadelphia Orphans’ Court Administrative Judge Woods-Skipper has issued an Order setting guidelines for resuming in-person Orphans’ Court proceedings and the availability of hybrid
options.
- April 1, 2021 – Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Dugan has issued an order regarding the extension of the residential eviction moratorium, detailing exceptions, service of writs
and alias writs of possession.
- March 31, 2021 – Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge Anders have issued an order extending the moratorium on residential evictions in Philadelphia through June 30, 2021.
- March 22, 2021 – Effective Monday, April 12, 2021, the Honorable Nina Wright Padilla is duly
appointed Supervising Judge of the Trial Division – Commerce Program. - March 22, 2021 – Effective Monday, April 12, 2021, the Honorable Gary S. Glazer is assigned
to the Trial Division – Civil – Major Jury Program. - March 22, 2021 – FJD – Notice to the Bar re: Honorable Lucretia C. Clemons – Appointed Supervising Judge
– Trial Division – Criminal Section – Effective Monday, April 12, 2021.
- March 22, 2021 – FJD – Notice to the Bar re: Honorable Leon W. Tucker – Assigned to Trial Division –
Commerce Program – Effective Monday, April 12, 2021.
- March 15, 2021 – Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge Anders have issued Updated
Protocol for the Compulsory Arbitration Program, effective April 1, 2021. - March 3, 2021 – Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judges Andres and Glazer have issued
protocols
for discovery motions filed on or after March 15, 2021. - March 2, 2021 – The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Civil Trial Division has issued Protocols
and Guidelines for Conducting In-Person Civil Jury Trials in City Hall During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Civil Jury Trials resume March 4.
More Updates…
- February 26, 2021 – The First Judicial District has issued a series
of Administrative Orders rescheduling dates for Sheriff’s Tax Sales and Mortgage Foreclosure Sales and setting procedures for Mortgage Foreclosure Sales.
- February 24, 2021 – The First Judicial District has issued Waiver
Trials – Policies and Procedures, effective March 1, 2021, to offer guidance to judges in the
waiver, majors and homicide programs in conducting waiver trials during the current phase of the
pandemic.
- February 23, 2021 – Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas has set protocols for the Jury
Restart Program in criminal proceedings at the Stout Center. - February 22, 2021 - Effective Monday, March 8, 2021, with the exception of homicide and non-fatal
shootings, gun cases will be scheduled for preliminary hearing to courtroom 503 Stout Center.
Custody
VUFA cases currently scheduled June – August will be administratively rescheduled to earlier dates
in
503, and notification will be forwarded to all parties. The commonwealth and defense should be
prepared
to proceed at the next listing regardless of the courtroom location. When a continuance request is
granted in another courtroom, the VUFA case will then be scheduled to courtroom 503. Additionally,
courtroom 603 will operate 5 days per week effective 3/8/21.
NEW SCHEDULE
- VUFA Preliminary Hearing Lists – 503 Stout Center
Mon., Wed., Thus. & Fri.
Time: 8, 9, 10 & 11 a.m.
1st Listings: 12 p.m.
- GVTF PH Lists – Relocates from 603 to 503 Stout Center
Tues. only
Time: 8, 9, 10 & 11 a.m.
1st Listings: 12 p.m.
- Standard PH Lists – 603 Stout Center
Mon. - Fri.
Time: 8, 9, 10 & 11 a.m.
- VUFA Preliminary Hearing Lists – 503 Stout Center
- February 8, 2021 – Philadelphia Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judges Anders
and
Glazer have issued a
Notice to the Bar setting the protocol for settlement conferences in Major Jury, Arbitration Appeal and Non-Jury cases in the Court of Common Pleas.
- February 1, 2021 – Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Patrick Dugan has issued an administrative
order setting forth exceptions to the moratorium on residential evictions, including service of
writs and alias writs of possession.
- January 29, 2021 – Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge Anders have issued an
administrative
order extending the Philadelphia Residential Eviction Moratorium to March 31, 2021, in harmony
with the CDC order.
