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Law firms take varied approaches to working in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic

By NJSBA Staff posted 03-17-2020 12:43 PM

  

The coronavirus pandemic is causing workplaces to adjust and change their work routines at a breathtaking pace. New Jersey's law firms are taking a variety of approaches to the crisis. Some firms are staying open, and reducing staff to allow for social distancing; some firms are disinfecting conference rooms on a regular schedule; and some firms are going completely virtual. 

The New Jersey State Bar Association has heard from many firms statewide, and here is a look at how a few of them are handling it. 

Lawrence Law LLC is open for the moment. They are holding some in-person meetings and mediations. But the lawyers are also offering to handle meetings and conferences over the phone or using an online meeting platform, like Zoom. 

Lesnevich, Marzano-Lesnevich, O'Cathian & O'Cathian LLC, announced that they spent the weekend prepping files for remote work and setting up at-home workstations. The phones are still ringing through to the firm's receptionist, and attorneys are working remotely using email and cell phones.  

Officials at McCarter & English, one of the state's largest firms, said they have "implemented a comprehensive business continuity plan." The plan includes: ensuring that the firm's technological infrastructure can support lawyers and staff working remotely; imposing limitations on all non-essential business travel for all employees; instructing all personnel who have traveled to affected areas, or been in close contact with individuals who have traveled to affected areas, to self-quarantine for at least 14 days from the date of return from travel or contact with the individual who has traveled to an affected area; limiting office meetings to only those where in-person meetings are essential and time-sensitive; and undertaking more frequent and comprehensive cleaning and disinfection in each of firm location.

NJ Divorce Solutions - Previte Nachlinger, P.C., is requiring all employees to work from home. Attorneys are, instead, providing phone, video conferencing and email. The firm also announced it would offer a free webinar on divorce issues and shared a list of podcasts on a range of subjects.

Likewise, firms like Hoagland Longo, Norris McLaughlin PA, and DiFrancesco Bateman are keeping their offices open. Hoagland announced it made provisions for "sufficient numbers of our staff and attorneys to work remotely." The goal, several firms said, is to create a safer environment and provide social distancing for anyone who is working in the office or visiting.  

WORKPLACE CONSIDERATIONS 

The New Jersey Department of Labor has posted guidance for employees and employers on what state benefits are available during the coronavirus pandemic.

Please note, that updates and information are changing frequently so guidance from these resources may also change.

For employers:

www.nj.gov/labor/employer-services/business/covid.shtml 

For employees:

www.nj.gov/labor/assets/PDFs/COVID-19%20SCENARIOS.pdf

 In addition, some New Jersey firms are sharing resources about addressing the workplace issues that are emerging.

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