COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update: How we are serving and protecting our clients

COVID-19 Update: How we are serving and protecting our clients

We are closely tracking the rapidly evolving public health and community concerns related to the new coronavirus or COVID-19. Rest assured that we are taking all available steps to remain accessible to our clients as we continue to act in accordance with their best interests during this difficult time.

Please see below for answers to some frequently asked questions, and feel free to reach out to us any time at [email protected] or (818) 741-2101 for assistance with your legal matter.

Is your office currently open during normal business hours?

Yes. Although we are working remotely as a way to keep our staff safe and slow the spread of the coronavirus, our office remains virtually open during normal business hours.

When and how can I contact you?

You may reach us via email or the Contact Us page. You may also call us at (818) 741-2101 during our normal business hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes. It is business as usual at our office because we have digitized our files and used cloud-based file system since 2013. Our practice has been ready for remote working in full capacity.

How can I get updates regarding the status of my case or legal matter?

As usual, feel free to reach out to either Tyler or Rachel for any questions or updates regarding the status of your case. We have reached out to our opposing counsel to let them know that we are working remotely and have made arrangements for e-service of any documents instead of mail. We are moving your cases forward.

Are courts of law still open in my area? Will my court date be rescheduled? What if I can’t come to court because I’m sick or quarantined?

For the Superior Court of Los Angeles County (“LASC”), effective March 23, 2020, and until further notice, the Court closes the Clerk’s Offices at all 38 courthouses in response to the COVID-19 public health threat. Most courthouses, except the Beverly Hills and Catalina courthouses, will remain open for time-sensitive, essential court hearings and matters only, and only authorized persons are allowed to enter any LASC courthouses. The Court continues to accept e-filings.

For the Superior Court of San Bernardino County (“SBSC”), effective March 17 through April 30, 2020, the Court is closed for all non-emergency matters. SBSC is not taking any non-emergency filings during the closure.

For the Superior Court of Ventura County (“VSC”), the Court allows only limited operations from March 23 to April 17, 2020. During this period, the majority of courtrooms and all clerk’s offices at all courthouses remain closed to the public. A small number of courtrooms will be operating to hear urgent or emergency matters only.

All civil trials and non-emergency hearings will be rescheduled. They will be continued to a new date, and notices will be mailed out after the courts reopen. We will notify you when the judge assigned to your case notify us of the new dates. If you are sick or quarantined, please contact us so that we can work with the defense attorneys to reschedule any matter that requires your attendance.

Will scheduled depositions, mediation, arbitration, or settlement negotiations occur as planned?

Attorneys are rescheduling depositions. If the containment efforts continue, or if cases are time-sensitive, parties may opt for depositions via video. Some mediators have offered to mediation via videoconferencing technology, which might be the case for the foreseeable future.Again, please feel free to reach out to us with questions at any time, and see the following links below for CDC, state, and/or local updates regarding public health orders, court operations, and other information.

• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
• California: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx
• Los Angeles County: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/
• San Bernardino County: http://wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/coronavirus/
• Ventura County: https://www.vcemergency.com/
• LASC: http://www.lacourt.org/
• SBSC: https://www.sb-court.org/
• VSC: http://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/