Oade, Stroud & Kleiman, P.C. (“OSK”) represents a number of businesses large and small in a wide range of industries. There is no client who is not affected in some way by the COVID-19 or Coronavirus situation. That seems to be exacerbated by the constant and rapid changes, and some unprecedented events, such as government orders to shut down. Due to the nature of our work, we have worked remotely for years. While there is still some impact due to things like court closings and limitations on government services, we will continue to provide legal services to business clients very similar to past practice.
Interestingly, the impact of the Coronavirus on business and government has resulted in a number of significant and immediate events that make our business clients uncertain. For example, we have seen a significant number of both commercial and residential lease defaults, real and threatened. We anticipate the number of defaults will be much larger on April 1 and thereafter. We have seen commercial tenants such as restaurants ordered to close and residential tenants try to break leases because their university closed or they were laid off. We have seen business interruption insurance claims denied and lawsuits against insurers filed. And we have seen the courts deny filings to certain “nonessential” types of pleadings. We represent a large contingent of contractors, trades, and suppliers in the construction industries. We have seen an uptick in claims for non-payment and requests to file liens. And we have seen certain of the county registers of deeds limit filings to mail and overnight mail, which makes those last minute lien filings more difficult.
None of us know what is going to happen with the virus. But we believe it will pass and it will pass within a relatively short period of time. There is no doubt that it has affected and will continue to affect our work. Courts have closed. Trials and hearings are being cancelled. Depositions are being postponed. There is a need for strong management making good decisions through that period of time. Early assessment and action is generally better than waiting. We are here and we are working. Our jobs are, by definition, to counsel and advocate for our clients. We have years of experience.
Contact us with your questions.