Summary: Many law firms around the country have begun Ebola-focused practices, offering seminars and tool kits that detail their services.
According to the American Lawyer, firms around the country have begun creating “Ebola practices.” Arent Fox, Ogletree Deakins, Jackson Lewis, and Smoak & Stewart have all begun building their Ebola practices within their firms. Tool kits on Ebola-related employment issues, as well as seminars, are being offered by these firms.
Fisher & Phillips recently claimed that its seminar on Ebola was in such high demand that registration had to close. Further, other firms have flaunted their representation of pharmaceutical companies that are working to develop a vaccine for Ebola.
Read more about possible financial consequences of the Ebola virus here.
However, perhaps the most impressive practice is at Reed Smith. Its new practice is called “The Global Ebola Task Force,” and involves attorneys from many areas of practice, as well as attorneys from Reed Smith’s “longstanding Africa Business Team.” Reed Smith, however, does not have an office located in Africa.
Read more about Reed Smith’s Ebola practice here.
Sandy Thomas, managing partner of Reed Smith, stated in the firm’s press release, “The virus has the potential to affect international commerce and trade, not just on the African continent, but worldwide. Our Global Ebola Task Force will put Reed Smith in front of the legal challenges our clients face.”
Bradley Patrick, the head of the new task force, told the American Lawyer, “We’re not contributing to the panic. It’s the opposite effect. We’re providing rational responses that prevent overreaction and hysteria.”
Of course, it’s too early to tell whether the practice will prove lucrative for these firms. However, it no doubt will continue to bring these firms attention.
Read the latest about Ebola quarantines here.
Photo credit: time.com