Here we have gathered together information anda number of useful articles from the Law Society so that you may find them easily in one place. 

The new national lockdown will come into force in England at 12.01am on Thursday 5 November and last until at least Wednesday 2 December. 

In Wales, the restrictions brought in through the national ‘firebreak’ lockdown will continue until 9 November.

But remember - you can Carry on Trading!!

What are the new restrictions in England?

The most relevant points for solicitors include:

• going to work – everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. Where people cannot do so, they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace
• international travel – outbound international travel and overnight stays away from home are to be banned, unless for work purposes. If people must travel, they should follow the quarantine guidelines and relevant travel corridor restrictions
• courts – courts will remain open unless otherwise stated
• education – childcare, schools, colleges and universities will remain open and the prime minister stressed school is the best place for children to be
• vulnerable people – clinically vulnerable people have been asked to follow the restrictions closely as far as possible. New guidance will be published on visits to care homes
• property market remains open – the housing secretary has given an update on the housing market update ahead of second lockdown:
  • renters and homeowners will be able to move
  • removal firms and estate agents can operate
  • construction sites can and should continue
  • tradespeople will be able to enter homes
  • all must follow the COVID-19 safety guidance
• key workers – the definition of 'key workers' will be the same as it was in the first lockdown and will therefore cover solicitors if they fall within these categories:
  • advocates (including solicitor advocates) required to appear before a court or tribunal (remotely or in person), including prosecutors
  • other legal practitioners required to support the administration of justice including duty solicitors (police station and court) and barristers, solicitors, legal executives, paralegals and others who work on imminent or ongoing court or tribunal hearings
  • solicitors acting in connection with the execution of wills
  • solicitors and barristers advising people living in institutions or deprived of their liberty

Some articles

Blueprint for law firms and solicitors facing local lockdowns

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/coronavirus/practical-framework-for-law-firms-and-sole-practitioners-on-return-to-the-office

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for legal services

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-legal-services

Guidance to law firms on the Job Support Scheme

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/coronavirus/guidance-to-law-firms-on-the-job-support-scheme

Ups and downs: lockdown and high street conveyancing firms

https://communities.lawsociety.org.uk/september-2020/ups-and-downs/6001304.article

Why law firm leaders need to take a break

https://communities.lawsociety.org.uk/coronavirus-managing-in-a-recession/why-law-firm-leaders-need-to-take-a-break/6001217.article

Getting back to the office: supporting your people

https://communities.lawsociety.org.uk/coronavirus-managing-in-a-recession/getting-back-to-the-office-supporting-your-people/6001322.article