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On the Fly: Area Law Firms Take Steps to Deal With Coronavirus

March 19, 2020

With court closures and other drastic measures taken to combat the spread of coronavirus, law firms are rising to cope with this unprecedented challenge to everyday life. Butzel Long launched an online Coronavirus Resource Center to address the legal, regulatory, and commercial implications of COVID-19. "Our priority is to ensure our clients are well-informed on the legalities and implications of the coronavirus and how it will affect their businesses," said Chief Marketing Officer Vanessa Crocetto of the Detroit based firm that has offices in Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Lansing, New York, and Washington, D.C. We will add information and provide regular updates. Varnum‚ another firm whose many offices include Ann Arbor and Lansing, launched a COVID-19 Task Force led by Executive Partner Scott Hill to mitigate the potential negative impact the virus may have on clients' business and operations.

In addition to such concerns as contractual agreements and supply chain matters, the task force also will review labor and employment relations, policies to govern self-quarantine, and how to handle business immigration issues that may arise. The task force also may draw on broad expertise to advise on timing for mergers and acquisitions, according to Hill. "With global trade, we're all so connected and tied together. We're helping clients figure out how to find alternate sources of supply," Hill said.

Mark A. Davis, president and CEO of Howard & Howard PLLC, said attorneys and staff who can work remotely will do so. The firm also has cancelled non-essential business travel and firm-sponsored social events. "We are monitoring and following all federal, state, and local guidelines," Davis said. "Our first priority is making sure we fully engage in all of the efforts to stem the spread of this dangerous virus. With that being said, we have an ethical obligation to also protect our clients' interests. Our offices will remain open with extremely reduced staff to handle day-to-day business functions. Anyone in the office is asked to practice social distancing. The goal is to implement best health and welfare practices while managing the business."

Mark Bernstein, president of The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, said the firm started providing employees with unlimited paid time off several weeks ago, without any financial consequence, so they could stay home if they were experiencing any COVID-19-type symptoms. The firm also has rapidly activated and expanded remote work capabilities. "This is an enormously important, urgent and complex task that involves literally every person, process and structure of our operation," Bernstein said. "Thankfully, we have invested heavily in technology over the years‚ (and) we're able to serve our clients without interruption." Daniel Dalton, from Dalton & Tomich in downtown Detroit, said the firm had prepared and has the technology available for all employees to work from home with one person at the office. "We've opened a Slack channel for messaging; we scheduled firm-wide calls three times a week; we are offering services to employees who feel stressed and we are working with clients to make sure that all projects and tasks are completed on time and in final form" he said.

Partner Zana Tomich added that the firm has been "proactive" in its approach to the health crisis. "As a firm, this is unlike anything we've ever encountered and have tried to be proactive by allowing all of our employees to work remotely before the first cases of the virus hit Michigan," said Tomich. "We cancelled all non-essential meetings, travel, and other face-to-face encounters to which our attorneys are accustomed." Vince Colella, from the Southfield based personal injury firm of Moss & Colella, noted that while for most lawyers business may be conducted via video and teleconferencing, for the trial lawyer, a shut down of the courts poses a significant threat to the expeditious access to justice. "While we would like to believe that judges can rule on motions without the necessity of holding hearings, jury trials are an integral part of our system of justice," Colella said. "Absent the ability to convene juries in civil cases will result in substantial hardship to the victims of personal injury who await their day in court. Brian McKeen, managing partner of McKeen & Associates, which specializes in medical malpractice cases, said the coronavirus crisis has prompted the firm to implement a series of workflow measures. "Many of our employees are working at home, particularly those who have high risk profiles," McKeen said. "We have a number of employees who will be staffing the office to receive and process mail, etc. and we are taking extra precautions to ensure the environment is sanitized and safe. We are continuing to field all phone calls from clients and others and maintaining business as usual as much as possible. Depositions will continue, conducted by videoconferencing or phone. We feel that while caution should be taken, discovery should continue." Steve Gursten, president and attorney at Michigan Auto Law, said the firm is well "equipped" to handle the coronavirus challenge. "Thanks to major investments we have made in recent years, we have the technology already in place to allow us to continue to work unimpeded during this national health pandemic and follow the social-distancing guidelines," Gursten said of the firm with five offices in Michigan. ‚"These include providing our clients with the ability to continue communicating with their attorney and their teams at any time." "All of our attorneys and professionals can still be reached by phone or e-mail or chat," added Gursten. "We are also a completely paperless office, and we are equipped with the ability to teleconference, Skype, or use webcams and services like Zoom to continue working on our cases and communicate with our clients, counsel, and experts. All of these technology investments should allow us keep working while keeping the risk of exposure low for our clients and staff."

