COVID-19 Updates for New York Lawyers

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By Tyler Maulsby —

This article was originally published December 1, 2020.

UPDATED December 1, 2020

The developments surrounding COVID-19 are rapidly changing. Below is a quick reference guide and links to resources for New York lawyers trying to navigate the current legal landscape in light of the temporary changes to the law and the court system.

Executive Action

Executive Order 202.74
- Lifting the toll on civil statutes of limitations
Executive Order 202.67
- Extending tolling of statutes of limitations and other deadlines as well as remote notarization and witnessing of documents until November 3, 2020
Executive Order 202.60
- Extending tolling of statutes of limitations and other deadlines as well as remote notarization and witnessing of documents until October 4, 2020
Executive Order 202.55
- Extending tolling of statutes of limitations and other deadlines as well as remote notarization and witnessing of documents until September 4, 2020
Executive Order 202.48
- Extending tolling of statutes of limitations and other deadlines as well as remote notarization and witnessing of documents until August 5, 2020
Executive Order 202.39
- Extending tolling of statutes of limitations and other deadlines until July 7, 2020
Executive Order 202.38
- Extending suspension and modifications of laws, including remote witnessing and virtual notarization until July 7,2020
Executive Order 202.29
- Extending time for actions to be filed under CPLR 214-g (the Child Victims Act)
Executive Order 202.28
- Further tolling statutes of limitations, service and other statutory deadlines until June 7, 2020.
- Extending time period to permit remote witnessing and notarization of documents.
Executive Order 202.18
- Extending the time for all non-essential businesses to maintain 100% remote operations until May 15, 2020
Executive Order 202.17
- Requiring use of face coverings where unable to maintain social distancing
Executive Order 202.16
- Requiring employers to provide face coverings to any employees required to report to work in-person
Executive Order 202.14:
- Extending the time for all non-essential businesses to maintain 100% remote operations until April 29, 2020
- Further tolling statutes of limitations, service and other statutory deadlines until May 7, 2020
- Permitting witnessing and notarization of written instruments to occur remotely
- Extending all other suspensions and modifications of law addressed in earlier executive orders
Executive Order 202.8:
- Requiring all non-essential businesses to reduce in-person workforce by 100%;
- Tolling statutes of limitations, service and filing deadlines until April 18, 2020
- Suspending in-person shareholder meeting requirement in Business Corporation Law
Executive Order 202.7
- Permitting virtual notarization (provided certain conditions are met)
New York Empire State Development Guidance on “Essential” Businesses

*NOTE: Empire State Development subsequently issued the following guidance concerning whether law firms constitute essential businesses:

Lawyers may continue to perform all work necessary for any service so long as it is performed remotely. Any in-person work presence shall be limited to work only in support of essential businesses or services; however, even work in support of an essential business or service should be conducted as remotely as possible.

NYS Appellate Courts