Orange County Bar Association

The OCBA wants to help its members stay up to date with the latest information from the courts and legal community regarding COVID-19. Please use this page as a resource for local information.

How You Can Help

OCBA WEBINARS

Local State and Federal Courts Update

Risk Updates in Orange County

Best Practices - How Firms Can Deal with COVID-19

Insurance Coverage Updates for Law Firms

Affiliate & Legal Community Updates

Federal Coronavirus Legislation

OCBA Covid-19 Message Board

OCBA Members Helping Others

OCBA Covid-19 Message Board - This resource allows OCBA members to share ideas and help each other out with work and personal needs

OCBA Office Closed, OCBA Staff Working Remotely

Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order on Judicial Council Emergency Authority

State of California Executive Order N-28-20

OCBA Urgent Notice from OCBA President Regarding COVID-19

OCBA Webinars

OCBA Upcoming Webinars

OCBA Webinars Video Replays

Jan 7 - Where are we and Where are we Going?
Dec 11 - Civil Trials During the Pandemic
Nov 13 - The Science of COVID-19: The Progression of the Pandemic in Orange County
Oct 9 - The Impact of COVID-19 on Local Businesses
Sep 29 - How COVID-19 has Impacted the DA's and PD's Office
Sep 3 - You Can Do This! How to Survive Working from Home and Overseeing Remote Schooling
Aug 31 - Orange County Superior Court Update on Civil Jury Trials
Aug 24 - Tips from the Masters: Practicing Law During a Pandemic
Aug 19 - Surprising Legal Career Opportunities
Aug 14 - THE EFFECTIVE USE OF REMOTE MEDIATION: TIPS FROM THE PROS
July 14 - COVID-19 and Deals: A Discussion of the Impact on Mergers & Acquisitions
July 10 - Safely Reopening You Law Office
July 1 - Helping Victims During a Pandemic: Stories from the Frontlines
June 26 - Social Media and Business Development in the Time of Crisis
June 17 - How to Job Search in a Pandemic for Recent Grads and New Attorneys
June 10 - Staying Mentally Safe, Sound & Sober During Covid-19
May 29 - Cooperation Between the Family Law Bench and Bar in the Wake of COVID-19
May 28 - “Flatten the Curve”: A Panel Discussion on the “Novel” Issues Impacting Bankruptcy Cases Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
May 27 - Unity in a Time of COVID-19, Part 3
May 22 - The Criminal Court's "New Normal" in the COVID Era
May 21 - COVID-19 Update on Orange County Superior Court Reopening
May 20 - COVID-19 and Litigation Risk Management
May 15 - Unity in a Time of COVID-19: OC Diversity Bars in Action
May 14 - California Reopens for Business
May 13 - COVID-19 and Pro Bono
May 8 - Law Schools Update Regarding COVID-19
May 4 - Landlord-Tenant Updates and Force Majeure Defenses in the Age of Coronavirus?
May 1 - Mindfulness and Competency- Thriving in Uncertain Times
April 29 - COVID-19 and Your Job
April 24 - Unity in a Time of COVID Crisis
April 22 - How to Take a Deposition Virtually
April 17 - Keeping Your Zoom Meetings Safe
April 16 - COVID-19 Update with Orange County Superior Court Leadership
April 15 - Working with a Virtual Team
April 10 - Insurance Issues Implicated by COVID-19
April 8 - Keeping Calm During COVID: Tips for Mental and Physical Well-Being
April 3 - Updates on The Family First Bill, the CARES Act, & Other Available Resources
April 1 - Insights From OC In-House Counsel During the Covid Crisis
March 27 - Don't Let Covid Infect Your Ethics and Civility
March 25 - Attorney Well Being During COVID-19
March 18 - Corona Virus: Law Firm Best Practices/Employment Issues

