Legal Impacts of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Clients understandably have a slew of concerns about how the current situation could affect their commercial contracts. Our commercial specialists are advising clients who are questioning whether COVID-19 would be considered a force majeure event. 

Another business sought advice on whether English courts would be sympathetic in contractual disputes given the current circumstances. We are happy to assist wherever possible. 

Fieldfisher's Corporate team has been actively supporting the efforts to expand product development and clinical trials for COVID-19 and related healthcare solutions.

Our team advised AIM-quoted Synairgen plc, a leading drug discovery and development company based in Southampton, on its £14 million fundraising to begin a clinical trial for a potential COVID-19 therapeutic. 

Fieldfisher's Dispute Resolution experts have been providing guidance to clients concerned about the disruption to court proceedings caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In particular we have advised on video hearings and alternative forms of dispute resolution. We have already participated in the first Court of Appeal hearing to be done on video conferencing.  

If you are concerned about costs during this time, our funding solution FeeSolve, can also help to move costs off your bottom line.

Our team has also been enlisted on force majeuere contractual disputes arising from the pandemic. 

Fieldfisher's Employment team has been busy assisting clients across various sectors with new COVID-19-related queries.

We have helped a number of employers in drafting new remote working arrangements to support employees most affected by the current crisis, particularly those with childcare responsibilities.

A number of clients have also reached out regarding travel restrictions and visa implications for sponsored employees who are unable to travel or work.

Please contact us with any employment law concerns and we will be happy to assist. Fieldfisher's Employment team has been busy assisting clients across various sectors with new COVID-19-related queries. We have helped a number of employers in drafting new remote working arrangements to support employees most affected by the current crisis, particularly those with childcare responsibilities. A number of clients have also reached out regarding travel restrictions and visa implications for sponsored employees who are unable to travel or work. Please contact us with any employment law concerns and we will be happy to assist.

Our Financial Services team has been advising a variety of clients, but of particular note is the work they have been doing regarding the Bank of England's COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility.

Our experts have been helping corporate clients take full advantage of the financial support available to them to help them through the current crisis. 
 

Our Real Estate and Construction experts have already been engaged in a mix of client matters since the outbreak of COVID-19. These include:  

• Providing ad hoc advice to a major UK constriction company on a number of their projects affected by the coronavirus lockdown, including assisting with drafting template notices for contractual compliance.  
• Assisting a national property maintenance solutions provider on amending their contracts in the wake of coronavirus-related restrictions on their ability to meet their contractual obligations.
• Working with a multi-national company in the life sciences sector regarding delays to the completion of new premises.

Our regulatory specialists are currently advising regulators, public bodies and regulated entities on the impact of legislative changes such as the Coronavirus Act 2020 on their organisation, and relaxation of regulations in areas such as competition, trade and procurement law.
 
Our team is assisting regulators with their response to the fast-paced changes and working with regulated entities to ensure that they remain compliant in times of unprecedented pressure. The team has expertise in regulatory, competition and public law in a wide range of sectors and would be pleased to speak with anyone who has questions or concerns in these areas.