Alabama State Bar Moves to Limited Operations; Building Closed to Public

The Alabama State Bar has been working diligently to develop a plan for the bar’s operation that considers guidance received from federal and state authorities and also our duty and obligation to serve you, our members.

Effective Tuesday, March 17, we will have limited hours of operation within the building due to COVID-19, and many of our employees will be working remotely, where possible. They will remain available to assist you when needed, although there may be some delays in providing that assistance.

In addition, the ASB building will be closed to the public until further notice, starting March 17. The situation is fluid and changing at a rapid pace, so we will continue to monitor developments, and make changes as necessary. If you had arranged to hold a meeting, mediation, deposition or other event at the bar building in the next few weeks, you will be (if you have not already been) contacted by a member of our staff to arrange rescheduling. 

We stand ready to continue to carry out the essential functions of the Bar and will continue to keep you updated and provide guidance about how to move forward. Please heed the recommendations of local and federal health officials to protect yourselves, your families, your friends and your colleagues from this virus.

We understand that this situation will likely cause significant hardships to many of your. Please let us know how we might provide resources to help you withstand the changes created by the pandemic.

Information and Guidance from the Courts Related to COVID-19 

We encourage each of our members to read the full order issued Mar. 13 by the Supreme Court of Alabama. The order suspends all in-person proceedings in all state and local courts in Alabama, including, but not limited to, proceedings in the circuit court, district court (including cases on the small claims docket), juvenile court, municipal court, probate court, and appellate courts until Apr. 16, 2020, with limitations and exceptions. View the full order by clicking here.

On Mar. 15, the Court sent out an updated order to clarify that out-of-court activities in civil cases, including, but not limited to, depositions and mediations can still take place. You can read that order here.

Consistent with the Supreme Court's order, all disciplinary hearings and other discipline-related matters will be continued until after Apr. 16.

Alabama State Bar's COVID-19 Landing Page

We are continuing to update our dedicated landing page to keep you abreast of any changes and closures that may impact attorneys throughout the state. Please bookmark this page and check it frequently.

We have created a short link, so you can easily remember and access the page:  www.alabar.org/covid19

You can help us by emailing our communications staff if you receive information about court and courthouse closures in your local circuits.

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