The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak represents an unprecedented challenge for all of us. At Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, our top priority will always be protecting the health and safety of our clients, our people, and our communities. That’s our commitment.
To minimize the risk of exposure, we have mandated remote work for our people and implemented other safety precautions, maintaining only a minimal presence on site. Thanks to significant investments in technology, our lawyers and support professionals are able to work securely from remote locations at all times. Rest assured, we are ready to serve you.
Our senior leadership team is monitoring this situation in real time, and is prepared to respond with all deliberate speed to the extent needed. We will update you should circumstances warrant any significant changes to our approach.
To assist our clients, we have created this COVID-19 Resources page which is being updated frequently with new information. We hope that you find these resources helpful, and welcome any input you may have about other COVID-19 issues you would like to see addressed.
We stand ready to assist you through these challenging and uncertain times. Please feel free to reach out directly to me at 503-205-2428 or to the attorneys with whom you regularly work if you have any questions, concerns, or if you need assistance or guidance. Be safe, stay healthy, and know that we are here for you.
Kieran J. Curley
Managing Partner
PUBLICATIONS
CARES Act: Loan Assistance for Small Businesses
An FAQ for small businesses considering loan assistance under the CARES Act
Updated May 7, 2020
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Increases Extensions to Deadlines under the CARES Act
A blog post covering the USPTO's latest deadline extensions for patent and trademark filings
April 29, 2020
Employers Should Know How CARES Act Impacts Unemployment Benefits
Key takeaways for employers to know about the unemployment insurance benefits relief offered by the CARES Act—specifically, the Relief Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act
April 7, 2020
CARES Act Impacts Employer-Provided Group Health Plans
An update on new requirements for employer-provided group health plans and expansion of requirements contained in the FFCRA
April 7, 2020
“First Come, First Served:” SBA Issues Critical Guidance for Payroll Protection Program Loans
A blog post summary and visual guide to the SBA's Interim Final Rule providing short term business loans under the CARES Act
April 3, 2020
CARES Act Impacts Employer Retirement Plans
An article summarizing the changes that affect retirement plans under the CARES Act
April 2, 2020
CARES Act Provides Temporary Federal Tax Benefits
An overview of federal tax provisions under the CARES Act
March 27, 2020 (updated on April 3, 2020)
CARES Act Creates Potential Employer Incentives to Maintain Payroll
An overview of programs under the CARES Act that may affect small and midsize employers
March 27, 2020
CARES Act Amends Bankruptcy Code to Address COVID-19 Dislocation
A blog post explaining amendments to some provisions of the Bankruptcy Code under the CARES Act
March 27, 2020
CARES Act Provides Relief for Federally Backed Property Loans and Renters
A blog post covering moratoriums on foreclosures, evictions, and mortgage forbearance under the forthcoming CARES Act
March 26, 2020
Congress CARES: Federal Stimulus Package to Provide Emergency Relief to Borrowers and Financial Institutions
A blog post covering new and enhanced loan programs under the forthcoming CARES Act
March 26, 2020
CARES Act Expands Small Business Lending and Provides Potential Loan Forgiveness
A blog post covering the amendments on the SBA's Section 7(a) loan program under the forthcoming CARES Act
March 26, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
A Roadmap for Reopening Workplaces in Washington and Oregon During COVID-19 
An article to help businesses as they begin plans to reopen (including a checklist, guidelines, and resources)