- January 28, 2021 – Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Idee Fox has issued new administrative
orders postponing February Tax Sheriff Sales to dates in May, 2021 and establishing protocol for
providing notice of the new dates; and an administrative
order postponing February 2 Mortgage Foreclosure Sheriff Sales to May 4 and June 1, 2021, per
the schedule attached to the order.
- January 15, 2021: Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and
Supervising
Judge Tucker have ordered that all Court of Common Pleas criminal trials are deferred until March 1, 2021.
- December 30, 2020 - Philadelphia Municipal Court has joined the Court of Common Pleas in extending
the
moratorium of evictions in the city through January 31, 2021. Please see attached Order
#70 of 2020, signed by President Judge Dugan, as well as previously issued Order
#65 of 2020, referenced in the new Order. - December 30, 2020 - Updated: Waiver and Jury Trial Protocols
for January 2021 - December 29, 2020 - Philadelphia Municipal Court has announced its Civil and Criminal Divisions judicial
courtroom assignments and Criminal Division schedule
by topic, effective January 4, 2021. - December 28, 2020 - In conformity with the provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of
2021, the First Judicial District has issued the attached Order
#69 of 2020 extending the moratorium on evictions through January 31, 2021. Also see Order
#56 of 2020, referenced in the new Order. - December 23, 2020 - Waiver and Jury Trial Protocols for January 2021
- November 30, 2020 – Phila. Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judge Anders have
issued an Order extending the Stay of Litigation Involving SEPTA through January 15, 2021. See Order for details.
- November 30, 2020 – Phila Courts have announced
plans to resume in-person jury trials starting January 21, subject to public health guidance, in the Arbitration Appeal, Major Jury, Mass Tort and Commerce programs.
- November 17, 2020: Phila. Court of Common Pleas Criminal Division Supervising Judge Tucker has
announced
that due to new city restrictions, all criminal jury trials are suspended effective immediately, and
that bench trials will proceed as scheduled.
- November 16, 2020, Municipal Court Civil Division issues Notice of Right to Appear in Person, via
Zoom
or Telephonically. The
Notice sets protocols and provides instructions for parties participating in Zoom and telephonic
court proceedings.
- November 6, 2020 - Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Patrick Dugan has issued an Order halting service of Writs of Possession and Alias Writs of Possession through December 31, except for
good cause shown as detailed in the Order.
- November 4, 2020 – Philadelphia Administrative Judge Shirdan-Harris and Supervising Judges Anders
and
Glazer have issued Protocol
for Contested Discovery Motions During the Judicial Emergency. - October 26, 2020 – Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Fox has issued Administrative
Order 63 of 2020 postponing November and December Sheriff’s Tax Sales to January and February,
respectively, and Administrative
Order 64 of 2020 postponing the December Sheriff’s Mortgage Foreclosure Sale to February. - October 22, 2020 – Philadelphia Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judge Shirdan-Harris have
announced new protocol for non-jury trials in the Arbitration Appeal and Major Non-Jury programs.
See
the Notice
to the Bar and Trial
Pool List for details. - October 5, 2020 – Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Dugan has issued an Amended
Administrative Order extending the ban on service of alias writs of possession in residential
cases until November 8, 2020.
- September 25, 2020 – Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judge Shirdan-Harris have issued a
Notice
to the Bar setting the protocol beginning October 5 for non-jury trials during the Judicial Emergency. The Notice includes a list
of matters to be scheduled for trial. - September 24, 2020 – Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Fox has issued a series of
Administrative
Orders further postponing upcoming Sheriff’s Mortgage Foreclosure and Tax Sales. See orders for
details:
- September 22, 2020 – Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Dugan has issued an Amended
Administrative Order extending the ban on service of alias writs of possession in residential
cases until October 7, 2020.
- September 17, 2020 - Philadelphia Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judges Shirdan-Harris
have
issued an Order regarding the implementation of the Center for Disease Control’s residential eviction moratorium in
cases filed in the Trial Division of the Court of Common Pleas, and a new filing requirement for a
"Plaintiff's Affidavit in Connection with The CDC Order and Temporary Halt in Evictions to Prevent
further Spread of Covid-19" ("Affidavit").
- September 16, 2020 - Philadelphia Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judges Shirdan-Harris
have
issued a Notice
to the Bar setting the protocol for the resumption of Arbitration Hearings during COVID-19 judicial emergency.