OCTLA Video Replay

April 22 - State of the Orange County Superior Court

Local State and Federal Courts Update

OC Courtroom Live Stream

What You Should Know - HCA

Orange County Superior Court - Court News & General Information

January 13 - Probate Mental Health Informaton and Appearance Process Update
December 21 - Court Implements Changes to Reduce In-person Appearances as COVID incidents Increase
December 17 - Implementation of Probate Conservatorship Accounting Portal
December 14 - Criminal Operations Update
December 11 - Court Suspends Civil Jury Trials and Other Appearances as COVID-19 Incidents Increase
November 20 - COVID-19 Update - Access to Courthouses
October 28 - Implementation of Electronic Payment of Civil Fees
September 21 - Alert - Temporary Closure – North Justice Center
August 28 - Revised Public Notice of Reduced Court Clerk's Office Hours
August 27 - Presiding Judge Nakamura’s Implementation Order re: Penal Code 859b executed on August 27 2020
August 26 - Statewide Fiscal Crisis Forces Court to Reduce Clerk’s Office Hours of Operation
August 26 - Court Adds Family Law Self-Represented Cases to Online Counter Service Self-Scheduling Application
August 25 - Public Notice of Reduced Court Clerk's Office Hours
August 20 - Process to Commence Civil Jury Trial
August 20 - Civil Video Court Trial Guidelines
August 14 - Implementation Order Re: Juvenile Emergency Relief Authorized by Governor Executive Order and by the Judicial Council of California
August 13 - Court Notices Defendants About DMV Hold Reinstatements
August 12 - Court Rolls Out Self-Help Mobile App
Second Implementation Order RE: Penal Code 859b Emergency Relief
June 30 - Court Set’s Up Triage Booths to Serve Public’s Needs
June 15 - Court Adds Collections of Fines and Fees for Traffic and Criminal Matters to Counter Service Self-Scheduling App
June 9 - Court Adds Criminal Cases to Counter Service Self-Scheduling App
June 5 - West Justice Center to Be Closed on Friday, June 5
June 3 - J ury Press Release
May 22 - Court to Resume Jury Trials
May 21- Orange County Superior Court Announces Soft Re-Opening
For previous court notices, click here.

Orange County Superior Court - COVID-19 Case Type & Related Information

July 31 - Remote Civil MSC Procedure
July 28 - Probate Video Court Trial Guidelines
July 28 - Remote Civil MSC Procedure
July 24 - Civil Limited Unlimited & Complex Information & Appearance Process
July 24 - WebEx Instructions for Civil Court Trials
July 22 - General Information re: Juvenile Cases at the Lamoreaux Justice Center
July 20 - General Order No. 15: Temporary Emergency Order Modifying Juvenile Justice Visitati0n in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic
July 17 - Juvenile Emergency Relief Implementation Order
July 16 - Administrative Order Procedure for Conducting Remote Traffic Proceedings
July 14 - Administrative Order Authorizing Remote Civil And Probate Court Trial Sessions
July 9 - Virtual Workshop-Clearing Your Probate Notes
July 9 - Court Workshops-Clinics
July 8 - Appellate Division Information and Appearance Process
July 1 - Court Workshops-Clinics
July 1 - Felony Action Request
July 1 - Misdemeanor Action Request
June 26 - Criminal Appellate Unit Information and Appearance Process
June 26 - Appellate Division Information and Appearance Process
June 26 - Small Claims and Appearance Information
June 26 - Civil Limited Unlimited & Complex Information & Appearance Process
June 22 - Juvenile Court Operations General Order 13
June 19 - Civil Limited Unlimited & Complex Information & Appearance Process
June 19 - Fifth Implementation Order Juvenile Dependency Hearings
June 18 - A-200-3-2020 Amended: Temporary Schedule for Detained and Non-Detained Detention Hearings in Dependency Cases
June 17 - Temporary Procedure To Establish Good Cause To Conduct Civil and Probate Jury Trials
June 19 - Emergency Administrative Order for Emergency Bail Reductions and Own Recognizance
June 16 - Administrative Order 20 19 Procedure for Granting In Person Public Access to Criminal Jury Trials
June 16 - Revised Family Law Administrative Order 20_15 Mandating Remote Hearings
June 15 - Procedure for Granting In Person Public Access to Criminal Jury Trials
June 12 - Civil Limited Unlimited & Complex Information & Appearance Process
June 12 - Probate Hearing Instructions
June 12 - Appellate Division Information and Appearance Process
June 11 - Probate Mental Health Informaton and Appearance Process
June 11 - Administrative Appeals Information and Video Appearance Process
June 11 - Restraining Order Information and Video Appearance Process
June 11 - Evictions (UD) Information and Video Appearance Process
June 11 - Small Claims and Appearance Information
June 8 - Records Information and Appointment Process
May 14 - Small Claims Online Dispute Resolution Program
For previous court notices, click here.

