According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is a global health and societal emergency that requires effective immediate action by governments, individuals and businesses. All businesses have a key role to play in minimising the likelihood of transmission and impact on society. Early, bold and effective action will reduce short-term risks to employees and long-term costs to businesses and the economy. This is creating a complex and difficult environment for businesses, employers, employees and individuals in which to operate.
We would like to assure you that One Essex Court has taken all the necessary steps to protect and safeguard the health and welfare of our people and our clients.
Whilst our main telephone switchboard remains open and normal business hours are being observed, we have temporarily closed our physical premises in support of the coronavirus lockdown provisions announced by the UK Government. As a consequence, One Essex Court has implemented a robust business continuity plan to ensure that we are available to continue to deliver the highest quality service. We have in place resilient, secure IT systems enabling our members and staff to work seamlessly from home and other remote locations, and we are participating in video calls and representing clients at video court and tribunal hearings.
The depth of high-quality legal expertise at One Essex Court means we are well placed to assist clients with the wide spectrum of legal issues arising in the current uncertain environment. As a first port of call for clients with complex legal problems, members at One Essex Court are able to advise on a range of urgent situations stemming from the current difficulties, including but not limited to:
- force majeure and common law doctrines regarding excusing performance, including the importance of governing law;
- material adverse change (MAC) and material adverse event (MAE) clauses in M&A, loan and other agreements;
- frustration of contracts;
- earn-outs/milestone obligations;
- the ‘temporary framework’ announced in relation to EU State aid issues;
- economic duress;
- loan covenants and acceleration clauses; and
- debt restructuring and insolvency
- tax and revenue law
Members of One Essex Court will be pleased to participate in webinars or other online group discussions to help provide focused input on developing problems, and we will shortly be making available video based content to provide useful updates on the developing areas.
If you would like further information, then please contact any of the following members of our team at +44 (0)20 7583 2000. Alternatively, direct dial information is available via our Clerks' Room page.