May 19, 2020
CARES Act: Loan Assistance for Small Businesses
An FAQ for small businesses considering loan assistance under the CARES Act
Updated May 7, 2020
Estimated Corporate Activity Tax Payments and Penalty Waivers
A brief blog update covering Oregon Department of Revenue on corporate tax
May 4, 2020
It’s Not Nice to Pay an Invoice Twice: Payment Demands During COVID-19 by Assignees of Accounts Under UCC Section 9-406
An article discussing steps businesses should take if faced with a payment demand by an assignee, including effective notification, payment obligations, and suggested procedures upon notification
April 24, 2020
Employer COVID-19 Cost-Recovery Options
A side-by side comparison of the tax credits for the E-PSL and E-FMLA leaves as mandated by the FFCRA and the Employee Retention Credits and Payroll Protection Program Loans available under the CARES Act
April 15, 2020
“First Come, First Served:” SBA Issues Critical Guidance for Payroll Protection Program Loans
A blog post summary and visual guide to the SBA's Interim Final Rule providing short term business loans under the CARES Act
April 3, 2020
CARES Act Expands Small Business Lending and Provides Potential Loan Forgiveness
A blog post covering the amendments on the SBA's Section 7(a) loan program under the forthcoming CARES Act
March 26, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
COVID-19: Cannabis Industry Resources
A summary of various cannabis industry resources during the COVID-19 crisis (real estate/leasing, insurance, employment, lending, supply chain, and state regulations)
March 30, 2020
WEBINARS
The Initiative’s Tips For the End of the World
Chris Masse and Amy Robinson discuss employment issues for operating businesses, what is coming post-quarantine for cannabis and how to manage leases, contracts and other legal challenges
April 3, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
Let’s Get Back to Work! Construction Industry Personnel Considerations and Resources Related to COVID-19
A blog post with organized resources and considerations for construction employers as they ask employees to return to work
April 30, 2020
Governor Inslee Greenlights Re-Opening of Construction Projects That Meet Social Distancing and Other Required Safety Measures
A blog post covering Governor Inslee's 30-point plan to re-open construction projects
April 24, 2020
Straight Talk for Managing Your Business When “Normal” Disappears
A blog post addressing steps businesses should take if faced with a payment demand by an assignee, including effective notification, payment obligations, and suggested procedures upon notification
April 24, 2020
Most Construction is Non-essential, According to Governor Inslee’s Latest Guidance
A brief blog post covering Washington's Governor Insee's March 25th memo
March 26, 2020
COVID-19: Delays and Force Majeure in Construction Contracts
A Q&A blog post clarifying Force Majeure in construction contracts amidst the coronavirus crisis
March 24, 2020
Washington’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Proclamation Lacks Guidance On Construction Projects
A brief blog post covering Washington's Proclamation and the state's construction projects
March 24, 2020
New Oregon “Stay in Place” Order Permits Construction Industry Work Under Distancing Policies
A blog post covering construction continuance in light of Oregon's Executive Order No. 20-12
March 23, 2020
WEBINARS
Coronavirus in Construction: Key Issues and Best Practices for Projects and Personnel
A panel discussion and Q&A for owners, contractors, subcontractors, and designers covering legal issues on COVID-19 and how it affects your rights and duties with employees and with your projects
March 16, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
Managing Data Security and Privacy Issues with Remote Learning Technology
An article providing guidance on the most pressing privacy and data security issues facing school districts
April 29, 2020
CCPA Enforcement Will Not Be Delayed Due to COVID-19: Is Your Business in Compliance?
