Coronavirus: Law360 Monday June 22 Briefing
From Media & Entertainment Law360
Monday, June 22, 2020
TOP NEWS
COVID Crimes: Feds Set To Boost White Collar Crisis Cases
White collar enforcers say they are pressing forward with investigations and enforcement actions during the COVID-19 crisis, hewing to their traditional priorities while increasingly targeting pandemic-related actions.
COVID-19 IP Catch-Up: Trials Get Delayed, Moved To Video
As the COVID-19 pandemic wages on, more trials are being pushed into August and beyond, and others are gearing up for remote proceedings. Here are some recent intellectual property updates tied to the outbreak that you may have missed.
The Week In Bankruptcy: New Ch. 11 Cases Flood Courts
A steady stream of new bankruptcy cases poured into the nation’s courts in the past week as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the global economy. Cash crunches gave way to insolvency as the prolonged closure of many businesses and the ancillary effects of shutdowns burrowed into the coffers of companies in many sectors.
NCAA Teams’ COVID-19 Risk Forms May Fall Flat In Court
At least two prominent universities are raising eyebrows by requiring athletes to sign forms notifying them of the risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus, but experts say the forms may be difficult to enforce if challenged in court.
Coronavirus: How Law Firms Are Handling The Downturn
UPDATED June 18, 2020, 11:53 AM EDT | The spreading coronavirus pandemic has upended the legal industry, forcing firms to cut salaries, lay off attorneys and make changes to summer associate programs. Here is a roundup of how law firms are responding.
CLOSINGS AND RESTRICTIONS
Coronavirus: The Latest Court Closures And Restrictions
UPDATED June 22, 2020, 1:36 PM EDT | As courts across the country take measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, some are restricting access and altering their procedures. Here is a roundup of changes.
Coronavirus: The Latest EU Court Closures And Restrictions
UPDATED June 22, 2020, 11:57 AM GMT | As courts across the region take measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, some are restricting access and altering their procedures. Here is a roundup of changes.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR ATTORNEYS
Chicago Firm Says COVID-19 Dangers Should Reduce Rent
A personal injury law firm in downtown Chicago has said it shouldn’t have to pay full rent for office space that is unsafe for its employees to use during the coronavirus pandemic, citing a provision in its lease barring “any” use of the space that “may be dangerous.”
COVID Forces Royal Caribbean To Restructure Spanish Ops
Cruise ship operator Royal Caribbean Group said Monday it is seeking to reorganize its Pullmantur Cruceros joint venture cruise line in a Spanish court, saying the headwinds of COVID-19 travel restrictions were too much for the company to overcome.
COVID Fallout Puts Addiction Center Chain Into Ch. 11
Multistate drug rehabilitation and treatment chain American Addiction Centers Inc. sought Chapter 11 protection in Delaware on Saturday, carrying $517.3 million in debts and blaming long-standing debt and liquidity woes, worsened by business disruptions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump Admin. To Release Info On Large PPP Loan Recipients
The Trump administration plans to make public the names and other information about businesses that receive more than $150,000 in loans from the Paycheck Protection Program, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration said Friday.
Fed’s Quarles Outlines Stress Test Approach Amid Pandemic
The Federal Reserve Board’s top supervision official said Friday that a soon-to-be-released analysis of big banks’ performance under several simulated COVID-19 economic recoveries won’t be used for setting stress capital buffer requirements but will guide the central bank’s thinking on the need for any capital distribution cutbacks.
UK Tightens M&A Rules To Protect Cos. In Pandemic Fight
The government has set out measures that will allow it to block foreign takeovers of British companies that are seen as critical in the fight against public health emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic.
IRS Expands Who May Get COVID-19 Retirement Distributions
The IRS on Friday issued guidance on a recent coronavirus pandemic relief law that expands who may take advantage of retirement plan distributions before age 59-and-a-half without being hit with a 10% tax that otherwise applies to early withdrawals.
Eastern Airlines Says Exec Sought COVID-19 Leave Too Early
Eastern Airlines urged a Pennsylvania federal judge Friday to dismiss a suit from a former director who claims she was wrongly fired for trying to take time off under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, saying she was fired before the act went into effect.
EXPERT ANALYSIS
11 Keys To Success At Remote Mediation
Attorneys should accept that remote mediation may be their only current option for resolving a dispute and take steps to obtain a fantastic outcome for their clients, including making sure the right people attend the remote mediation and beginning the session with an apology, says Eric Meyer at FisherBroyles.
What Employers Should Know About Return-To-Work Surveys
Jen Rubin at Mintz discusses the risks and benefits of using surveys to gauge employee feelings about COVID-19 safety when returning to the workplace, and shares best practices for responding to the information collected.
Tips For Prenegotiation Letter Agreements In Loan Workouts
Commercial real estate owners and operators attempting to negotiate loan workouts due to COVID-19’s impact can benefit from drafting a prenegotiation letter agreement in order to avoid exposure if an amicable solution is not reached, say attorneys at K&L Gates.
