CLIENT UPDATE

Amid the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, some of our clients have expressed concern regarding the new and sudden challenges their businesses now face. Despite these concerns, our clients have also expressed general positivity and eagerness to explore creative solutions to these issues. Your attitude has been a source of reassurance for us and so we would like to also reassure you that there are solutions to these challenges and that we remain committed to helping you through them. McArdle Franco PLLC has implemented a crisis response plan, maintaining all of its staff and attorneys fully operational to assist you and your businesses.

Florida’s Justice System is Adapting and Remains Operational

The Florida Supreme Court has issued a series of emergency administrative orders setting forth a number
of provisional procedures relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. While trials and other proceedings requiring in-person attendance have been temporarily suspended pending the installation of virtual attendance technology, many Courts are continuing to conduct hearings telephonically. Scheduled court hearings have occurred this week and will continue in the coming weeks and months. The Supreme Court has further relaxed the rules for notaries, allowing them to swear-in witnesses remotely. This will allow parties to conduct depositions through video platforms such as Zoom and Ring Central Meetings rather than appearing in person.

In short, Florida’s judicial system remains a robust dispute-resolution option for parties requiring adjudication of their claims.

McArdle Franco PLLCs Office Operations

While, in the interest of the health of our staff members and clients, our firm is strictly observing CDC and governmental safety guidelines, including social distancing, we remain fully operational. All attorneys and staff have full remote work capabilities (as we have during hurricane closures). We have implemented regular production conferences through our customized video platform among relevant staff and attorney teams to aggressively push our cases and transactions forward. This platform also facilitates video meetings with clients and opposing counsel.

In this past week McArdle Franco PLLC litigation attorneys have filed complaints to initiate new business litigation actions; filed substantive briefs and other papers; and coordinated witness depositions and telephonic court hearings.
Our transactional teams have closed complex, commercial real estate transactions, involving institutional and private debt facilities, 1031 exchanges and equity-repositioning.

In addition, we have formed teams to analyze and stay ahead of changes in the law and governmental assistance programs that may help our clients bridge over temporary reductions in revenue and plan for general uncertainty. While the business community has been presented with unique challenges, we at McArdle Franco PLLC have been encouraged by the creativity and tenacity exhibited by community business leaders. We remain committed to helping you find solutions to present problems and to assure further future prosperity.