Here's a status update on what's happening in the legal world while we are in the throes of Covid-19 issues.
Courts are closed except for essential cases. None of the work I do counts as essential in the context of Governor Walz's order. Ramsey County issued an order stating there will not be oral argument on pending motions. Instead, the motions will be decided on the writings.
Other aspects of litigation that are in-person are on hold. That predominantly means depositions. Video depositions are an option, but not favored.
A lot of work continues on litigations. In the past 3 weeks I've finalized 7 litigations. That's a very productive stretch. Related to those resolutions, there are documents to prepare and have executed, final pleadings to file with the court, and ancillary matters of that nature.
Non-litigation work is still moving and in fact is just as busy as before. That includes things like preparing wills, health care directives, and power of attorney documents. It also includes preparing or editing partnership or member control agreements. The nice part about that work is someone can be in Forest Lake, e-mail me the documents, I edit them, and we have a phone call to finalize.
Hope you're doing well out there. Use your downtime wisely and make business improvements, assess business plans, and take care of the things you had on the to-do list, but didn't quite get to. I'm in the office every day and continuing to help clients navigate these rough waters.