- September 14, 2020 - Philadelphia Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judges Shirdan-Harris
and
Glazer have issued a Notice
to the Bar setting the protocol for Settlement Conferences in Major Jury, Arbitration Appeal and
Non-Jury Cases.
- September 11, 2020 – Philadelphia Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judges Shirdan-Harris
and
Glazer have issued a Notice
to the Bar setting the protocol for Discovery Motions filed after September 7. - September 11, 2020 – The Philadelphia Courts have set a Policy
for Public Access to Judicial Proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes a policy
for livestreaming.
- September 9, 2020 - Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Dugan has issued an Order directing the Landlord-Tenant Officer to not serve any alias writs of possession in residential
cases
until September 23, 2020. Until that date, service of writs of possession will be permitted on a
limited
basis, along with notice of the September 1 CDC Order and the Declaration Form.
- September 4, 2020 – The First Judicial District has provided the Declaration
Form which must be completed by eligible tenants and presented to their landlords in order to
qualify under the Center for Disease Control’s recent Agency
Order placing a moratorium through the end of the year on evictions of eligible tenants for nonpayment of rent.
- September 2, 2020 - Philadelphia Administrative Judge Jacqueline Allen and Supervising Judge
Shirdan-Harris issued a Notice
to the Bar regarding protocols for non-jury trials during the COVID-19 Judicial Emergency. - September 2, 2020 – The U.S. Center for Disease Control has issued an Agency
Order placing a moratorium on eviction of tenants who meet certain qualifications and who are
impacted by the pandemic.
- August 28, 2020 – Philadelphia Administrative Judge Jacqueline Allen and Supervising Judge
Shirdan-Harris issued a Notice
to the Bar establishing protocol for Arbitration Appeals and Non-Jury Matters listed for trial but postponed during COVID-19.
- August 27, 2020 – Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Dugan has issued an order allowing writs of possession and alias writs in landlord tenant cases that were issued prior to the
coronavirus outbreak to be served and executed after September 7, 2020.
- August 27, 2020 – Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Dugan has issued an order updating protocols and setting forth procedures for the resumption of some criminal court
proceedings.
- August 12, 2020: Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judge Shirdan-Harris have issued a Notice
to the Bar extending the Protocol for Civil Case Management Conferences During the COVID-19 Judicial Emergency.
- July 28, 2020 - All Philadelphia civil jury trials scheduled through January 4, 2021 are postponed
and will be rescheduled, non-jury trials scheduled after September 6 will be heard using remote
technology. See
notice. - July 21, 2020 – President Judge Fox has issued an order regarding continuation of the stay in certain mortgage foreclosure and landlord tenant matters
related to dispossession of property.
- July 17, 2020 - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ordered that all landlords filing evictions between March 27 and August 24, 2020 must file an Affidavit
of Compliance with the federal CARES Act in the form attached to the order. - July 16, 2020 – Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judges New and Glazer have issued Policies
and Protocols for Use of Advanced Communication Technology for Court Proceedings in Civil
Matters - July 13, 2020 – President Judges Fox and Dugan have issued an order implementing the reopening in phases of the Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division to in-person
proceedings and providing information about appeals from Municipal Court Judgments.
- July 13, 2020 – The Criminal Justice Center has issued a main
level floor plan and photo showing the social distancing plan for reopening the building.
- July 9, 2020 – Gov. Wolf issued an Executive
Order extending protections from foreclosures and evictions in qualifying cases through August 31, 2020.
- July 9, 2020 – The PA Board of Law Examiners has announced that the 2020 bar exam will be administered remotely over three days, on October 5, 6 and 7. See the
Board’s letter for additional details.
- July 8, 2020: Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judges Glazer and New have set new protocol for the handling of Discovery Motions filed after July 6 through September 7.
- July 8, 2020 – Montgomery County Courts have issued a Phase
II Operations Plan for reopening, affecting cases in the Civil, Criminal and Family Divisions, as well as some operations in MDJ courts. The Plan is effective July 20, 2020.