A blog post update on the California Consumer Privacy Act
April 15, 2020
Protecting Your Business’s Data, and Cyber Insurance, Is More Important Than Ever
A blog post covering key tips on cyber protection during the coronavirus pandemic
April 15, 2020
Companies Must Evaluate and Respond to Data Security and Privacy Issues Raised by COVID-19
A blog post providing guidance on data security and privacy concerns during growth of the work-from-home population
March 26, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
Four Quick Tips for Keeping Your Special Education Programs on Track Before School Year 2019-2020 Becomes a Distant Memory
A brief article of tips for special ed programs to stay on track for the remaining school year
April 29, 2020
A Whole New Employment Reality, Considerations, and Challenges: Leave and Remote-Worker Supervision and Morale
An article covering challenges and tips for remote work management for K-12 institutions
April 29, 2020
Managing Data Security and Privacy Issues with Remote Learning Technology
An article providing guidance on the most pressing privacy and data security issues facing school districts
April 29, 2020
COVID-19 Preparedness for Educational Institutions
A checklist for educational institutions to consider in responding to COVID-19
March 5, 2020
WEBINARS
If Only We Had…Using Early Lessons from COVID-19 to Help Plan for the Future
In conjunction with the Employment Law Alliance
May 13, 2020
Coronavirus Webinar: Key Evolving Issues and Best Practices for School Districts
A presentation for school districts on the potential effects of the coronavirus outbreak and how to best be prepared
March 3, 2020
Coronavirus Webinar: Key Evolving Issues and Best Practices for Colleges and Universities
A presentation for higher education institutions on the potential effects of the coronavirus outbreak and how to best be prepared
March 3, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
CARES Act Impacts Employer-Provided Group Health Plans
An update on new requirements for employer-provided group health plans and expansion of requirements contained in the FFCRA
April 7, 2020
CARES Act Impacts Employer Retirement Plans
An summary of changes that affect retirement plans under the CARES Act
April 2, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
OSHA Issues Revised Guidance Increasing Employers' Obligations Regarding COVID-19 Recordkeeping Requirements
An article covering DOL Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) revised enforcement guidance which goes into effect on May 26, 2020
May 21, 2020
A Roadmap for Reopening Workplaces in Washington and Oregon During COVID-19
An article to help businesses as they begin plans to reopen (including a checklist, guidelines, and resources)
May 19, 2020
Special Employment Law Considerations for the Remote Workplace
A helpful overview of key considerations for employers with remote workers
May 6, 2020
Employer COVID-19 Cost-Recovery Options
A side-by side comparison of the tax credits for the E-PSL and E-FMLA leaves as mandated by the FFCRA and the Employee Retention Credits and Payroll Protection Program Loans available under the CARES Act
April 15, 2020
Attention Employers: Washington Governor Mandates New Protections for High-Risk Employees During COVID-19 Pandemic
An article covering Proclamation 20-46 which includes new requirements for high-risk employees in Washington state
April 15, 2020
EEOC Offers Updated Guidance on Employer ADA Responsibilities During the Pandemic
An article covering the April 9th EEOC expanded guidance on ADA considerations during the coronavirus pandemic
April 14, 2020
Employers Should Know How CARES Act Impacts Unemployment Benefits
Key takeaways for employers to know about the unemployment insurance benefits relief offered by the CARES Act—specifically, the Relief Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act
April 7, 2020
The Small Business Exemption to the FFCRA: Employers to Self-Certify
A brief article overview of the FFCRA's Small Business Exemption
April 3, 2020
Documentation That Employers Need to Get from Their Employees if They Want to Claim the Tax Credits for Providing E-PSL and E-FMLA Leave
An article outlining the required documentation to claim E-PSL and/or E-FMLA Leave
April 3, 2020
When Are Workers Eligible for E-PSL Because of Government “Stay at Home” Orders? Not As Often As You Might Think.
