Navigating Litigation in the COVID-19 Era: Challenges and Strategies

The Impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. Legal System

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly disrupted the U.S. legal system, with courts restricting access and altering procedures to ensure safety. Global law firm Dentons recently addressed the impact of COVID-19 on ongoing cases in a webinar led by Michael Duvall, Partner; David Quam, Counsel; and Kelly Graf, Managing Associate. Litigators must continue to meet key deadlines and keep clients informed, despite the 'slowdown.' Judges retain significant discretion to keep cases moving.

Litigation Risks for Businesses

Businesses face several litigation risks during the pandemic, including data breaches from remote workers using unsecured home computers, safety and compliance issues related to remote work, exposure to the virus for non-remote employees, event cancellations, and claims of false or misleading advertising. 'Enterprising' plaintiff's lawyers are actively seeking clients in these areas.

Strategies and Resources for Litigators

Dentons has developed a 50-state tracker to monitor coronavirus-related orders, directives, financial assistance, health and business directives, and updates on court and legislative sessions. This resource is crucial for litigators to navigate the evolving legal landscape. Additionally, staying informed about the latest legal developments and leveraging technology for remote work can help litigators meet their responsibilities effectively.

For litigators, it is essential to maintain clear communication with clients, stay updated on court procedures, and utilize available resources to manage litigation risks effectively. By doing so, they can continue to advocate for their clients' interests during these challenging times.