The developments surrounding COVID-19 are rapidly changing. Below is a quick reference guide and links to resources for lawyers trying to navigate the current legal landscape in light of the temporary changes to the law and the court system.
Executive Action
- Executive Order 202.8:
- Requiring all non-essential businesses to reduce in-person workforce by 100%;
- Tolling statutes of limitations, service and filing deadlines until April 18, 2020
- Permitting virtual notarization (provided certain conditions are met)
- Suspending in-person shareholder meeting requirement in Business Corporation Law
- New York Empire State Development Guidance on "Essential" Businesses
*NOTE: Empire State Development subsequently issued the following guidance concerning whether law firms constitute essential businesses:
Law firms and other providers of legal services are essential businesses only to the extent that their services are currently needed to support the essential functions of health care providers, utilities, state and local governments, the federal government, financial institutions, businesses that have been designated as essential; or to support criminal defendants in court proceedings or individuals in emergency family court proceedings; or to participate in proceedings concerning the imminent release or detention of individuals subject to criminal or civil detention under any applicable provision of state or federal law, or proceedings to address emergency risks to health, safety, or welfare.
NYS Appellate Courts
- New York Court of Appeals
- Appellate Division, First Department
- Appellate Division, Second Department
- Appellate Division, Third Department
- Appellate Division, Fourth Department
NYS Trial Courts
- New York State Unified Court System
- Administrative Order 78/20: Suspending all non-essential filings until further notice
- March 26, 2020 Notice Re Emergency Family Court Cases
- March 22, 2020 Notice Re: Virtual Court Operations in New York City Courts
- March 15, 2020 Memo Re: Updated Operational Protocols for New York State trial courts.
- Emergency Notice Re: Procedures in Nassau County Courts.
- Federal Courts