Orange County Superior Court - COVID-19 Administrative Orders

Los Angeles Superior Court

Ventura Superior Court

June 26 - Administrative Order 20.22, Re Small Claims Trials
June 23 - Collection Unit Frequently Asked Questions
June 19 - Administrative Order Re: Revoking Statewide Emergency Bail Schedule
June 12 - AMENDED Beginning of Court Re-Opening
June 12 - Family Law - Procedures for Ex Parte Requests
June 11 - Ventura Superior Court Re-Opening Guidelines
June 10 - Chief Justice Orders as of 6/10/2020
June 9 - Restricted Public Access; and Livestream Broadcasting
June 9 - Civil Re-Opening Plan
June 8 - Mandatory Facial Coverings and Social Distancing Requirements in Effect During COVID-19 Pandemic
?May 22 - Family Law - Order Vacating Mandatory Settlement Conferences & Status Conferences
?May 18 - AMENDED Mandatory Guidelines for Custody/Visitation Orders in Response to COVID-19 (Effective 6/1/2020)
May 6 - ASL Assistance Information
May 1 - Current Emergency Orders
For previous court notices, click here.

Riverside Superior Court

San Diego Superior Court

San Bernardino Superior Court

June 29 - Closed Friday, July 3, 2020
June 26 - New Uniform Countywide Bail Schedule Adopted
June 23 - 2019-2020 Civil Grand Jury Term Extended
June 19 - Masks and Social Distance
June 19 - San Bernardino Superior Court Releases Its Third Annual Report
June 19 - Emergency Statewide Bail Schedule Continued Through June 28
June 12 - Implementation Order Extending Criminal Trials
June 10 - San Bernardino Superior Court Welcomes New Commissioner Arthur B. Benner, II
June 8 - Declaring Court Holiday for Preliminary Examinations at SBJC on June 8, 2020
June 4 - Unlawful Detainer Complaints
June 4 - Fax Filing Fees
June 3 - Permitting Department of Child Support Services to File Documents With Electronic Signature
May 29 - Amendment to General Order: Limiting Filing at Clerk's Office
May 28 - San Bernardino Superior Court Will Partially Reopen on May 29
May 28 - Limiting Filing at Clerk's Office and Requiring Filing of Certain Case Types
May 26 - Amended Local Rules Due to COVID-19
May 15 - Temporary Reduction of Clerk's Office Hours Due to COVID-19
May 15 - COVID-19 Face Covering and Social Distancing Requirements
May 11 - Closed Monday, May 25, 2020
Emergency Bail Stipulation/Hearing Request and Order Protocol (with Flowchart)
Bail Stipulation/Hearing Request and Order
Calendaring Protocols for Emergency Criminal Proceedings
Public Notice on Face Coverings
General Order on Limiting Public Access
May 1 - Sixth Amendment to Implementation of Emergency Relief
May 1 - Presiding Judge Sachs Issues Sixth Amendment to Implementation Order Effective May 1
May 1 - Presiding Judge Sachs Issues Fifth Amendment to Implementation Order Effective April 30
For previous court notices, click here.