- July 8, 2020 – The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts has issued guidance to all President Judges and Court Administrators in Pennsylvania regarding the application to courts
and courthouses of the Secretary of Health’s order requiring face coverings. AOPC strongly
recommends adherence to the Secretary’s order, including inside courtrooms.
- July 6, 2020: President Judge Fox has issued an order updating the protocols for pending Municipal Court and Common Pleas Court criminal cases.
- July 6, 2020 – President Judge Fox and Administrative Judge Allen have issued an order staying the requirement of deposit of rent to maintain the supersedeas in landlord tenant appeals
through Sept 8 or further order of the court.
- July 2, 2020 – President Judge Fox and Administrative Judge Allen issued an order continuing Mortgage Foreclosure Conciliation Conferences and Case Management Conferences subject to
Reg. No. 2008-1 and setting the procedure for pending cases.
- July 2, 2020 – President Judges Fox and Dugan have ordered that all Municipal Court Landlord/Tenant cases scheduled through September 2 are postponed. The
issuance and service of writs of possession and alias writs of possession are stayed until further
order of the court.
- July 2, 2020 – President Judge Fox has updated
the protocol for essential juvenile delinquent proceedings. - June 29, 2020 – The PA Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication has published guidelines for in-person hearings and mediations for counties that have entered the “green” phase of reopening.
- June 26, 2020 - Philadelphia Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judge New have issued a Notice
to the Bar with an extension of protocol for civil case management conferences during COVID-19 Judicial Emergency.
- June 22, 2020: Philadelphia’s Commerce Court has started a Temporary Financial Monitor Program
designed to help small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. The program assigns volunteer
legal or accounting professionals as Temporary Financial Monitors who “shall be responsible for
evaluating the financial information provided by the petitioning entity and, upon consultation with
the entity and its creditors, shall prepare a proposed Operating Plan to enable the entity to resume
and/or continue operations while paying off its accumulated debts.” See Administrative
Order 42 of 2020 for details. - June 18, 2020 – President Judge Fox has postponed the July, August and September Mortgage
Foreclosure Sales and Tax
Sales to dates later in fall. - June 11, 2020: Philadelphia courts set protocol for Compulsory Arbitration Program cases during COVID-19 Judicial Emergency.
- June 11, 2020 – Philadelphia Municipal Court sets procedure for criminal court status hearings beginning June 15, 2020.
- June 10, 2020 – Philadelphia President Judges Fox and Dugan issued an order setting the guidelines for public access to preliminary arraignment hearings.
- June 4, 2020 – Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Fox has issued an order postponing the June 23 Tax Sheriff Sale to September 22.
- June 1, 2020 – President Judge Fox has ordered that, consistent with the PA Supreme Court order of May 27, the Judicial Emergency in the First
Judicial District shall continue pursuant to the terms and conditions as set forth in Administrative
Orders No. 06 through 35 of 2020, as applicable.
- June 1, 2020 – President Judge Fox has issued an order setting for the Orphans’ Court citation procedure for the remainder of the local Judicial Emergency.
- May 27, 2020 – PA Supreme Court issues Order terminating statewide Judicial Emergency as of June 1.
Local Administrative Orders and Judicial Emergencies remain in effect. Order also provides guidance to legal professionals on resuming operations.
- May 27, 2020 – Philadelphia Common Pleas Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judges New and Glazer have set new protocol for Discovery Motions filed after May 5 through July 6.
- May 21, 2020 - President Judge Fox Cancels June Criminal Trials and Hearings; Amends Reopening Protocols
- May 21, 2020 – Orphans’ Court Administrative Judge Carrafiello issued protocol for assignment of Petitions for Minor’s Compromise, Incapacitated Person’s Compromise, and
Settlement and Distribution of Wrongful Death/Survival Actions.
- May
15, 2020 - President Judge Administrative Order, Docket Number 33 of 2020 - In re: Resumption of
Court Proceedings - Critical Functions- Updated Protocols - May
15, 2020 - President Judge Administrative Order, Docket Number 34 of 2020 - In re: Family Court
- Resumption of Operations - Updated Protocols - May 15, 2020 - Philadelphia Municipal Court President Judge Patrick Dugan and Civil Division
Supervising Judge Bradley Moss issued a plan
to reopen its Civil Division to the public and offered their interpretation of the CARES Act and Governor Wolf's Executive Order regarding eviction proceedings.