In the event of a full national shutdown and mandatory quarantine, our entire law office has full remote access capability, call-forwarding, and the ability to access any file from the cloud "so even if there is a national shutdown and quarantine we can continue to work from home and continue to help the people who put their trust in us after being injured in a car accident," Gursten said. ‚"We take this extremely seriously. Clearly no one saw the coronavirus coming, but it is also important to note that none of these investments in technology happened overnight. All of these things take time, take money, and take a lot of training, but these are all the reasons why we are now better equipped to work through this national health emergency over the weeks or months to come than most law firms."

This article was first seen: http://www.legalnews.com/detroit/1486002/

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Client Testimonials

I HIGHLY recommend David Moss; he exceeded my expectations numerous times, and I feel fortunate and blessed to have worked with him and his team. Moss & Colella attorneys have relentless perseverance and dedication for everyone they represent.
If this firm takes your case, it's in exceptionally experienced hands. The hands of attorneys who care about your well-being and the outcome of your litigation!
When I got into a car accident, my life changed. David and Ryan understood how this change affected my livelihood and mobility. They handled my case professionally, and I couldn't be more thankful for all of the sincere guidance and help provided throughout this process.
Thanks so much for everything!!!

The Burls

Client

 I was referred to Moss & Colella in 2018 following a car accident. I cannot tell you how confident and safe I felt knowing that I was in good hands. David, and Ryan made sure that I always had any questions or concerns addressed in a timely manner. I appreciated their compassion, and understanding as I got emotional, and the reassurance they provided, made me feel important and valued as a client. If you need a great lawyer for an injury, this is your firm! I hope I never need to be in a position where I’d need their help again, but if I did, I’d gladly seek their services!

T. Ray

Client

My son sadly passed after a vehicle accident, it was a hard case. Mr. Moss was our lawyer, he was very helpful, very informative, very up front and put alot of effort into this case. He’s a great man, a honest man and his law firm will do the best with any case brought to them. Everyone at his office was very kind and very helpful. I absolutely recommend them for any of your lawsuit needs.
Very grateful for this firm!

S. Collins

Client

Words can not express how grateful I am for the outcome of this case. It was truly a blessing to have this resolved sooner than expected. But without your help and my faith in your firm along with my faith on God, this may not have been possible. I appreciate everything you have done in orchestrating everything to this resolve, for your time and effort meant the world to me. I thank my friend for putting me in touch with such a talented group of people. You will always be considered my attorneys of choice for anything that comes up in the future that would render your services. This year has definitely been many blessings so far and I welcome many more to come. Thank you again for everything and may you continue to be blessed.

Janene

Mother of Client

Very few people on this earth impress me. You are one of the very few. My family and I thank you for all you did. You are a good man!

Jason

Client

Other law firms would not take my case, they said it was too complicated. But David Moss took my case and got the result I was looking for in almost no time at all. I’m glad I didn’t listen to those other lawyers.

Anonymous

Client

I just wanted to thank you for putting your time and effort into my case. You did a wonderful job last Thursday. You are what people say you are, a wonderful lawyer.

Adam

Client

I do not only count on you as one bad ass lawyer, but also a friend. None of this would be possible without you. My deepest gratitude to you and all of the Moss & Colella team.

Anonymous

Client

I am very relieved and very happy with the outcome. I appreciate everything you and your firm did to see this through and I will be grateful for that always. You all came highly recommended and now I see why based on what you did in helping my son through a very challenging moment in his life. We will always be your fans:) Thank you again and may you always be Blessed…

Anonymous

Mother of Client

Moss & Colella PC goes above and beyond, and then some, to get the results you need and deserve! Since my accident in 2021, in which I broke several bones and am not able to work anymore, my vehicle insurance company dropped the ball. They not only tried to discredit me, but also have been trying to screw me out of what was owed to me. Thank you to David and the whole team for putting their all into my case, I got more than I expected! I am so overwhelmed and appreciative by what they have done for me!

