CORONAVIRUS: MOVEMENT OF LAWYERS FROM THE LOMBARDY REGION

The restrictions imposed by law in order to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus have evidently also affected the so-called professional activities, which, however, have been subject to non-uniform regulation across the national territory: in fact, it appears that such activities are allowed at the national level without limitation, while at the regional level they are limited to essential and urgent services or those subject to deadlines.

Thus, following sanctions received by some Lombard lawyers on the grounds that going to their law office could not be considered a proven work reason, the President of the Milan Bar Association turned to the Prefect of Milan to obtain clarification on the matter.

The Prefect, in a note dated 13.4.2020, fully referred to the note from the Prefect of Sondrio, who: i) on the one hand highlights the suspension of ordinary judicial activity and consequently also that of legal prosecutors, who are required to work remotely; ii) on the other hand, shares the need for lawyers to go at least sporadically to their office in order to retrieve documentation and/or case files essential for continuing work even remotely.

In conclusion, it is considered justified – cum grano salis – to travel due to the need to carry out essential and urgent tasks, which require the physical acquisition of files and/or documentation.

Avv. Laura Mingrino

www.studiolegalemingrino.it