The chief judge of Miami-Dade’s trial courts said Wednesday that all jury trials will be suspended through at least Jan. 31, 2021, due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases. READ MORE >

TALLAHASSEE — Saying he is acting “out of an abundance of caution,” Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker said he is postponing all of his civil trials until the coronavirus pandemic is under control and the number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths in Florida has dropped. READ MORE >

Florida’s state court system needs more than $16 million to address increased workloads caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a budget request submitted last week to the Legislature. READ MORE >

Florida’s Chief Justice Charles Canady distributed “Best Practices” guidelines on May 11, 2020, that were developed by a statewide COVID-19 Workgroup to help people navigate new remote procedures used by state courts in the coronavirus pandemic. READ MORE >

Memorandum and Best Practices Guidelines from Justice Canady

The Florida Supreme Court held several dry-run tests this week to prepare for a history-making transition. On May 6, 2020, the state’s highest court will hold virtual oral arguments using remote technology for the first time in its 175-year history. READ MORE > 

The following is a the link to the administrative order creating the “Workgroup on the Continuity of Court Operations and Proceedings During and After COVID 19.” READ MORE > 

The Florida Supreme Court held several dry-run tests this week to prepare for a history-making transition. On May 6, 2020, the state’s highest court will hold virtual oral arguments using remote technology for the first time in its 175-year history. READ MORE > 

FJA has been continuing to monitor developments regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19. In an abundance of caution and in light of recent reports and uncertainties in Florida surrounding the virus, FJA has determined that for the health and safety of its members, speakers, vendors and sponsors, the 2020 Workhorse Seminar will move forward, but not as an in-person program. Instead, we are looking at innovative solutions to ensure you are able to get the top-notch CLE content you’ve come to expect. READ MORE >

FJA Legacy Business Friend of EAGLE Universal Court Reporting (UCR) is providing free remote deposition services so you can attend from your home or office from any desktop computer, mobile phone or tablet. UCR can also arrange conference calls free of charge if you prefer to attend by telephone. READ MORE >

Learn how to Take Deposition using Zoom Video
Learn how to Give your Deposition via Zoom Video

The judges and staff of the Miami-Dade Courts this week began training on the Zoom video conferencing platform in preparation for a future rollout of Virtual Courtrooms. A testing phase is also underway. Judges participating in testing have begun holding virtual hearings, and judges who have completed training are beginning to schedule Virtual Courtroom hearings on Zoom. Additional updates will be provided once testing and training have been completed. READ MORE > 

Listed below are updated webinar links from Broward County Bar Association and additional webinars offered by the Florida Defense Lawyers Association. These webinars are offered to enhance virtual capabilities of lawyers during the Covid19 health crisis.

Disaster Financial Assistance Relief for Law Firms
https://cle.browardbar.org/us/Disaster-Financial-Assistance-Relief-for-Law-Firms/p/143476

Viral Advice: Keep your Distance – Is your Technology Prepared For Work From Home Operations?
https://cle.browardbar.org/us/Viral-Advice-Keep-your-Distance-Is-your-Technology-Prepared-For-Work-From-Home-Operations/p/142652

Remote Collaboration Using Microsoft Teams
https://cle.browardbar.org/us/Remote-Collaboration-Using-Microsoft-Teams/p/143004

Upcoming CLE Webinars

Friday April 3 12:00
How to Present a Successful Client Webinar – Do’s, Don’ts and Product Use
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7826309878766540045

Tuesday April 7 12:00
Reaching Resolution in a Remote Revolution – Remote Mediation Do’s, Don’ts, and Best Practices
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3731880309555033870

Thursday April 9 12:00
Paid Sick Leave Under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Every Attorney Should Know!
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4965176114179327502

Florida Defense Lawyers Association will offer the following upcoming free webinars.

Thursday, April 2, 2020 – 12:00-1:00pm
Cybersecurity Risks of Remote Lawyers and Employees
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/5215857769522/WN_0OtLJJ8vS6uwnTqATXZO1Q

Thursday, April 9, 2020 – 12:00-1:00pm
Tips for Becoming a Productive (and Happier) Remote Worker
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1815857769985/WN_o8kxuCGaT5ejuLDfuMp0Tw

Thursday, April 23, 2020 – 12:00-1:00pm
Handling Cases Remotely When “Home Alone”
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1915857771672/WN_vZH5zM57SEewHtvztl7Riw