Please Wait a Moment
X

COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 Resources & FAQs

State Bar Center

The State Bar Center is open for meetings and events in accordance with state health and safety requirements. For more information contact info@sbnm.org or 505-797-6000.


Resources for Attorneys & FAQ About Coronavirus

The State Bar of New Mexico is committed to helping New Mexico lawyers respond optimally to the developing COVID-19 coronavirus situation. Our recommendations are based on advisories from the CDC and other health agencies. This page will be updated regularly during this rapidly evolving situation. Please check back often for the latest information from the State Bar of New Mexico. If you have additional questions or suggestions about the State Bar's response to the coronavirus situation, please email Executive Director Richard Spinello at ed@sbnm.org.

Questions & Answers

Have any State Bar of New Mexico services been disrupted by the coronavirus?

Visit our Events Calendar for an up to date list of events. Lawyers and the public will be notified of any changes to our meetings, CLEs, or services.

Can I still hold a meeting at the State Bar of New Mexico building?

In accordance with the New Mexico Department of Health's recommendations for social distancing and safety procedures, we encourage all groups to meet remotely using their teleconference or videoconferencing services. The State Bar Center is open for meetings in accordance with state health and safety requirements. For more information contact info@sbnm.org or 505-797-6000.

How should my firm prepare for a potential outbreak in my community?

CDC Workplace, School and Home Guidance
View Worksheet Online

ABA Disaster Guidance for Legal Professionals
The American Bar Association offers disaster guidance for legal professionals, much of which could be applied during an outbreak or pandemic. The ABA offers a preparedness checklist, including questions that attorneys should be able to answer, such as:
• Can you access critical client records remotely?
• Have you prioritized your firm’s critical functions?
• Do you have a “go kit” of office items you would need if you could not access your primary office?
• Employers should also revisit their emergency preparedness plans and be ready to respond to varying levels of severity were an outbreak to occur.

The CDC advises employers to prepare for the possibility of:
• Widespread absenteeism, especially if employees need to care for sick family members
• Many, or all, employees needing to work remotely
• The need to suspend some business operations
• What special legal needs might the public have during an outbreak?

Attorneys would face unique concerns during a severe outbreak as they would need to work to ensure that the rule of law is respected and protected. Attorneys should be prepared to work with clients whose employers’ emergency policies aren’t consistent with existing workplace laws.

What precautions can I take now to help prevent an outbreak?

The top three preventative recommendations from Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization:

1. Encouraging sick employees to stay home
2. Reminding all employees to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer often
3. Regularly cleaning all office surfaces that are frequently touched

I'm feeling really overwhelmed by everything I'm hearing and reading. Is there anyone I can talk to?

Yes! The State Bar of New Mexico has a FREE Employee Assistance Program. The State Bar NM LAP has partnered with The Solutions Group to bring all those who work in the legal community in New Mexico FREE services for themselves and their immediate family members. The Solutions Group offers four free counseling sessions per concern per year with the assurance that any and all information shared is 100% CONFIDENTIAL; nothing shared with any of The Solutions Group's licensed counselors will be shared with NM LAP nor any other agency/individual without your express written consent. Call 505-228-1948 for more information.


 

CONTACT US

5121 Masthead St. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
PO Box 92860
Albuquerque, NM 87199-2860

505-797-6000
800-876-6227
866-767-7281 (fax)

Email Us

ABOUT THE STATE BAR