To our valued clients:
RE: COVID-19
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Smith, Welch, Webb & White, LLC is asking our business partners and clients to assist us in these unique times. Our goal is to stay open and serve our clients for as long as we can. However, we are asking your assistance to keep us all safe and secure.
Public Clients
We realize that our public clients continue to provide essential services to their constituents and we remain available for help and support. It is our goal to remain in touch with you via phone, email, video-conferencing, and even in person in small group (less than 10) settings where required.
Litigation
Over the past weekend, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia issued a Judicial Emergency Order staying all non-essential court hearings and judicial proceedings in Georgia through April 13, 2020 due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout the state and across the country. The Courts are remaining open for filing and other essential functions but have limited public access by postponing all non-emergency matters. The federal courts in Georgia have issued similar Judicial Emergency Orders.
Despite the Order limiting court proceedings, there is a great deal of legal work that can still be done. For example, the courts can still hear essential matters, including domestic violence protective orders, some juvenile court matters, bond hearings, and other matters where there is an immediate safety concern. If you need to navigate one of these emergency situations, we are here to help.
Smith, Welch, Webb & White will continue to work on all matters such as taking depositions, conducting discovery, meeting with clients, e-filing, and all other matters required on a day-to-day basis. Please note that some of our attorneys and staff will be working remotely, so we would ask that you please refrain from sending paper mail, FedEx, and UPS when possible and instead direct all communications via email.
We will also be available to meet with you in person if necessary. However, we would ask that you please make an appointment. In the event of a face to face meeting, please note that we will refrain from personal contact (no hand shaking), we will endeavor to keep the suggested social distancing, and we encourage you to take all precautions that make you feel as comfortable as possible, including wearing gloves and/or face masks. Along those lines, if you wish, we will be happy to meet with you via video conference.
Real Estate Closings
If you are attending a real estate closing, please be aware we are seeking to limit the attendees at each closing to cut down on possible contagion. Only parties who are legally required to sign documents should attend and we ask that you do not bring additional family members or persons to closing. We regret this request as most closings are celebrations and happy times to be shared, but this request is made to protect all people involved.
If you feel ill, have a fever, or have traveled abroad within the last 14 days, please advise us by phone so we can make special arrangements to accommodate you.
We will provide a new pen for you to use and take home with you, but you are certainly welcome to bring your own pen if it uses blue ink. We also encourage you to bring gloves, reading glasses, masks, or any item that helps you feel more comfortable.
If you are involved with a closing as a buyer, seller, or borrower, we must have a copy of the front and back of your driver’s license. As an additional layer of protection, we respectfully ask you to get this to us prior to closing.
Actions We Are Taking
We are taking many special precautions to assure everyone a safe environment. For example, as stated, many of our employees are working remotely. In addition, we deep clean our office frequently and each day our office is professionally misted with a disinfectant. Throughout the day, we are constantly washing our hands and disinfecting surface areas. We no longer have shared items or reading material in the lobby.
We understand that these are very uncertain times and please be assured that we are doing everything we can to be the trusted resource and support that you have come to expect.