An article clarifying eligibility requirements for E-PSL in Oregon, Washington, and California
April 3, 2020
CARES Act Creates Potential Employer Incentives to Maintain Payroll
An overview of programs under the CARES Act that may affect small and midsize employers
March 27, 2020
DOL Issues Mandatory Poster and FAQ’s Addressing the New Paid Federal Leaves
Guidance on the Department of Labor's mandatory poster and new paid leaves under the FFCRA
March 26, 2020
Businesses with In-Person Contact Must Implement Social Distancing Measures
An employer update on Oregon and Washington "Stay Home" executive orders, and what they mean for businesses
March 24, 2020
Comparison of Emergency FMLA and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Provisions
A helpful chart comparison of Emergency FMLA and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave provisions under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
March 19, 2020
Federal Government Requires Additional 80 Hours of Emergency Paid Sick Leave for Many Absences Arising From COVID-19
A guide on the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act under the FFCRA
March 19, 2020
Federal Government Requires Paid Child Care Leave Under FMLA and Provides Payroll Tax Credits
A guide on Emergency FMLA provisions
March 19, 2020
Navigating Leave Landscape Changes in the Era of COVID-19
A helpful assessment on paid-leave circumstances by statute, regulation, or local ordinance
March 19, 2020
Unemployment Insurance Benefits During COVID-19 Outbreak
An update on state and federal measures covering unemployment insurance benefits
March 19, 2020
COVID-19 Preparedness for Employers
A checklist of issues for employers to consider in responding to COVID-19
March 10, 2020
COVID-19 FAQs for Employers
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) and responsive information for our clients in Washington, Oregon, and California
March 10, 2020
Coronavirus: Workplace Concerns
A brief update on employers’ concerns regarding risk exposure
February 28, 2020
WEBINARS
Fast 15: Telework Best Practices Webinar
Join three of our employment attorneys as they address issues ranging from documenting hours of work, breaks, and meal periods, to supervising performance and providing evaluations and discipline, and keeping employees engaged and productive.
May 27, 2020
Fast 15: Families First Leave—Intermittent, Supplementation, and Exceptions
Three employment attorneys discuss key leave concepts of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and highlight critical implementation issues for employers.
April 24, 2020
MBA Virtual Lunch Meeting | Employment Attorney
Hosted by the Metropolitan Business Association
April 16, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
EPA and States Issue Temporary Policies: Air and Water Permit Compliance During COVID-19
A blog post summarizing federal and state temporary policies affecting air and water permits and compliance
April 1, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
Federal Banking Agencies Encourage Small-Dollar Lending
A blog post covering the federal banking agencies' March 26th joint statement recommending small-dollar loans
March 27, 2020
CARES Act Amends Bankruptcy Code to Address COVID-19 Dislocation
A blog post explaining amendments to some provisions of the Bankruptcy Code under the CARES Act
March 27, 2020
Congress CARES: Federal Stimulus Package to Provide Emergency Relief to Borrowers and Financial Institutions
A blog post covering new and enhanced loan programs under the forthcoming CARES Act
March 26, 2020
CARES Act Expands Small Business Lending and Provides Potential Loan Forgiveness
A blog post covering the amendments on the SBA's Section 7(a) loan program under the forthcoming CARES Act
March 26, 2020
Banking Regulators Encourage Lenders to Work with Borrowers Impacted by COVID-19
A blog post covering the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions
March 23, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
Public Meetings Checklist for COVID-19 Emergency Period
A checklist for local Oregon governments when holding public meetings
May 4, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
Five Things To Do Now to Protect Your Business Interruption Insurance Claim
A blog post on the top 5 things to do to protect your right to collect on your business interruption insurance
March 23, 2020
Insurance Recovery for COVID-19 Losses
A blog post to address COVID-19 insurance recovery issues affecting businesses
March 13, 2020
WEBINARS
Insurance Coverage for COVID 19 Losses the Policyholders’ Perspective
A presentation for the Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacific discussing insurance coverage for COVID-19 losses from the policyholder's perspective
May 21, 2020
COVID-19 @ Work: Straight Talk Series - Session II: Business Interruption Insurance Coverage
In conjunction with the Employment Law Alliance
May 12, 2020
Insurance Coverage Relative to COVID-19
In conjunction with The Seminar Group, we will cover the unprecedented challenges employers are facing because of COVID 19 and the coverage for COVID-19 business interruption losses in Washington
April 10, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
USPTO Provides Further Relief to Patent and Trademark Applicants in Response to the Continuing Covid-19 Pandemic
A blog update covering further extensions for patent and trademark filings.
