Greetings!
With the advent of Governor Mills' stay-at-home order, in place through April 30, we have entered a new phase in the COVID-19 pandemic. It is my sincere hope that you are adapting to this new normal and staying safe and healthy.
Here at the MSBA, we are working hard to support your needs during this crisis. To that end, I want to share with you some updates:
Bar Talk:
If you haven't joined us already, please join us each weekday at 11:15 a.m. for Bar Talk: Daily Zoom Updates with President Day & ED Armstrong. These are 15-minute briefings designed to keep you informed about the state of legal affairs in Maine and the MSBA's response to the COVID-19 crisis. Today, Bar Counsel Aria Eee and Justin Andrus joined us from the Board of Overseers of the Bar. We look forward to hosting Board representatives each Friday for the foreseeable future.
Meeting ID:
215 380 3769
To participate by phone:
1-646-558-8656
You may also dial-in if your computer does not have speakers.
Please email questions and concerns to Angela Armstrong at
aarmstrong@mainebar.org
and we'll address them during our Zoom conference.
Remote Notarization:
On March 25, I contacted Governor Mills to request an emergency order allowing remote notarization. You may read the letter
here
. We are working with the Governor's office to resolve this issue and will keep you updated.
Judicial Branch Orders:
We have been fielding questions from members about recent court orders from the Judicial Branch. In many cases, we are finding that attorneys are seeking clarification of the orders. We were in touch with Chief Justice Saufley, who has asked us to consolidate your questions, and submit them to her office. We will work with the Chief and Amy Quinlan, her communications director, to obtain clarification and resolve your concerns. Please email your questions to me at
thaddeus@mainelegalservices.net
or Angela Armstrong at
aarmstrong@mainebar.org
. In the meantime, if you have not seen the Court's Pandemic Management Orders, you can read them
here
.
Bar Headquarters & Staff:
In accordance with Gov. Mills' order, Bar Headquarters is closed to walk-in service and MSBA staff continue to work remotely. Although in-person CLE programs have been postponed, there are other options available via webinar and telephone. It is a great time to get CLE done. You can visit the CLE Calendar
here
. I also encourage you to visit our
COVID-19 Response
page for information and resources. Finally, MSBA staff are available to assist you with questions. A complete staff list, with contact information, can be found
here
.
I look forward to connecting with you during our next Bar Talk on Monday at 11:15.
