Updated 8-6-20 at 6:38 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Alabama State Bar President Robert G. Methvin on Thursday appointed Cullman lawyer Champ Crocker to the Bar’s COVID-19 Task Force.
This task force of lawyers from across the state was created in response to the growing needs of Alabama lawyers arising from the coronavirus (COVID-19). The task force will identify the issues and needs Alabama lawyers are facing as a result of the pandemic, make recommendations to address those issues, and help mobilize volunteer lawyers and other professionals to assist those who need help.
Crocker told The Tribune, “The legal community, like all of society, is facing unprecedented challenges, but we’re committed to facing those challenges head-on, because the courts never close. There are a number of practical considerations, such as whether to have hearings in person or not, court proceedings dealing with jurors and witnesses and parties to cases. All are things that must be considered.
“The Alabama State Bar has put together this task force of lawyers from around the state to study how the pandemic affects the legal profession, as well as our clients who have cases in the courts, and to hopefully be in a position to make recommendations to decision makers.
“One of the things Cullman County has done a great job of is utilizing virtual hearings. I’ve got cases in other counties that have not utilized virtual hearings to the degree Cullman County’s courts have done. The virtual hearings work remarkably well. I’ve done eight or 10 so far, and our judges and our court personnel have utilized it. It has been good for clients, because if they were waiting on an in-person proceeding, they might be waiting a little bit longer. So the virtual hearings through Zoom have worked remarkably well here, and I hope to see other places around the state use it the way Cullman County has.
“I’m certainly glad to serve on this task force with lawyers I respect and have a lot of admiration for.”
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