- May 13, 2020 - Philadelphia Administrative Judge Allen, Supervising Judge New and Supervising Judge
Glaser have issued a Notice
to the Bar postponing all civil trials currently scheduled through July 6. - May 11, 2020 - Philadelphia Administrative Judge Allen and Supervising Judge New issued a Notice
to the Bar with new protocol for pending cases in the Compulsory Arbitration Program. - May 8, 2020 - Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Administrative Judge Allen and Trial Division
Supervising Judges New and Glazer have issued Protocols for Agreed Upon Orders for Extraordinary Relief during the judicial emergency for the Major Jury,
Commerce, Non-Jury and Arbitration Appeals Programs.
- May 8, 2020 - The City of Philadelphia has unveiled a COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program
providing grants for low income tenants impacted by the pandemic who meet certain eligibility
requirements. Information and an application are available on the program website and an information
flyer is also available. - May 7, 2020 - Governor's Executive Order Stays Eviction and Foreclosure Proceedings Until July 10
- May 7, 2020 - Phila. Commerce Program Supervising Judge Glazer sets protocol for non-discovery motions filed in Commerce Program cases prior to and during judicial emergency.
- May 7, 2020 - Governor Wolf signs Executive
Order granting limited immunity to healthcare professionals for good faith actions taken while providing services during the COVID-19 disaster emergency.
- May 6, 2020 - Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Thomas DelRicci issued an order setting forth the process for the gradual reopening of Montgomery County courts and facilities
beginning June 1.
- May 6, 2020 - FJD Notice To The Bar: Protocol For Discovery Motions During Judicial Emergency Created By COVID-19
- May 1, 2020 - FJD Notice to the Bar: Protocol for Case Management Conferences Postponed During COVID-19 Judicial emergency
- May 1, 2020 - Delaware County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Kelly issued an order extending Family Section emergency cancellations and revised scheduling protocols through June 1.
- April 30, 2020 - FJD Notice to the Bar: Protocol for Settlement Conferences Postponed During COVID 19 Judicial Emergency
- April
30, 2020 - Filing of Cases to Toll the Statute of Limitation - April 28, 2020 - PA Supreme Court Allows Limited Practice, Bar Exam Postponed to September
- April 28, 2020 - PA Supreme Court Extends Judicial Emergency to June 1, Sets Parameters for Reopening Beginning May 4 Unless More Restrictive Local
Order Applies - April 28, 2020 - Bucks County President Judge Bateman has issued Emergency
Order 2020-13, extending the judicial emergency in Bucks County through May 31, 2020. There will be no jury trials until August 3, 2020. All civil and criminal jury trials as well as
arbitrations are continued generally and will be rescheduled. - April 28, 2020 - Law Office Closure Exceptions Expanded to Address Critical Needs
- April
27, 2020 - Philadelphia Real Estate Tax Deadline Moved to June 15, 2020 - April 23, 2020 - Recognizing that relief from execution on personal property is an essential
function, President Judges Fox and Dugan issued an order halting the issuance and service of writs of execution or attachment seeking the enforcement of
money judgments. The order also provides instructions on how to file an emergency petition claiming an exemption or challenging
the judgment or attachment.
- April 22, 2020 - Philadelphia Courts Closed Through May 29, Evictions Stayed, Sheriff's Sales Postponed
- April 22, 2020 - Montgomery County Register of Wills posts remote
probate instructions. - April 20, 2020 - Chester County Courts have extended the declaration
of judicial emergency through May 31, 2020. - April 20, 2020 - Pennsylvania's new Pandemic
Unemployment Assistance filing website is now open. A person may be eligible for PUA who is self-employed, does not have sufficient work history to qualify for regular Unemployment
Compensation, or has exhausted rights to regular Unemployment Compensation benefits or extended
benefits. See website for details. - April 20, 2020 - Remote Notarization of All Documents Legal in Pennsylvania Until 60 Days After COVID-19 Disaster Emergency Expires
- April 16, 2020 - Philadelphia Trial Division: All Civil Trials with Dates Certain of June 1 Postponed.
