Overview
The Daily Journal profiled Steptoe's Retail & E-Commerce Group in an article titled "Steptoe & Johnson Helps Retailers Adjust to 'New Normal.'" The article, published April 16, discusses how the firm's retail practice has been helping businesses nationwide that have shuttered to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Steptoe San Francisco partner Stephanie Sheridan, who chairs the firm's Retail & E-Commerce Group, says what retail clients are permitted to do while remaining closed varies based on jurisdiction. "We're dealing with just about any questions retailers can have as a group: 'Can we stay open?' ... 'What do we do with our employees?' 'What do we do with planning ahead purposes?'" Sheridan explains. "Most of what I've been doing has been the more detailed finessing of helping and guidance and interpretation of the [government] orders."
Steptoe partner Doug Kantor says he continues to advise retail clients on what government programs are available, such as the Paycheck Protection Program, which is part of the $2 trillion federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. While the program has its advantages, Kantor notes how a cap on the number of employees per business can be an issue.
Steve Wheeless, who leads the firm's labor and employment practice, says his retail clients have asked about everything from reducing hours to how to react when a worker displays COVID-19 symptoms. While details always depend on the situation, Wheeless says he's been advising retail clients with an employee suffering virus symptoms to instruct the employee to report to quarantine and coordinate with their healthcare provider.
The full profile can be read at the Daily Journal (subscription required).