State Bar Temporarily Closing
Friends and colleagues,
The staff of the State Bar and I have been working diligently over the past several days to develop a plan for the Bar’s operation that considers guidance received from federal and state authorities, but also considers our obligation to serve the Bar’s membership. We are mindful of your safety and security as well as that of the Bar’s staff and those who use our facilities across the state. I write to share that plan with you.
Effective Monday, March 16, all State Bar of Georgia offices will close, and this closure will remain in effect through March 31. We are of course mindful that matters are fluid and changing at a rapid pace, so we will continue to monitor developments, and if appropriate, extend this closure.
With this, all events scheduled for any State Bar of Georgia facility during this period have been cancelled. If you had arranged to attend an ICLE program to be held at any State Bar of Georgia facility between now and March 31, you will receive an email with directions and instructions for obtaining CLE credit via alternative means. The March 31 deadline for obtaining your 2019 hours has been extended to April 30.
Also, if you had arranged to hold a meeting, mediation, deposition or other event at any State Bar of Georgia facility between now and March 31, you will be (if you have not already been) contacted by a member of the State Bar staff to arrange rescheduling.
Despite this closure of State Bar offices, the parking deck at the Bar Center in Atlanta will remain accessible to Bar members. Arrangements are being made so that Bar members can access the deck and exit it without the need to obtain a parking validation sticker. So that you feel safe continuing to use the parking deck and to otherwise ensure the safety of the Bar Center, security staff will continue to man and monitor the building during this closure.
Finally, the State Bar’s staff will, where possible, telecommute. They will remain available to assist you where needed, understanding of course, there may be delays in providing that assistance.
Thank you for your patience in the coming days and weeks. And please heed the recommendations of local and federal health officials to protect yourselves, your families, your friends and your colleagues from this virus.
Sincerely,
Darrell Sutton
President, State Bar of Georgia
president@gabar.org [ mailto:president@gabar.org ]