California Courts / Judicial Council of California

June 11 - Judicial Branch Emergency Actions: Criminal, Civil and Juvenile Court
June 10 - Judicial Council, Chief Justice End Some Emergency Measures as California and Courts Expand Reopening
June 10 - Chief Justice Suspends Vote on Eviction, Foreclosure Emergency Rules
June 8 - Judicial Council, Chief Justice Consider Ending Some Emergency Measures as California and Courts Expand Reopening
June 4 - Rule Memorandum No. R-19(07)
June 4 - Amendments to the California Rules of Court, Effective July 1, 2020
June 3 - Council Working Group Releases Pandemic Recovery Resource Guide for Courts
June 2 - Circulating Order Memorandum to the Judicial Council, Circulating Order Number: CO-20-09
June 2 - Amended Emergency Rule 9, effective immediately
May 29 - Judicial Council Revises Emergency Rule on Statutes of Limitations in Civil Cases
May 26 - Hon. Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye's Supplemental Emergency Order
May 12 - Judicial Council Launches Working Group to Aid Courts in Pandemic Recovery
April 30 - Court Emergency Orders
April 29 - Statewide Emergency Order by Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, Chief Justice of California and Chair of the Judicial Council
April 29 - Judicial Branch Emergency Actions: Criminal, Civil and Juvenile Court
April 29 - California Chief Justice Extends Criminal Trial Deadlines
April 21- Council Makes It Easier for Parties to Request Changes to Support Orders Amid Pandemic - Also revises an existing emergency rule on extending protective and restraining orders
April 20 - Council Makes It Easier for Parties to Request Changes to Support Orders Amid Pandemic
April 17 - Judicial Council Mandates Electronic Service of Documents in Most Civil Cases
April 10 - Judicial Branch Emergency Actions: Criminal, Civil and Juvenile Justice
April 6 - Judicial Council Adopts New Rules to Lower Jail Population, Suspend Evictions and Foreclosures
April 4 - Judicial Council to Hold Second Emergency Meeting Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
March 30 - Chief Justice Issues Order Implementing Temporary Court Emergency Measures
March 28 - Judicial Council Approves Temporary Emergency Measures to Aid Courts During COVID-19 Pandemic
March 27 - Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye Comments on Governor Newsom's Executive Order on Judicial Council Emergency Authority
March 26 - Judicial Council to Hold Special Meeting Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
March 23 - Chief Justice Issues Statewide Order Suspending Jury Trials
March 22 - Chief Justice Cancels March Judicial Council Meeting
March 22 - COVID-19 Action: Chief Justice Cancels March Judicial Council Meeting
March 20 - California Chief Justice Issues Second Advisory on Emergency Relief Measures
March 20 - Emergency Orders: 53 Superior Courts and 6 Appellate Courts (updated 3/30)
March 19 - CourtCall Reduction in California Telephonic Appearance Fees
March 18 - California Supreme Court Expands Electronic Filing in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
March 16 - California Chief Justice Issues Guidance to Expedite Court Emergency Orders
March 16 - Court Emergency Orders Directory
March 16 - Supreme Court of California Amends Oral Argument Procedures in Response to COVID-19
March 13 - Chief Justice Issues Statement on Emergency Response in California Courts

California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three

April 15 - Implementation Order for the Renewed Order Pursuant to Rule 8.66 of the California Rules of Court
April 9 - Implementation Order for Order Authorizing Retroactive Application of Amended Rule 8.66 of the California Rules of Court
March 20 - Implementation Order for Emergency Order
March 20 - Emergency Order from the Chair of the Judicial Council

Supreme Court of California

?July 6 - California Supreme Court Names Jury Selection Work Group
?June 17 - Committee Issues Advice About Appellate Justice Disqualification
June 15 - California Supreme Court Amends Code of Judicial Ethics
June 11 - Additional Options Concerning the Fall 2020 California Bar Examination
June 11 - Supreme Court of California Issues Statement on Equality and Inclusion
June 4 - Committee Issues Advice About Reimbursement of Judicial Expenses by a Party or Counsel
April 29 - Supreme Court Oral Argument Calendar for May 19 and 20, 2020
April 27 - California Supreme Court Orders Bar Exam Delayed, Administered Online
April 15 - Supreme Court Oral Argument Calendar for May 5, 2020
April 10 - Supreme Court Extends Deadlines in Response to COVID-19
March 27 - Court Issues Second Standing Order on Oral Argument Procedure
March 27 - Calendar posted for April San Francisco Oral Argument Session
March 20 - Supreme Court Extends Deadlines in Response to COVID-19
March 18 - Court Expands E-Filing in Response to COVID-19
March 16 - Court Amends Oral Argument Procedures in Response to COVID-19

