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NEWS MARCH 23, 2020 ¦ 25

Email Storm: Connecticut Bar Forms Pandemic
Task Force to Address Flood of Queries

By Robert Storace

Faced with the uncertainty that has come with the
coronavirus outbreak, and with phones ringing
nonstop with questions from worried attorneys
and members of the public, the Connecticut Bar As-
sociation formed a COVID-19 Pandemic Task Force.
The association task force, which comprises about
25 individuals, including lawyers, judges and pro-
fessionals statewide, will update bar members and In addition to attorney concerns, Moses said
the public on how the novel coronavirus is affect- many poor clients also need assistance. She is asking
ing courts and attorneys across the state. The CBA’s for association members to offer their time pro bono
website will feature tools and resources, updated to help those individuals. There are about 10,000 as-
multiple times each day. sociation members.
The group will help lawyers navigate difficulties “One of the biggest needs right now is for attorneys
related to COVID-19, the new coronavirus. to help legal aid organizations in working with those
For now, the top concerns of solo practitioners with low incomes and moderate means,” Moses said.
and small law firms include finances and working “We must make sure they do not fall through the
from home, according to bar president Ndidi Moses cracks and have questions answered now on issues
and task force co-chairman Monte Frank. like access to alimony and child support.”
“First and foremost, everyone is concerned about The task force has six subcommittees and liaisons
the ability to practice law, stay healthy and do what for different groups, Moses said, “to help meet the
we can to comply with the national health mandate,” needs of its members.”
said Frank, a member and co-chairman of Pullman Moses, who is a member of the technology sub-
& Comley’s litigation department. “This crisis raises committee, said Thursday forming the task force
concerns about the ability of lawyers to practice and was necessary to “maximize our efforts by collabo-
earn a living, so they can both support their families rating more.”
and continue their obligations to the public.” “We needed a way to better streamline the pro-
Frank said it’s too early to say what financial re- cess. And the email storm to the CBA needed to
sources are available to attorneys, as task force be controlled,” she said. “We were getting hit with
subcommittees continue to research the issue. emails from all directions from everyone asking for
Moses said the association “easily was receiving our help and guidance.”
dozens of emails a day and lots of phone calls from Moses said it’s important to note the task force is
everyone with questions on a variety of issues related also working closely with the state’s Judicial Branch,
to the pandemic.” She said the association’s website the office of Gov. Ned Lamont and the legislative
already has information on attorneys working from branch in sharing information and resources. ¦
home that will be updated soon.
“We will also have information on the site about Robert Storace covers legal trends, lawsuits and
cyber threats, how to get data online sufficiently and analysis for the Connecticut Law Tribune. Follow
getting attorneys to help with legal aid issues that him on Twitter @RobertSCTLaw or reach him at
keep popping up,” Moses said. 203-437-5950.

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