COVID-19 or Coronavirus has affected all aspects of life here in Virginia and elsewhere. Just about evey state has issued a stay at home order and many businesses have either been shuttered completely or have been transformed in the wake of social distancing and other measured designed to “flatten the curve.” In Virginia, unlike some other states, construction continues to be seen as essential enough to continue while following health guidelines in this time of crisis.
I have discussed certain contractual and business keys to watch out for during this time of ever changing governmental and health and safety activity. What I have not discussed is my experience as a solo construction attorney on lockdown.
First, the positive. I am still available and ready to assist current clients and other construction professionals as they navigate these stressful and changing times. One great aspect of my solo practice is that use of the cloud has allowed me almost seamless transition from working at the office to working at the home office. Use of email, a “paperless” office strategy, and voicemail alerts (not to mention a very understanding family on lockdown with me), has kept me in the loop with my clients and allowed my practice to continue with relatively minor changes. I have found that my solo practice is nimble enough to continue serving those in the Virginia construction community in as close to the same fashion as I had in the “pre-COVID-19 days.”
Now, the minor negatives. The Virginia Supreme Court has declared a state of emergency through April 26, 2020 (with the possibility of extension). This has pushed back some hearings and trials that I am sure the parties would rather have held on their originally scheduled dates. I have been limited to weekly checks of the office mail at off hours (if checking at all) which has sometimes added a level of stress. Like many other attorneys practicing in other areas of law, I have had to be creative in communicating with courts, counsel and clients due to the social distancing rules.
While these issues have presented challenges, I have continued to advise folks on everything from mechanic’s liens to bond claims to contractual provisions relating to coronavirus. I have been able to file pleadings, write letters, negotiate resolutions to disputes and generally continue performing the same advising and dispute resolution services I have been providing for my almost 10 years as a solo contracution attorney.
To sum all of this up, The Law Office of Christopher G. Hill, PC is still in business and I remain ready, willing and able to assist those that perform construction in Virginia with their legal needs during this crisis and beyond.
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