United States District Court for the Central District of California

Use of Face Coverings in Court Facilities
Phased Resumption of Operations
Further Measures Taken in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 Notice
Activation Of Continuity Of Operations Plan
Protective Measures Taken In Response To Coronavirus
Visitor Restrictions
June 26 - Use Of Video And Telephonic Conference Technology In Certain Criminal Proceedings
June 1 - Use of Face Coverings in Court Facilities
May 28 - In Re Coronavirus Public Emergency Order Concerning Phased Reopening of the Court (Supersedes General Order No. 20-05)
May 1 - New and Amended Local Rules Effective June 1, 2020
April 17 - Order Of The Chief Judge 20-074
April 16 - LAPD Community Alert - COVID-19 Scams
April 13 - General Order 20-05
April 13 - Further Measures Taken in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
March 31 - Order Of The Chief Judge 20-044: Suspension Of Grand Juries
March 30 - COOP FAQ
March 29 - Order Of The Chief Judge 20-043: Use Of Video And Telephonic Conference Technology In Certain Criminal Proceedings
March 21 - COVID-19 Notice
March 19 - Activation Of Continuity Of Operations Plan
March 19 - Order Of The Chief Judge 20-042: Activation Of Continuity Of Operations Plan
March 17 - General Order 20-02
March 13 - General Order 20-03
March 13 - Protective Measures Taken In Response To Coronavirus
March 12 - Visitor Restrictions

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Supreme Court of the United States

April 30 - Media Advisory Regarding May Teleconference Oral Argument Audio
April 28 - Press Release Regarding May Teleconference Oral Arguments Order of Business
April 17 - Clerk’s Office COVID-19 Guidance
April 13 - Press Release Regarding May Teleconference Oral Arguments
April 3 - Press Release Regarding Postponement of April Oral Arguments
March 16 - Press Release Regarding Postponement of March Oral Arguments
Order Regarding Filings
Order Regarding Filing Deadlines
May Argument Calendar
Fall 2020 Internship Program – Extended Application Deadline

Risk Updates in Orange County

August 5 - COVID-19 Testing Information & Who Should Get Tested - Read more
August 5 - COVID-19 Testing 101 - Read more
LAPD Community Alert - COVID-19 Scams
March 19 - Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During Covid-19 Response Read more.
March 19 - The State of California Issues Stay at Home Order Read more.
March 18 - OC Health Officer Amended Order Press Conference Stream the replay.
March 18 - OC Health Officer Amended Order Read more.
March 17 - OC Health Officer Issues Order to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 Read more.
March 16 - The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 15 Ways to Slow the Spread Read more.
March 16 - County of Orange Clerk-Recorder Read more.
March 13 - Voice of OC - OC Health Care Agency Reports First Locally Acquired Case of COVID-19 Read more.
March 13 - Orange County Health Care Agency Read more
March 13 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Read more
March 13 - World Health Organization Read more
March 4 - City of Costa Mesa Urgency Ordinance Read more

Best Practices - How Firms Can Deal with COVID-19

March 23 - CISA Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce - Read more
March 23 - Cal/OSHA Guidance on Requirements to Protect Workers from Coronavirus - Read more
March 23 - California EDD Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) - Read more
March 22 - CA.gov Stay home except for essential needs - Last updated March 22, 2020 at 5:22 PM - Read more
March 16 - COVID-19 Updates from the State Bar of California - Read more
March 14 - Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Resources for Employers and Workers from the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency - Read more
March 14 - Open for Business Hub: A list of technology companies that are helping small businesses by enabling remote work throughout this period. - Read more
March 13 - American Bar Association: Trending CLE Programs on Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Read more
March 13 - LAW.COM - Navigating the Coronavirus Pandemic: How Firms Are Aiding Clients and Running Their Own Operations - Read more
March 12 - LA Times - Coronavirus and labor law: Know your rights, from paid sick leave to working from home - Read more
March 10 - 6 Tips For Managing Remote Employees: How To Maintain Productivity And Engagement - Read more

