Professional Services and Law Firms Permitted to Operate During Stay at Home Orders

The Virginia State Bar and the Virginia Bar Association have confirmed our firm’s reading of Governor Northam’s Stay at Home Order, which is that law offices may stay open under certain restrictions. Governor Northam’s Executive Orders 53 and 55 provide that professional services, including law firms, are permitted to remain open during the Stay-At-Home Order in effect until June 10, 2020. Businesses providing professional services should permit teleworking as much as possible, and firms must follow the rule that gatherings of more than 10 people are not permitted.

 

Order 53 specifically states:

 

“Where telework is not feasible, businesses must adhere to social distancing recommendations, enhanced sanitizing practices on common surfaces, and apply the relevant workplace guidance from state and federal authorities.”

 

One of the permissible reasons for Virginians to leave their homes, aside from travel to and from work, purchasing essential supplies and seeking medical attention is to obtain legal services. Our firm is meeting the terms and spirit of the Order by working from home when at all possible, but also by keeping essential office operations going so we can provide legal services to our clients either in person, by video or zoom, or telephone.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us at 703-865-7480 if you or a loved one needs legal assistance at this time.