Advocating On Behalf Of Solo Practitioners and Small Firms Impacted By COVID-19

Advocating On Behalf Of Solo Practitioners and Small Firms Impacted By COVID-19

4.21.2020

By Brendan Kennedy

The COVID-19 health crisis has put tremendous strain on small businesses across the state. With more than half of the members of the New York State Bar Association working as solo practitioners or at small firms, the Emergency Task Force for Solo and Small Firm Practitioners was formed to assist attorneys with the immediate and long-term needs of small firms and solo practitioners

Domenick Napoletano of Brooklyn and June Castellano of Rochester, co-chairs of the task force and solo practitioners, are this week’s guests on the Miranda Warnings podcast where they discuss the work they’re doing to help lawyers impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis.

First Napoletano and Castellano discuss why the task force divided into six subcommittees and how each one will examine one piece of the puzzle to help these attorneys keep their doors open.

Napoletano then gives his first-hand account of applying for the Paycheck Protection Program as well as other federal loan programs meant to ease the financial burden on small businesses.

They then discuss their accomplishments since forming in late March, including how members successfully advocated for the federal and state courts to allow the submission of interim vouchers from attorneys.

Castellano then goes on to summarize Executive Order 202.14 and explain how notarial acts can now be performed utilizing audio-video technology provided that certain criteria are met.