In accordance with the Stay At Home/Safer At Home orders, the SFVBA has extended the office closure until at least April 19 and maintains the operational changes announced on March 17.
PROGRAMS/MEETING/EVENTS: As previously announced, SFVBA in-person events and meetings through the end of April have been re-scheduled as webinars or conference calls or postponed or canceled. The calendar page of the website contains up-to-date information on SFVBA programs. We are considering the possibility of once again hosting the Meet the Experts | Summer Party, and hope to confirm the popular event, assuming large gatherings are advisable. To download the posters discussed during yesterday’s webinar on Issues Impacting You Workforce, click FFCRA Federal and FFCRA Non-Federal. For additional labor-related resources, visit DOL COVID-19 resources; Poster Frequently Asked Questions. For further information and resources on safeguards: Corona-virus.la; Covid19.ca.gov; CDC; LA Public Health; Coronavirus.gov; and USA.gov/Coronavirus.
COURT UPDATES: The SFVBA is in constant communication with the state and federal courts, and other agencies regarding current updates. To keep up-to-date on the latest developments, please visit the COVID-19 Updates page on the Bar website. We will continue to deliver timely updates by email and post regular updates on our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages.
ATTORNEY REFERRAL SERVICE: The lines remain open, and many people are reaching out seeking legal assistance. (818) 340-4529.
PROBATE SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES: Effective immediately, and at the request of the Los Angeles Superior Court, all settlement conferences have been taken off calendar through May 31, 2020.
MANDATORY FEE ARBITRATION (MFA): We are permitting electronic filing on new arbitration matters, which you can learn about here. Arbitrations that are currently pending the appointment of an arbitration panel should expect delays by an additional 30-60 days. Anyone with a scheduled hearing between March and April 2020 should contact Sonia Bernal, MFA Program Administrator.
Our thoughts are especially with anyone affected by the novel coronavirus, and with the essential workforce that is stepping up to provide essential services and keep our communities safe.
To our members and partners, we thank you for being part of the SFVBA family. We value your contributions to the profession and commitment to the community. Please continue to send your questions, ideas, and feedback to info@sfvba.org. As we go forward, we will be sure to keep you updated.