Insurance Coverage Updates for Law Firms

(03/14/2020)
AHERN Insurance Brokerage
As AHERN continues to monitor coronavirus (COVID-19) developments closely, the health and well-being of our clients and their employees is of the utmost importance. We also understand that many of you are left wondering what you can do to protect your business and workforce. To assist you, AHERN’s COVID Resource Center includes information regarding potential insurance coverage implications and additional resources to monitor this evolving situation. Read more

Affiliate & Legal Community Updates

Association of Business Trial Lawyers - Orange County Chapter

Association of Corporate Counsel

Click here for the latest message (March 15).

Celtic Bar Association

Click here for the latest message from CBA President J. Craig Williams (April 6).
Click here for a message from CBA President J. Craig Williams (March 15).

Community Legal Aid SoCal

Click here for the latest message from Executive Director Kate Marr (April 28).
Click here to read CLA SoCal Response to COVID-19, Updated 3-23-20
Click here for a message from Executive Director Kate Marr (April 17).
Click here for a message from Executive Director Kate Marr (March 19).

Constitutional Rights Foundation, Orange County

Follow CRF-OC on Facebook for the latest updates.

Federal Bar Association - Orange County

Click here for the latest message from FBA/OC (March 13).

Iranian American Bar Association - Orange County Chapter

Italian American Lawyers of Orange County—Lex Romana

J. Reuben Clark Law Society

Orange County Asian American Bar Association

Click here to RSVP for CA-39 Town Hall with Rep. Gil Cisneros and Rep. Judy Chu and AAPI Organizations on Monday, April 27.
Click here for more information on upcoming OCAABA events.
Click here for the latest message from OCAABA President Denise Crawford (April 24).
Click here for a message from OCAABA President Denise Crawford (April 13).
Click here for a message from OCAABA President Denise Crawford (April 3).
Click here for a message from OCAABA President Denise Crawford (March 13).

Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association

Orange County Hispanic Bar Association

Click here for more information on upcoming OCHBA events.
Click here for the latest message from OCHBA President Bettina Yanez (April 4).
OCHBA Webinar: Legal Compliance Strategies and Best Practices During Pandemic Related Layoffs, Reductions-in-Force, and Furloughs (March 27)
Click here for a message from OCHBA President Bettina Yanez (March 14).

Orange County Jewish Bar Association

Click here for more information on upcoming OCJBA events.
Click here for the latest message from OCJBA President Sheila-Marie Finkelstein (March 13).

Orange County Korean American Bar Association

Click here for the latest message from OCKABA (April 4).

Orange County Lavender Bar Association

Orange County Trial Lawyers Association

Click here for more information on upcoming OCTLA events.
Click here for the latest message from OCTLA President Jonathan Dwork (March 13).

Orange County Women Lawyers Association

Click here for the latest message from OCWLA President Michelle Philo.
Message from OCWLA President Michelle Philo (March 14).

Project Youth OCBF

Public Law Center

All PLC Community Clinics are closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thurgood Marshall Bar Association

Click here for the latest message from TMBA President Keshia Dorsey (April 28).
Join TMBA Now (through May 31, 2020) and 100% of your membership will go to provide food for people experiencing homelessness in Orange County.
Click here for a message from TMBA President Keshia Dorsey (April 14).

Veterans Legal Institute

Click here to read VLI's Response to COVID-19 (March 28).
Click here for the latest message from VLI Executive Director & Co-Founder Antoinette Balta.
Message from VLI (March 19).

Federal Coronavirus Legislation

The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act (Updated March 29)

CARES Act Update: How to benefit from new tax provisions and forgiveable loan opportunities by JLK Rosenberger

H.R.6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Updated March 18)

California Association of Counties (CSAC) Update Regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

U.S. Department of Labor News Releases – Read more

Specifically found under the Wage & Hour Division [WHD] of US DOL re: FFCRA – Read more

EDD COVID-19 – Read more

Separate and apart from the Federal FAQs on FFCRA, California EDD FAQs – Read more