Every few months I write a column for the PBA Solo and Small Firm Section newsletter. I was very late in writing this month, and I really didn’t know what to write. As I sat and thought about the message I wanted to share, I realized that the best message I could offer was one […]
Put a COVID-19 Notice On Your Website
Here in Pennsylvania, many lawyers are still working from home. In some cases, lawyers have returned to their offices, but are not physically meeting with clients or are only seeing them on a limited basis. To make sure people know you are available, in addition to putting a notice about the state of your office […]
Update on Evictions in Pennsylvania During COVID-19
You may recall that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court put a stay on all evictions in Pennsylvania through May 11. Governor Wolf extended that stay through July 10. The stay covers evictions and foreclosures. It is important to understand that rent and mortgages are still due during this time. If you cannot pay, you cannot be […]
Update on Attorney Office Closings in Pennsylvania
Some good news for you. The PA Supreme Court has released a new order. The statewide judicial emergency is lifted on June 1. Here is the order. As I have done previously, I will summarize the order for you. The general statewide judicial emergency as declared on March 16, 18 and April 1, 28 ends […]
Slides from Webinar on Ethics and Security
Today, I presented a webinar on Ethics and Security for Law Firms During COVID-19. I discussed PA ethics rules relating to the obligation to keep data secure, setting up a home workspace, and common scams. Below are the slides. Law Firm Remote Work Securi… by Jennifer Ellis on Scribd
PPP Under the Cares Act: When To Use and What if Employees Won’t Return?
Two common questions I am seeing about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) component of the CARES Act, is when must it be used and what if employees refuse to return? Use PPP Upon Receipt – Refusal to Return May Make Employees Ineligible for Unemployment Compensation Benefits The answer to the first question is that you […]
Update on Pennsylvania Court Closures and Attorney Office Closures
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court released a new order today, April 28, 2020. Here is my very brief summary. Part X of this order addresses lawyers and our ability to go to our offices. This remains extremely limited. An updated order from the Governor, which I have uploaded here, provides more detail: “[A]lthough law offices remain […]
Update on Stimulus Check Website Issues
If you, like me, had no luck with the IRS’ website that is supposed to tell you what is happening with your stimulus check, apparently it is time to check again. It seems the IRS has made some improvements to its website and perhaps it is working better. I got this information from my friend […]