- April 15, 2020 - PA Supreme Court Waives Six Credit Limit on Distance Learning
- April 15, 2020 - Philadelphia Trial Division Postpones Trials, Arbitrations, Civil Court Events
- April 14, 2020 - Montgomery County Courts have extended the declaration
of judicial emergency through May 31, 2020. - April 13, 2020 - Philadelphia Bar Association Statement on Pennsylvania Bar Exam Administration and Licensing in Light of Covid-19
- April 9, 2020 - Remote Pro Bono Opportunities With Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Aid Nonprofit Partners
- April 8, 2020 - President Judge Fox Issues Order Regarding Discovery Practice During COVID-19 Crisis
- April 8, 20202 - Bucks County: Update to Family Division Procedures During Judicial Emergency.
Bucks County President Judge Bateman has issued an order setting forth the general standards that will apply to the operation of the Family Division
during the judicial emergency.
- April 7, 2020 - Resources for Financial Assistance
- April 4, 2020 - PA Ban on Remote Notarization Lifted for Some Documents
- April 3, 2020 - 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.
- April 2, 2020 - Court Sets Process for Essential
Dependent Juvenile Proceedings. - April 2, 2020 - Court Postpones May
Sheriff's Tax and Mortgage
Foreclosure Sales to July. - April 2, 2020 - NOTICE: COVID-19 Crisis - PHILADELPHIA MUNICIPAL COURT TRAFFIC DIVISION IS CLOSED
- Maureen Eagen, Director of the First Judicial District Arbitration Center has advised that any arbitrations scheduled between March 17 and May 1 will be cancelled. The Arbitration Center will
send out new scheduling notices. It is not necessary to file an Arbitration Application for any of
these cases. - April 2, 2020 - Philadelphia Declaration of Judicial Emergency Extended to May 1
- April 1, 2020 - 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.
See order for details.
- April 1, 2020 - PA Superior Court Offers Help with Appeals in Children's Fast Track Cases
Recognizing that filing appeals when courts are closed may be difficult, the Pennsylvania
Superior Court, with the approval of the Supreme Court, is permitting
appeals in Children's Fast Track Cases to be filed with Superior Court. - March 27, 2020 - Hearing and Process Changes for Workers' Compensation Practitioners
- March
27, 2020 - Understanding the CARES Act: The $2.2 Trillion Stimulus Bill - March 27, 2020 - President Judge Fox Sets Procedure for Expedited Criminal Motions
Honorable Idee Fox, as Chair of the Administrative Governing Board of the First Judicial
District, has issued an
order regarding expedited criminal motions that are to be filed electronically and decided on
the papers. See
the full order for details.
- March 24, 2020 - All April Sheriff's Tax Sales Postponed Until May
President Judge Idee Fox and Administrative Judge Jacqueline Allen have issued an order amending
Administrative
Order 11 of 2020 and postponing all April Sheriff's Tax Sales to May. No additional notices or
costs are
required. See order for new dates.
- March
23, 2020 - President Judge Fox Issues Order Regarding Civil E-Filing Essential Functions - March 23, 2020 - President Judge Fox Issues Order Regarding Emergency Custody Petitions
Honorable Idee Fox, Chair of the Administrative Governing Board of the First Judicial District,
recognizing that addressing custody disputes is an essential court function, has issued an order setting forth the process for the filing and handling of Emergency Custody Petitions.
- March 23, 2020 - Solo Practitioners, Small Firms Encouraged to Apply for Grants and Loans through New City Fund and SBA
- March 23, 2020 - In-Person Requirement Suspended for Court Reporters
Governor Wolf granted the Department of State's request to suspend the requirement for physical
presence of notaries who are court reporters/stenographers participating in criminal, civil and
administrative proceedings in this Commonwealth. See notice. - March 23, 2020 - Governor's Office Clarifies Exceptions to Law Office Closures
- March 22, 2020 - City Issues Stay at Home Order Clarifying Restrictions on Business Activity in Philadelphia
- March 22, 2020 - First Judicial District of Pennsylvania Notice to the Bar Re: Postponement of Civil Jury Trials Date Certain Scheduled for Monday, April
6, 2020 - March 21, 2020 - Pennsylvania Extends Personal Income Tax Return Filing Deadline to July 15, 2020
-
March 21, 2020 - President Judge Idee Fox, as Chair of the Administrative Governing Board of the
First Judicial District, has issued an order setting forth procedures for filing and handling temporary Protection from Abuse petitions.