Jeanice

Client

Thanks for another great Colella in Context, Vince. You are helping all of us by taking the time to write your thoughtful column.

Anonymous

Attorney

Attorney David Moss was referred to me after my car accident, I really did not know what to expect. I met with him and he explained the process well. His office helped me get compensation for missing work because of the accident. He was able to get compensation for my caregiver. He also was able to get all my medical bills from the accident paid by the insurance company. And finally he was able to get me much more from the insurance company than their first offer. He and his staff are professionals. I highly recommend Moss & Colella Law Firm. The other law firms say “they will fight for you”, no Attorney Moss will fight for you. Give his office a call and let them handle your case.

Dana Darby

Client

I was referred to Moss & Colella PC after the accident I was in. I could not have made a better choice. From the initial conversation I had with Mr. Moss about taking legal action, to the day I received my settlement, Mr. Moss and his team worked diligently and were adamant about getting what was deserved, keeping me informed each step of the way. What I respect the most about this firm is they are straight up with you about what is going on and what the best options are for you. Thank you to David, Ryan, Kelly, Janice and anyone else who had a part in getting this done.

Dame Mitchell

Client

Best choice I ever made going with Moss & Colella. Vince and Wendy were always there for me from start to finish I love you guys and your firm. I highly recommend this firm. Vince and Wendy are smart, sharp and caring people. God bless you guys and your firm thanks for everything

John Bahoura

Client

I was referred to David and I could never be happier!! I had NO Idea how my case would go or if I even had a case.  David was so STRAIGHT UP with me with the process and how things may go and I can honestly say I appreciated that the MOST. The entire staff made me feel so comfortable, they took care of business! I really appreciate you David!!

Breeana Coe

Client

Attorney David Moss, Ryan, and their assistant Kelly were all AMAZING. They were incredible understanding and patient with me and my family. It was like they knew EVERYTHING  we were going through. They were all right by our side going though and explaining every detail. When this ordeal started I ask someone if they knew of a pit bull that would be able to help us. I am so so glad I was referred to Attorney David Moss.

Thomas Hale

Client

I am very pleased with my experience with Moss & Colella, P.C.  The professionalism, and keeping you informed about every detail that took place were outstanding I could not have picked no one better to handle my case I would give them the highest grade that you possibly could give an attorneys office I am very satisfied with how my case was handled

Earl Moore

Client

The firm of Moss & Colella was wonderful they kept me and my family well informed and constantly gave updates in our challenging legal matter. Kept their word and didn't promise anything they couldn't deliver. I would highly recommend this firm for their personal service and depth of legal knowledge which was a win for my family and helped me feel at ease during a tragic time. Thank you. David Moss Great job. Have a great future. Highly recommended law firm

George Baird

Client

The best staff and always on top of everything. They stay in contact with updates and work hard and fast to hep you in every way. Thanks to all that worked on my case love you all.

Brian L

Client

David Moss and the Moss &  Colella team were awesome! I would recommend them to anyone

Lisette Montry

Client

This is a Top-notch Firm.. They explained my options every step of the way. I would recommend them to my closest family and friends.

Greg Sawmiller

Client

Excellent service very professional fully satisfied

Sterling Crutcher

Client

My experience with this law firm has been excellent. They work hard around-the-clock to solve your situation. I was suggest anyone that needed a lawyer whatever situation to contact them.

Deanne Freenan

Client

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About the Firm

The attorneys of Moss & Colella have carefully chosen their career paths to fight for those that have suffered from injury and wrongful death. We believe every citizen should have the right to hire the best lawyer who will actively advocate for their case.

David Moss and Vince Colella have over 60 collective years of personal injury trial experience that provides you a level of legal services and success unmatched by other firms. By working together, we have the ability to find creative, effective, and efficient solutions to even the most complex cases. No matter what situation you face, we will help you get through it.

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