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Lawyering during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Although I lived through the 1987 stock market crash and the bursting of the dotcom bubble, those events occured prior to becoming a lawyer. I did, however, live and work through the 2008 mortgage crisis and am now feeling my way through the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented serious obstacles and changes. The first ten (10) days following the shut-in order were a bit scary being that the phone stopped ringing. After that time period, my practice functioned normally other than not have hearings in-person and not meeting with clients. The following are some examples of things I have worked on directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • I represented a union in protracted negotiations relating to modifications to the collective bargaining agreement as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • I represented multiple clients in the sports industry who have been approached about buying out the terms of sponsorship agreements and conducted negotiations and drafted the buyout agreements.

  • I represented a couple in a dispute with a wedding venue about the changes in the date of their wedding that ultimately led to a refund and payment of insurance proceeds.

  • I drafted a waiver for a wedding photographer that waived all claims and indemnified the wedding photographer for COVID-19 related illnesses and injuries.

  • I drafted policies and procedures related to COVID-19 for employers.

  • I drafted medical testing agreements to test for COVID-19 on behalf of a laboratory that has conducted testing for universities, restaurants, medical offices, and plants and facilities.

  • I represented a commercial landlord in a dispute with a restaurant tenant who attempted to exercise the force majeure clause to terminate the lease agreement.

  • I served as an arbitrator in eight (8) disputes that went to final hearing during the COVID-19 pandemic that were all conducted via Zoom with live testimony. This is not a substantial modification from my general arbitration practice. I have held more than thirty (30) final hearings via Zoom.

  • I have served as a mediator in three (3) disputes that were conducted via Zoom and attended a handful of mediations as an advocate. Although in-person connections are better, Zoom (or similar platforms) work well to negotiate disputes and ultimately resolve them.

These are just a few examples of how the COVID-19 pandemic has modified or changed the legal practice. We are all still learning and growing. I wonder if this is the new normal or will things return to status quo.

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Dennie Firm, PLLC | 99 Trophy Club Drive | Trophy Club, TX 76262 | 817.430.5876 (T) | 817.430.5801 (F)

This website provides general information about Dennie Firm, PLLC, its practice areas, and its professional staff. The information
provided here is not intended to provide you with any legal advice in regard to any legal matter you may have.
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