The Wolf Administration is delaying
enforcement of the order that all non-life-sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania must close their physical locations to slow the spread of COVID-19 until Monday, March 23 at 8:00 am.
The Administration has updated the list of life-sustaining
businesses that may remain open. The revised list includes clarifying language that legal services must remain closed “Except as permitted expressly by the Administrative Office of
Pennsylvania Courts.”
- March 20, 2020 - AOPC Update for Lawyers Participating in Court Functions
The following statement has been issued by H. Geoffrey Moulton Jr., court administrator,
Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts:
In the view of AOPC, restricted access to law offices and facilities by legal professionals,
staff, and clients is permitted to the degree necessary to allow attorneys to participate in
court functions deemed essential by a President Judge per the Supreme Court's order of March 18,
2020, so long as social distancing and other mitigation measures are employed for the protection
of lawyers, staff, and clients. Pursuant to the Governor's order, all other business must be
conducted remotely; necessary retrieval of files or other materials should be accomplished
expeditiously.
- March 20, 2020 - President Judge Idee Fox, as Chair of the Administrative Governing Board of the First Judicial District, has issued three additional orders pertaining to court functions in the
face of the Covid 19 crisis. Administrative Order
13 specifies that Motions to Lift Detainers are classified as emergencies, qualifying as an exception to court closure, provided that the motion must contain sufficient information to allow
for a “paper review only.” The order also clarified that motions for early termination of Probation
or Parole are deemed not to be emergencies. See Judge Fox's order for further details and procedure.
Administrative Order
14 postpones and reschedules the April 7 Sheriff's Mortgage Foreclosure Sale to June 2. Administrative Order
15 directs that courts and related office will remain closed and reopen April 6. Legal papers required to be filed between March 17 and April 6 will be deemed timely filed if they are
filed by April 13. The order also addresses Juvenile Detention Hearings, shelter care hearings and
bench warrant hearings.
- March 19, 2020 - Governor Wolf Orders All Law Offices to Close
- March 19, 2020 - The Philadelphia Bar Association has been informed that, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has extended the April 30 CLE compliance period
to Aug. 31, 2020. At this time, the Supreme Court has left other compliance periods unchanged. Read the order
here. - March
19, 2020 - Federal Law To Mandate Paid Sick Leave, Enhanced Unemployment for Workers Affected by
Pandemic - March 18, 2020 - Pa Supreme Court Closes all Courts to the Public for Non-Essential Functions
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has ordered that, except for certain essential functions
Click here read the order
specified in the order, court facilities in all judicial districts in Pennsylvania shall be
closed to the public through at least April 3, 2020. The order of closure also applies to the
Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Magisterial District Courts and all minor courts in
Philadelphia and Allegheny County. All evictions and ejectments are stayed and PA R.C.P. 600(c)
with respect to time calculations is suspended.
- March
17, 2020 - ABA Journal - March LSAT canceled and National Conference of Bar Examiners monitoring
July bar exam - March
17, 2020 - About Your Practice EO and Explanation of Prohibition on Non-Essential Businesses - March 17, 2020 - Latest Update From Philadelphia's First Judicial District
President Judge Idee Fox, as Chair of the Administrative Governing Board of the First Judicial
District, has ordered that all First Judicial District of Pennsylvania courts and related
offices, including the Office of Judicial Records and other filing offices, the Juvenile and
Adult Probation Departments, and the Family Court Children's waiting area, with the exception of
certain services specified in the Order, will be closed beginning on Tuesday March 17, 2020 and
will reopen on Wednesday April 1, 2020. Administrative Orders 7-2020 and 8-2020 remain in
effect. Please see below. Be sure to check the courts' Twitter feed @PhilaCourts for the latest news and updates.Orders
- President
Judge Administrative Order No. 10-2020 In re: EMERGENCY JUDICIAL ORDER. - President
Judge Administrative Order No. 8-2020 In re: Stay of the Execution of Alias Writs of
Possession. - President
Judge Administrative Order No. 7-2020 In re: Stay of Issuance of Residential Writs of
Possession and Stay of Execution of Issued Residential Writs of Possession.
