State Bar of Texas Response to Coronavirus Pandemic
Court Guidance and Closures
Supreme Court of Texas current emergency orders
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Emergency Order 57 – Issued 10/31/2022
Renews 55th Emergency Order. Among other things, the order details when it is appropriate to conduct remote court proceedings. -
Emergency Order 56 – Issued 10/31/2022
Renews and amends 54th Emergency Order that relates to the Texas Eviction Diversion Program and requirements for evictions related to nonpayment of rent.
Office of Court Administration Guidance
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Live-Streaming Proceedings: The OCA is providing judges the ability to stream and host court proceedings via Zoom and YouTube. Only State of Texas Judges are eligible for access to the OCA-provided Zoom accounts. To request access or inquire about a previous request please contact: zoomhelp@txcourts.gov. For more information and an OCA list of resources including Zoom 101, setup help, meeting controls, and other tips, go here. For a list of court YouTube channels, click here.
Free Lawyer Resources and Webinars
The State Bar offers several hours of free CLE on the TexasBarCLE website, including recent webcasts related to the coronavirus:
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Benefits and Challenges of Invoking Force Majeure Clauses in the Age of the Coronavirus - MCLE Credit: 1 hour. Accreditation for this course expires on February 28, 2023. You must complete the course and report your MCLE hours prior to this date to receive credit. Go here to watch the course.
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How Lawyers Can Recover from Survival Mode — MCLE Credit: .75 hour (includes 0.75 hrs ethics). Accreditation for this course expires on February, 28, 2023. You must complete the course and report your hours prior to this date to receive credit. Go here to watch the course.
For attorneys in financial need who require additional CLE, TexasBarCLE scholarships are available for online classes. Remember, in Texas it is permissible for lawyers to complete all 15 hours of required continuing legal
Well-being Resources
Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program professionals created a web page of wellness resources to assist attorneys, law students, and judges. Review the resources available at texasbar.com/TLAPSupportToolbox.
Free Legal Resources for the Public
The State Bar is proud to join in partnership with legal aid, access to justice, and volunteer organizations around the state to help Texans with civil legal problems resulting from the pandemic. Please see this page of legal resources: texasbar.com/covidhelp.
COVID-19 Pro Bono Efforts
Visit probonotexas.org/covid for information about COVID-19 volunteer opportunities with legal aid and pro bono providers across Texas, view pandemic-related pro bono resources, and learn more about the volunteer experience.
Emergency Legal Aid Fund
The Texas Access to Justice Foundation has created an emergency legal aid fund designed to support the civil legal needs of Texans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more about the fund and donate, go here.
State and federal health resources
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is working closely with local, state, and federal partners in responding to COVID-19. Visit their website for more information.
