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Barbera takes to YouTube, updates lawyers on virus response
Maryland’s top judge took to YouTube on Monday to update the state’s lawyers on the Judiciary’s efforts to keep the court system running as efficiently as possible amid emergency restrictions to combat the spread of the COVID-19 disease. “We are doing everything we can to carry out our mission during the COVID-19 emergency,” Court of […]
Attorneys adjust to remote work – but miss the daily interactions
The coronavirus pandemic has inundated Maryland law firms with calls from clients who own businesses – and from the firms’ own lawyers and personnel, who are encountering technical difficulties while doing business from home.
Md. attorneys adapt to remote work, try to keep business coming in
State and federal courthouses are running on skeleton crews and only conducting essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic, which leaves attorneys facing questions about how to run their offices and work with clients. Ivan Bates said his firm began making plans to have everyone working remotely two weeks ago. Everyone — a total staff of […]
Inmates fearful of coronavirus argue for their release
NEW YORK — Coronavirus has become a “get out of jail” card for hundreds of low-level inmates across the country, and even hard-timers are seeking their freedom with the argument that it’s not a matter of if but when the deadly illness sweeps through tightly packed populations behind bars. Among those pleading for compassionate release […]
Baltimore prosecutors, defense, court work to reduce activity and decrease jail population
Criminal justice partners in Baltimore, which has the highest volume of criminal cases in the state, are working to reduce courthouse traffic, caseloads and the inmate population as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby told prosecutors Wednesday to drop all pending charges for drug possession, attempted distribution, prostitution, trespassing, mi[...]
OPD seeks release of select inmates to slow virus spread
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is pushing for the release of certain inmates from detention centers to reduce the threat of the COVID-19 virus spreading in those populations. Maryland Deputy Public Defender Becky Feldman said Tuesday that her office has been working since last week with State’s Attorneys Marilyn Mosby and Aisha Braveboy […]
Court of Appeals postpones oral arguments scheduled for early April
ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Court of Appeals on Tuesday postponed the eight oral arguments it was scheduled to hear during the first week of April due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has spurred the high court’s chief judge to suspend court operations throughout the state except for emergency proceedings. In her postponement order, Chief Judge […]
State, federal courts further restrict entry and proceedings over virus
State and federal courts in Maryland are further reducing activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new and revised administrative orders issued Monday night. Maryland state courts, which Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera previously closed to the public but kept open for emergency proceedings, will move to restricted operations beginning […]
High court approves emergency powers for chief judge in pandemic
ANNAPOLIS – Maryland’s top court Monday unanimously approved COVID-19 pandemic-inspired rules that immediately gave its chief judge sweeping emergency authority to have cases moved to other courthouses or, if necessary, to any suitable and available building. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera also has the authority to suspend set or judicially ordered deadlines […]
Law firms step in to help businesses transition as virus spreads
While some Baltimore businesses can simply send their employees home to work, many other employers are facing difficult legal questions about how to proceed during the coronavirus pandemic and have turned to local law firms for help. The effects of the virus have already caused some law firm clients to consider instituting furloughs and layoffs […]
Maryland courts to close to public for 3 weeks
Maryland courts will close to the public for three weeks starting Monday to reduce the number of people in courthouses during the coronavirus pandemic, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera announced Friday evening. “All courts in the Maryland Judiciary, court offices, administrative offices, units of the Judiciary and the Offices of the Clerks […]
Md. federal courts postpone all proceedings through March 27
One day after announcing the suspension of all jury trials effective Monday, federal courts in Maryland are postponing all proceedings set to begin next week in response to the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. District Chief Judge James K. Bredar issued a revised standing order Friday afternoon postponing all civil, criminal and bankruptcy proceedings scheduled to occur between […]
