Pond Lehocky Giordano issued the following announcement on March 23.
Our partners and our firm’s COVID-19 task force are working closely with government officials to learn more about any closures that may impact your case. Managing partner Sam Pond and founding partner Jerry Lehocky have been on numerous conference calls with the system’s leaders and managers. We are monitoring the situation and will bring you updates via email and on our website.
As a reminder, we are doing our part in helping to prevent the community spread of COVID-19, and our attorneys and teams are working remotely; therefore, you may experience longer-than-usual wait times. For the timeliest response, please email your attorney team.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
On March 22, 2020, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney issued a “Stay at Home Order” which takes effect, Monday, March 23. This new order outlines additional restrictions within the city of Philadelphia and will remain in effect until further notice. Additionally, Gov. Wolf issued a “Stay at Home Order” for the following counties: Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Monroe and Montgomery in addition to the already existing Philadelphia counties.
This does NOT impact the work we are doing for our clients. Courts will remain closed for all in-person non-emergency proceedings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to work within the emergency protocol for settlement petitions. Our attorneys will work directly with the courts to schedule telephone hearings on our client’s behalf.
The situation is ever-changing, so we appreciate your patience as we continue to work with stakeholders to get more information. We will keep you informed via email, and you can also find updates on our website. If you have specific questions regarding your case, please reach out directly to your attorney team.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
All courts within the Third United States Judicial Circuit are open and operational, despite a curtailment of certain court functions and the closure of several court facilities. We have received official confirmation that Philadelphia courts have suspended all non-emergency court proceedings until April 1, 2020. Many other local courts are also experiencing a minimum of two week, in-person closures and delays due to COVID-19. Currently, the EEOC is open and Federal Courts are in the process of scheduling telephone mediations and depositions.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY
We have received official confirmation that the Eastern District of Pennsylvania courts will remain open. Since long–term disability cases do not require a jury trial, they will proceed before the court. However, it is important to note, the court is moving most matters to conference calls. We will continue to email you with any changes or information that is released.
Original source can be found here.