June 1, 2020
An Important Option to Consider for Filing Patent Applications in the COVID-19 Era
A blog update highlighting provisional patent applications
May 11, 2020
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Increases Extensions to Deadlines under the CARES Act
A blog post covering the USPTO's latest deadline extensions for patent and trademark filings
April 29, 2020
USPTO and Copyright Office Announce Extensions to Deadlines Under the CARES Act
A blog post update covering extensions to patent, copyright, and trademark deadlines under the CARES Act
April 1, 2020
How Patent Offices Outside the United States Are Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
A blog update on international patent office directives
March 31, 2020
How the USPTO is Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak
A blog post update on the United States Patent and Trademark Office
March 18, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
COVID-19 for Nonprofits: Select Federal Incentives, Tax Changes, and Related Matters
A guide to federal incentives, changes, and resources for nonprofits during the COVID-19 outbreak
Updated April 22, 2020
WEBINARS
COVID-19: Legal and Insurance Related Issues for Nonprofits to Consider
In conjunction with The Nonprofit Association of Oregon
March 17, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
Oregon Imposes Statewide Moratorium on Commercial Evictions
A blog post summarizing Governor Brown's Executive Order 20-13 implementing a 90-day moratorium on commercial evictions
April 2, 2020
Strategies for Commercial Landlords to Manage Tenants in COVID-19 Distress
A blog post outlining strategies for commercial landlords to consider while navigating tenant relief during COVID-19
March 31, 2020
CARES Act Provides Relief for Federally Backed Property Loans and Renters
A blog post covering moratoriums on foreclosures, evictions, and mortgage forbearance under the forthcoming CARES Act
March 26, 2020
COVID-19 and the Oregon Land Use Process
A blog post covering Oregon land use permitting process during COVID-19
March 25, 2020
PUBLICATIONS
Estimated Corporate Activity Tax Payments and Penalty Waivers
A blog update on Oregon Department of Revenue on corporate tax
May 4, 2020
Employer COVID-19 Cost-Recovery Options
A side-by side comparison of the tax credits for the E-PSL and E-FMLA leaves as mandated by the FFCRA and the Employee Retention Credits and Payroll Protection Program Loans available under the CARES Act
April 15, 2020
Modifications to Loans May Have Unintended Tax Consequences
A brief overview on tax consequences due to loan modifications
April 13, 2020
COVID-19: Federal, State (OR & WA), and Local Tax Update
A brief update on federal and local (including the City of Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, and Washington) tax issues in light of COVID-19
March 31, 2020
CARES Act Provides Temporary Federal Tax Benefits
An overview of federal tax provisions under the CARES Act
March 27, 2020 (updated on April 3, 2020)
COVID-19 Tax Changes: Employer Recovery of Coronavirus-Related Paid Leave for Workers
A brief update on the IRS' recent news release (IR-2020-57)
March 23, 2020 (updated on April 3, 2020)
COVID-19 Tax Changes: Some Tax Returns and Tax Payments Are Postponed
A brief update on the latest guidance issued by the Treasury Department
March 20, 2020
How Business Insurance Could Save Your Restaurant from COVID-19
Modern Restaurant Management
April 21, 2020
Does COVID-19 excuse performance?
Vancouver Business Journal
April 7, 2020
All Business: Will insurance protect your business from COVID-19 losses? It depends
Daily Journal of Commerce
March 30, 2020
Whole New Bodies of Law
Vancouver Business Journal
March 27, 2020
Insurance Recovery for Losses Tied to COVID-19
Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon
March 23, 2020
Preparing for Coronavirus’ Long-term Impact on Projects
Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon
March 23, 2020
Oregon’s Construction Industry Weathering Coronavirus so Far, but Dreading Possible Shutdown
The Oregonian
March 20, 2020
What Oregon Employers Must Give Workers During the Pandemic
Portland Business Journal
March 20, 2020
Breaking Down the New Federal Emergency Paid-Leave Entitlements
Associated General Contractors of Washington
March 20, 2020
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