- President
- March
17, 2020 - Pennsylvania Superior Court Administrative Order - March 17, 2020 - Temporarily Closing Our Physical Office For The Foreseeable Future
- March 16, 2020 - WCOA update - All offices closed
- March
16, 2020 - Pa. Supreme Court Declares Statewide Judicial Emergency - March 16, 2020 - Statement on Announced Court Closures Due to COVID-19
- March 16, 2020 - Statement on Court Actions Due to COVID-19
- March 14, 2020 - Statement on Temporary Hold Order
- March 13, 2020 - An Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Montgomery County Emergency Procedures
The Philadelphia Bar Association is following the recent directives of Governor Wolf and Mayor Kenney to close all
non-essential businesses by temporarily closing our physical office at 1101 Market Street for the foreseeable
future. The recent outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is being closely monitored by health organizations and
governments worldwide.
Although our office is closed, the Philadelphia Bar Association as an entity is open and working
remotely. Our staff is ready and available to continue to service our members. Please feel free to
contact staff by email or phone, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All scheduled meetings will now take place via conference call. Please refer to your meeting
announcement for conference call details, or contact Dawn Petit at dpetit@philabar.org or (215) 238- 6367. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Tracey McCloskey at tmccloskey@philabar.org or (215) 238-6360.
All CLE programming, until further notice, will be offered via webcast. For course offerings, dates, and
times, please visit:
Philadelphia
Bar Association Calendar List
Then, type "CLE" in the search box and hit "Go."
The Philadelphia Bar Association is committed to the health and safety of our staff, members, and
visitors. We wish you and your loved ones well during these unusual circumstances. Further announcements
will be made as necessary.
During the week of February 23, the first incidence of “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated
“COVID-19”) was reported in the United States. COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus—named
“SARS-CoV-2”—which causes a respiratory illness whose symptoms can range from mild to severe. The
illness was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, before spreading into other countries. The
first U.S. cases have been the result of importation via travelers from Wuhan and their close contacts.
Clinical information currently suggests that most cases are mild, with serious illness occurring in about 16% of cases. Those prone to serious occurrences of the disease are older people, those with underlying health issues, such as heart
disease and diabetes, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms, such as fever, cough, and
shortness of breath, can appear 2-14 days after exposure. The disease is believed to be spread through the mucus membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth, and via
airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing.
The United States Centers for Disease Control's current risk assessment of COVID-19 as it relates to the
U.S. population is that most of the American public is unlikely to be exposed at this time, and the
immediate health risk from COVID-19 is low. Healthcare workers and travelers returning from affected
international locations are at an elevated risk.
Where can I learn more about COVID-19?
Information and advice from the CDC about COVID-19 is available here. If you experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or who has
recently traveled from an area currently experiencing an outbreak, the CDC recommends that you call your doctor.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Information About the Coronavirus
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Provides information on what you should know about the disease, including how it spreads, symptoms,
prevention and treatment, testing, and frequently asked questions. It also provides daily situation updates
and information for communities, schools, businesses, and travel.
- World Health Organization
Provides advice for the public, daily situation updates, travel advice, and country-specific information.
- Pennsylvania Department of Health
Frequent updates on the status of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, guidance on getting your household prepared for
an outbreak, and advice on large gatherings and community events.
- Philadelphia Department of Health
Planning guidance for businesses and nonprofit organizations and the latest local information on COVID-19.
- Pennsylvania Public Health Law Benchbook
Designed for the courts and useful to practitioners, this benchbook provides a glossary of public
health-related terminology, analysis and background information for some of the legal issues a court may be
called upon to consider when a major health issue arises, model orders, and a table of cases.
For Announcements on the Status of Court Operations:
- Bucks County Court of Common Pleas
- Chester County Court of Common Pleas
- Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
- Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas
- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Superior Court
- Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court
- Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts